Memorial Day Weekend 2025 – Check out Things to Do below!

Remember those who served, there are several local commemoration ceremonies. Beat the heat at Water Country and local pools. Enjoy Busch Gardens, the Food & Wine Festival will remain open on Memorial Day. Local and regional museums have special Memorial Day events like Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown. Lots of family fun activities to celebrate the holiday! Here are some of our things to do on Memorial Day Weekend in Williamsburg and surrounding areas! There are tons of posts of events as well so be sure to check our Calendar!

1. Memorial Day Weekend FREE Admission to Colonial Williamsburg For Military*

Colonial Williamsburg is offering FREE admission during Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26, to all active duty Military, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans, National Guardsmen and their immediate dependents.* Free admission includes: Admission to historic trades and sites. And admission to two world-class art museums. See details here

2. Memorial Day Commemoration

Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10 a.m. on Palace Green
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation honors the men and women of the United States military who sacrificed their lives to defend our nation with a traditional wreath-laying ceremony.

3. Grace Church Memorial Day Prayer Service and Ceremony

TBD (We have not confirmed this event is taking place this year)
Historic Grace Episcopal Church
A memorial service honoring those who died while serving in the armed forces. After the service, a brief ceremony will be held in the cemetery with playing of “Taps.” All attendees will participate in a hand salute (as appropriate for active duty military/veterans) or with reverence, to the 107 known veterans buried in the Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery, and all deceased men and women who have served our country in uniform. The historic Church Bell (ca 1725) will be tolled 21 times.

4. York County’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at York Hall 

TBD (We have not confirmed this event is taking place this year)
War Memorial at York Hall
Just prior to the start of the ceremony, the Fifes and Drums of York Town will march to York Hall (approx. 11:45 am).  Keynote speaker is York County Historical Committee member Tim Smith. A graduate of York High School and the Shenandoah University Conservatory of Music, Smith will speak about the women and men who gave all in defense of our nation. Wreath laying will be conducted and Military service flags will be presented with the National Anthem sung by SMSgt USAF Terry Taylor. The ceremony includes the playing of “Taps.”

Go to the Daily Events Calendar to find all the great things going on throughout the week and weekend!