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Northern Virginia will mark Memorial Day 2026 with solemn ceremonies, patriotic concerts, community festivals and opportunities to honor fallen U.S. service members. Events are planned throughout the holiday weekend in Vienna, Fairfax, Arlington, Reston, Falls Church, Herndon, Leesburg and Great Falls.
ViVa! Vienna! Memorial Day Festival
ViVa! Vienna! returns to Historic Church Street in Vienna from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, then from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, May 25. A Memorial Day tribute is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Vienna, the festival raises money for charitable, educational and community organizations. Attractions include amusement rides, food, crafts, entertainment and vendors ranging from artisans and nonprofit groups to political candidates and local businesses.
Brewfest will offer drinks and food on Mill Street, with a view of live performances on the Main Stage.
26th Annual Ride of the Patriots
The Ride of the Patriots will take place from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at 9739 Fairfax Boulevard in Fairfax.
The event begins with a pancake breakfast and an opening ceremony involving motorcycle riders, community members, government leaders, fire and police units, the American Legion and honor guards. Spectators traditionally gather along Fairfax Boulevard to recognize the riders and honor military service members.
Flowers of Remembrance Day
Visitors to Arlington National Cemetery may participate in Flowers of Remembrance Day from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 24.
The observance recalls the first official national Decoration Day ceremony, held at the cemetery on May 30, 1868, to honor U.S. service members killed during the Civil War.
Members of the public may place a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Flowers will be supplied by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation, so visitors do not need to bring their own. Flowers may also be placed at headstones and columbarium niches throughout the cemetery.
A Star-Spangled Salute
The Reston Chorale and Brass Band of Northern Virginia will perform a free patriotic concert from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at the Reston Town Center Pavilion, 1818 Discovery Street.
The family-friendly program will recognize members of the U.S. Armed Forces and remember those who died in service. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
The concert also coincides with Operation Care Package, a drive running from May 24 through June 10 to collect care packages for troops.
Marine Band and Fireworks at Wolf Trap
“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will open the summer season at Wolf Trap on Sunday, May 24. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. at 1511 Trap Road in Vienna.
The band, a professional musical organization with a history spanning more than 225 years, will perform selections from popular musicals and military marching traditions. A fireworks display will conclude the evening.
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festival
Falls Church will hold its 44th annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, May 25, along Park Avenue.
The day begins with the June and Mike Beyer Foundation 3K Fun Run, followed by a ceremony honoring local military service members who died in service. Afternoon activities include food trucks, vendors, children’s rides and inflatables, followed by the parade down Park Avenue.
The celebration will also commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Herndon Memorial Day Observances
American Legion Post 184 of the Herndon-Reston community will hold its annual ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Chestnut Grove Cemetery, 831 Dranesville Road in Herndon.
The program will commemorate veterans, while the cemetery’s Avenue of Flags will be displayed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both activities are open to the community.
Leesburg Memorial Day Observance
Leesburg’s annual observance begins at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, on the lawn of the Loudoun County Courthouse, 18 E. Market Street.
Hosted by Mayor Kelly Burk, the ceremony will honor those who died in battle while serving the United States. The program includes the laying of wreaths at several war memorials.
Great Falls Memorial Day Ceremony
An America 250-themed ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial, 9830 Georgetown Pike.
The program will explore the history of the “Shot Heard ’Round the World,” recognize the eight militiamen killed at Concord in 1775 and honor those who have died in service to the country from its founding through the present day.
Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day Observance
The 158th National Memorial Day Observance will take place Monday, May 25, at Arlington National Cemetery. Pre-event programming begins at 10:45 a.m., with the formal program expected to start around noon—a change from previous years.
The free public observance in Memorial Amphitheater will feature a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A joint-service team will also conduct a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, though attendance at that portion is limited to official participants.
Military Women’s Memorial Program
The Military Women’s Memorial will host its 29th annual Memorial Day program from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, May 25, at Memorial Avenue and Schley Drive in Arlington.
The free public event will include formal military honors, remarks from current and former servicewomen representing each military branch and a keynote address. Members of the public may also participate in a personal tribute segment.