Memorial Day Weekend 2026 – 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 top 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*
On Armed Forces Day, Colonial Williamsburg honors the men and women who serve in our nation’s military. This upcoming Memorial Day weekend (May 22-25), active duty Military, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans, National Guardsmen and their immediate dependents can enjoy:
- Free admission to historic trades and sites
- Free admission to their two world-class art museums
- Complimentary shuttle service
Special Conditions visit here
2. Memorial Day Commemoration
Palace Green, Colonial Williamsburg
Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10 a.m.
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. Free and open to the public. More info
3. Grace Church Memorial Day Prayer Service and Ceremony
Grace Church Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10 am
A prayer service will be held in Historic (ca 1697) Grace Episcopal Church. Following the service, a brief ceremony will be held in the Cemetery with playing of “Taps.” This special service will begin at 10 a.m. and include readings and music. After it concludes, those in attendance will be invited to the churchyard for the playing of “Taps” and recitation of the names of each of the 114 known veterans buried in the Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery, and all deceased men and women who have served our country in uniform. More Info
4. York County’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at York Hall
Monday, May 25, 2026 at 12 pm
York Hall
Come and remember and honorthose who gave their “last full measure of devotion” in service and sacrifice for our country. The public is invited to attend the County’s Memorial Day ceremony on the lawn of York Hall, located at 301 Main Street in historic Yorktown, weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors. Just prior to the start of the ceremony, the Fifes and Drums of York Town will march to York Hall (approx. 11:45 a.m.). More Info
5. Annual Memorial Day Celebration
Honor Our Fallen Heroes
Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10:00 am
Join us as we gather to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. From members of the armed forces to police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and first responders—these heroes made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and communities.
A Morning of Tribute and Remembrance
Experience a heartfelt ceremony featuring:
- Honor guard presentation
- Patriotic musical performances
- Ceremonial wreath-laying
- Inspiring guest speakers
This is a FREE community event. Printed programs will be available at the park. Please arrive early for the best seating. Shuttle service is available. More Info
6. Opening of James City County Parks & Recreation Pools – Memorial Day Kick-off!
Chickahominy Riverfront Park (CRP)
Upper County Park (UCP)
Monday, May 25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
It’s time to kick off summer! Come out to one of their two outdoor pools (CRP & UCP) and celebrate! FREE ice pops to everyone entering the pool (while supplies last).
7. Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
Open Thursday, May 21 – Monday, May 25
Explore over 135 international flavors at seventeen themed food and beverage locations throughout the park. The NEW kiosk this year is Puerto Rico. With over 65 new specialty menu options, there will be something for every member of your family! This is a great opportunity to sample cuisine from around the world, and we do mean cuisine – this is not your ordinary amusement park fare. More info
Memorial Mile at Waller Mill Park
May 22 – 25
Williamsburg Parks and Recreation honor and remember fallen Military, Fire, Emergency Medical Services and Law Enforcement members by sharing their fallen hero stories. During Memorial Day weekend, they honor those who were killed in the line of duty. Questions call 757-259-3778.
Go to the Daily Events Calendar to find all the great things going on throughout the week and weekend!
Find events for this weekend! Visit here
