Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day got its current name in 1868 with the goal of inviting Americans to work toward peace. Today, the holiday weekend brings events ranging from remembrances of those who gave their lives in service to their country, to festive parades and celebrations with family and friends. Check out some local options.
Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo
Through May 25
The show that has been dazzling audiences since 2005 is now at Eagle Bank Arena on George Mason University’s Fairfax campus. It tells the story of a clown who imagines his funeral happening in a carnival setting as caring angels watch from above. Full of comedy, acrobatics and carefully curated music, “the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us,” according to a press release. Find tickets (from $65) here. // 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax
Viva! Vienna!
May 25-27
This annual event honors Memorial Day while also celebrating the town of Vienna with carnival rides and games, food vendors, and live entertainment. Catch shows by the NoVa Ukulele Society, Vienna Singing Princesses, the Great Zucchini and Bad Influence Blues Band. (Check the schedule for performance times.) The party includes BrewFest, sponsored by Caboose Brewing Co. and Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. Separate tickets ($7-$20) are required for that and all proceeds go to charity. Viva! Vienna! is free, but food, rides and games have fees. Get unlimited ride tickets cost $45 for one day or $100 for all three days. // 131 Church St., NE, Vienna
Arlington National Cemetery
May 26 & 27
The cemetery will host several Memorial Day events. The third annual Flowers of Remembrance will take place 8 a.m.-4:30 pm. on May 26 and pays homage to the site’s first Memorial Day ceremony on May 30, 1868, in memory of U.S. service members who died during the Civil War. At 10 a.m. near the Memorial Amphitheater, cemetery historians will host a program on the holiday’s origins, followed by a walking tour of the James Tanner Amphitheater, the Tomb of the Civil War Unknowns and other locations. The Memorial Day Flowers Foundation will provide flowers for visitors to place on headstones. The 156th National Memorial Day Observance, recognizing and commemorating fallen fighters of the U.S. Armed Forces, will happen at 11 a.m. on May 27. The event will include performances by the Air Force Band’s Singing Sergeants and the U.S. Coast Guard Band; a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier conducted by a joint service team; and the national observance inside the Memorial Amphitheater with remarks from dignitaries. // 1 Memorial Ave., Fort Myer
D.C. Celebrates Memorial Day
May 26 & 27
The National Memorial Day Concert will take place May 26 at 8 p.m. on the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn. The annual event is free and open to the public. Performers include country singer Jamey Johnson, Broadway star Ruthie Ann Miles and Grammy-winner Cynthia Erivo in addition to the National Symphony Orchestra, U.S. Army Chorus and other military musicians. On May 27, the National Memorial Day Parade returns to Constitution Avenue at 2 p.m. between 7th and 17th streets, N.W. Comedians Anthony Anderson and Drew Carey are co-hosts for the festivities, which include appearances by actors Bryan Cranston, Joe Mantegna and Gary Senise.
City of Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival
May 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The 42nd annual event returns with vendors, food, inflatables and live entertainment, not to mention a parade at 2 p.m. on Park Avenue with prizes in categories such as Best Float, Best Marching Band and Best Military Float. Kick off the experience by participating in the Beyer Auto Group 3K Fun Run at 9 a.m. before watching the Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. // 1119 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Memorial Day Kids and Family Festival at Shipgarten
May 27, 12-6 p.m.
Join forces with superheroes Wonder Woman, Superman and Captain America for an afternoon of arts and crafts, face painting, two inflatables, an outdoor playground, and, of course, food and drink for all ages. Magician Jake the Great will perform from 12-3 p.m., just before superhero training kicks off at 3:15. Admission is free. Reserve a spot here. (Psst, adults, you can swing by on May 25 from 1-6 p.mn. for slushies, frozen drinks and big beers.) // 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean
Military Women’s Memorial’s 27th Annual Memorial Day Program
May 27, 3-5 p.m.
This event includes formal military honors, speeches by current and former servicewomen from each military service, and a keynote address by Christine Wormuth, secretary of the Army—the first woman to have that job. The event is free and open to the public, and tickets are available here. // Memorial Avenue & Schley Drive, Arlington