WASHINGTON — Is it just us, or does it feel like a long weekend is overdue? The multi-day festivities that honor our fallen service members and ring in the summertime are officially almost here. Check out the wide array of events that can help you make the most of it.
Every week, WUSA9 is giving you the details on at least nine local activities to check out in your off time. We'll give you three ideas (and, sometimes, a bonus item or two) every week each in D.C., Maryland and Virginia and it's up to you to decide what you'll head out to!
Have any more events you think your neighbors should know about? Email the time, place and description to bashford1@wusa9.com.
D.C.
- Monday, May 30 at 1 p.m.
- The corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th St., NW
- Admission: Free
The National Memorial Day Parade is returning live in 2022 after a two-year hiatus! It's the nation’s largest Memorial Day salute to the men and women who have sacrificed for our country. Anyone can attend the parade in person, or watch it on television around the country and around the world. A performance by the Eli Young Band will start at 1 p.m. and the parade will kick off at 2 p.m.
- Saturday, April 30, check-in at 9:45 a.m.
- Anacostia Park Roller Skating Pavillion: 1500 Anacostia Drive, Washington, DC 20020
- Admission: $10 per skater *Must have your own skates*
Rolloway Productions plans to change the world through roller skating, and it's not too late for you to get in on the action! It's the final weekend that the organization is teaching its skate lessons at the Anacostia park in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
"Roller skating is therapeutic and strengthens individual, family, and community wellbeing."
- Semi-Finals - Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28, 2022
- 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
- George Washington University: Benjamin T. Rome Music Hall
- 801 22nd Street NW
- Washington, DC 20052
Finalists will be announced Saturday evening.
- Finals - Sunday, May 29 - 2 p.m.
- Terrace Theater at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
- Admission: Free
Take in some of the best classical music in town for free this holiday weekend at the George Washington University campus or at the Kennedy Center! Musicians from all over the world are competing in the Washington International Competition (WIC) for Strings and Composition.
Evaluated by a panel of respected judges, the musicians were selected from a group of 245 applicants who submitted recordings. The winners will compete for prizes totaling $46,000, culminating in the final competition Sunday at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater. The panel of judges consists of Annie Fullard of the Cavani String Quartet, Daniel Foster principal of National Symphony Orchestra, and chamber musician Emilio Colon.
Bonus: Next weekend, Awesome Con and Jazz fest return!
Both of the popular festivals draw crowds annually, so it may be best to snag tickets now if you're looking to go.
The video below is from our coverage of the event in 2021.
"Awesome Con is a three-day experience of can’t miss celebrity guests, comic con panels, screenings, special events, and unique exhibits in the heart of Washington DC! We have everything geeky that you will love – anime, cosplay, manga, movies, and the latest and greatest in toys, games, and pop culture."
This year's festival will feature a wide array of artists, from Faith Evans, Musiq Soulchild and Keyshia Cole to Deborah Cox, Cory Henry and Adeline!
Maryland
- Monday, May 30 at 10 a.m.
- Around Church Circle, down Main Street and concluding at City Dock
- Admission: Free
The Annapolis parade will include everything from musicians to floats and honor the service members who fight for the country every day
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country,” Mayor Buckley said, according to the city's release.
“We can never fully repay that debt to their families and loved ones, but we must honor their sacrifice with a day of recognition.”
- Friday, May 27 through Sunday, May 29; various times
- Along the Chester River and in the historic district of 18th-century Chestertown, Maryland
- Admission: Free
The three-day festival celebrates history with a flurry of events from a parade and block party to historical walking tours and 5K.
"In response to the British Parliament’s closing of the port of Boston, the citizens of Chestertown, Maryland met in May of 1774 and set forth “Resolves” forbidding importing, selling, or consuming tea in Chestertown. According to local legend, residents then gathered at the town center, marched down High Street to the brigantine Geddes, which was anchored in the Chester River, and tossed her cargo of tea overboard. The annual reenactment of that event is the centerpiece of the Chestertown Tea Party Festival," organizers explained.
- Saturday, May 28, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- 13710 Central Ave, Bowie, MD 20721
- Admission: One-day passes start at $29.99
Six Flags America says that, for Memorial Day weekend, the fun lasts all weekend long! The DMV's largest water park opens Saturday for the rest of the summertime season so you can don your favorite swimsuit this holiday.
"Whether you decide to rent a cabana and relax pool-side or plunge down our thrilling water rides, we have something for the whole family to enjoy!" organizers say. View their full season schedule by clicking here.
- Begins Friday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m., and ends on Saturday, May 28 at 9 a.m.
- 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Admission: $125 per person, 8-years-old and up
Discover the Aquarium after dark in an "unforgettable" overnight adventure! Organizers say visitors will gain access to the 4D immersion movie room, behind-the-scenes areas and an expert guide to show you the way. "Guests will explore the hidden treasures of the National Aquarium, from our hands-on Living Seashore exhibit to the shark catwalk, where our largest sharks swim below. Bring your sleeping bags and your sense of adventure!"
Guests can expect an evening snack to be provided, as well as a continental breakfast.
Virginia
- Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m.
- 214 McNair Road, Arlington, VA 22211
- Admission: Free
The famous ceremony often includes remarks from the president and nearly 5,000 visitors.
In addition, throughout the weekend visitors can experience "Flags In" - when during an approximately three-hour period, the soldiers place flags in front of the approximately 220,000 headstones and at the bottom of about 7,000 niche rows in the cemetery's columbarium courts and the niche wall.
- Sunday, May 29 to Monday, May 30, 2022, at 8 p.m.
- 1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182 United States
- Admission: Free
"The President's Own United States Marine Band will launch Wolf Trap's summer season with a program of concert band favorites. A fireworks display will follow the concert.," organizers explained. The fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m.!
- Saturday, May 28 through Monday, May 30
- Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m to 10 p.m. and Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- 124 Church St NE, Vienna, VA 22180
- Admission: Ticket prices vary; unlimited ride day passes start at $40
This annual carnival provides fun for all with a jam-packed schedule to celebrate the return of summertime. The three days will be full of amusement rides, carnival food and live entertainment, featuring rides for teens, tweens and little ones. Plus, grown-ups can enjoy a separate but simultaneous first-ever beer garden at Backstage Brewfest at the Vienna Firehouse on Saturday
and Sunday from 11:00 a.m to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, May 28 through Monday, May 30
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- National Botanic Garden: 26320 Ticonderoga Road, Chantilly, VA 20152
- Admission: $25 including three wine, beer and chocolate tastings
The festival will showcase "three days of art exhibitors, outdoor sculptures, unique collections of plants, wine tastings from some of the best wineries in Virginia, beer, food, chocolate, and live music," organizers say.
Plus... if you're looking to get farther out of town this Memorial Day:
