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Zarah Mae Torrazo leads the content team for Parkhound, WhereiPark, Spacer.com.au, and Spacer.com, where she focuses on helping drivers navigate city-specific parking rules, street regulations, and reliable monthly parking options across major North American and Australian markets. With nearly a decade of experience in research-driven content, she translates complex local parking policies into clear, practical guidance that helps people find safe, affordable spaces wherever they’re headed. Her work draws on a deep understanding of how urban parking systems operate and how shared parking solutions can support both drivers and communities.
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Louise is an SEO Writer for Spacer Technology, creating content for the Parkhound, WhereiPark, Spacer.com.au, and Spacer.com brands. Before joining Spacer, Louise wrote copies and blogs, news, retirement and financial education content. She is enthusiastic about reinforcing financial literacy and anything that can aid people in minimizing expenses and maximizing savings, which led to her passion for the sharing economy. She aims to educate people by translating complex ideas into easy-to-digest information and practical tips for maximum understanding and minimum migraine.
Reading time: 24 mins
Plan your visit, beat the crowds, and experience one of the nation’s most meaningful holidays in Washington D.C.
Observed each year on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is a federal holiday to honor Americans who fought and died while in the U.S. military service.
Memorial Day weekend is a big one for travel, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). This year, more than 45 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more between Thursday, May 22, and Monday, May 26. And that doesn’t even include those traveling to local (and closer) destinations!
“Despite concerns over rising prices, many Americans say they’re taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to spend time with loved ones, even if the trips are closer to home,” AAA said in a statement.
During the national holiday, a lot of people choose to go to Washington, D.C., for Memorial Day celebrations since the city hosts major events, ceremonies, and tributes throughout the extended weekend. If you’re heading to the capital for the parade, performances, or simply to enjoy the atmosphere, a little planning goes a long way.
To get the most out of your Memorial Day weekend in D.C., here’s what you need to know.
Many people choose to visit Washington, D.C. over Memorial Day weekend, and for good reason. The city hosts the National Memorial Day Parade, the largest of its kind in the country, along Constitution Avenue.
Ceremonies are also held in Arlington National Cemetery, the resting place for almost 400,000 military personnel, veterans, and their families, and one of the most popular Memorial Day sites. These activities, set against the backdrop of significant landmarks such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial, are a powerful way to honor those who have served.
It’s common for D.C. to see a big jump in visitors over Memorial Day weekend. In 2023, hotel occupancy hit 83.2% the week before the holiday, the highest it had been since the start of the pandemic.
Because of the strong demand, hotels, particularly those near major sites and event venues, tend to fill up quickly. To reserve accommodations and avoid overpriced pricing, it’s advised to book accommodations and plan your visit.
So once you’ve covered where you’re going to set up camp, it’s time to plan what you’ll actually do over the weekend. These are some of the major events happening around the city.
Location: Constitution Avenue NW (between 7th and 17th Streets)
Date and Time: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM
As the largest Memorial Day parade in the country, the National Memorial Day Parade features marching bands, veterans’ groups, military units, and patriotic floats. Expect to go through crowds of thousands of spectators, and spots along the route fill up quickly. It’s free to attend and no tickets are required, but plan to arrive early for a good viewing location.
Location: Starts at the Pentagon North Parking Lot
Date and Time: Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The motorcycle rally is an event that aims to raise awareness for prisoners of war (POW), those missing in action (MIA), and veteran suicide prevention. Riders gather at the Pentagon for the opening ceremony, followed by a ride through downtown Washington, D.C. Roads along the route may be temporarily closed. If you want to participate, make sure to visit the event website for scheduling updates, registration, and attendance info for this year’s procession.
Location: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Date and Time: Sunday, May 25 at 8 p.m.
The National Memorial Day Concert is a free annual event that celebrates and honors the sacrifices made by those in uniform and their families. Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna will host the event, which will feature performances from several well-known artists. Concert not part of your itinerary? Don’t worry! It will be streamed live online, and available on demand for two weeks after the concert.
Location: Memorial Amphitheater, Arlington National Cemetery
Date and Time: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM
The 157th National Memorial Day Observance includes a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and remarks from dignitaries. Seating in the amphitheater is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Smithsonian Institution is showcasing several exhibitions during Memorial Day weekend. All Smithsonian museums offer free admission, though some may require timed-entry passes:
The National Memorial Day Choral Festival will be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 23–26, 2025. It will feature 200 singers from choirs around the country and will be joined by the Capital Wind Symphony to pay honor to America’s heroes.
The National Mall offers many meaningful ways to honor American servicemen and women:
Memorial Day weekend is projected to be the busiest in two decades, so expect heavy congestion. In the D.C. area, traffic is expected to be 25% worse than usual, especially on Friday, May 23, between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, when travel times could nearly double.
Here are the recommended times by the AAA to avoid peak congestion:
If you’re driving in, you might want to book ahead with a site like Spacer to save time and minimize stress at the last minute. There are also fantastic places to park all across D.C., not just near the airports. This is true whether you’re going to the National Mall, a parade route, or your hotel. For timely traffic information during the weekend, please visit twitter.com/DCPoliceTraffic.
Washington, D.C. is served by three major airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), Washington Dulles International (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI). All three airports have on-site parking for short- and long-term stays, but spaces can fill up fast on busy weekends like Memorial Day. Consider pre-booking to avoid expensive airport parking fees.
Amtrak is a popular choice for those coming from cities like New York, Philadelphia, or Boston. Most routes arrive at Union Station, located right in the heart of D.C. The Northeast Regional and Acela Express lines offer frequent service, comfortable seating, and onboard Wi-Fi. Trains tend to book up quickly for Memorial Day weekend, so it’s best to reserve early. For schedules, prices, and station info, visit amtrak.com.
Buses are a cheaper transport alternative with service from dozens of East Coast cities into D.C. Both Greyhound and Megabus have multiple daily routes, with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and reclining seats. Check route availability and ticket prices at greyhound.com and us.megabus.com.
Don’t want to bother with finding parking or weaving through crowds in your car? Here are some other ways to get around the capital during the Memorial Day weekend:
The D.C. Metro will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule on Memorial Day. Despite the modified schedule, it’s still one of the easiest ways to get around.
Shared scooters and bikes are a convenient option for short trips across the city. They’re especially useful in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Shaw, and Dupont Circle. Here are things to keep in mind if you plan on using scooters to get around:
D.C. is extremely walkable, and during Memorial Day weekend, it might be the best way to explore the area. Here are some things to take note of:
Uber and Lyft are widely available in DC, but expect surge pricing during peak times. This is usually observed before and after the National Memorial Day Concert and Parade. Here are our quick tips and reminders:
After honoring our heroes at the National Memorial Day Parade and other commemorative events, consider indulging in some of D.C.’s vibrant offerings. Whether it’s shopping, dining, or enjoying a cocktail at a rooftop bar, here’s a guide to what’s open and closed on Memorial Day weekend.
| Type | Open or Closed? | Notes |
| Federal Offices | Closed | Includes USPS, DMV, IRS |
| Smithsonian Museums | Open | Some have special programming |
| Restaurants | Mostly open | May have shorter hours |
| Metro & Buses | Running | Sunday/holiday schedule |
| Retail | Open | Memorial Day sales are common |
Note: These are general trends based on past Memorial Day weekends. Hours and operations may vary by location. Be sure to check directly with attractions, restaurants, or transit services for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
With all the sights and sounds during the weekend, a bit of preparation can make your experience more enjoyable. Here are some practical tips to help you go through the festivities safely and comfortably:
Whether you’re heading to the parade or trying to find parking, arriving early gives you a better chance at getting a good spot.
Bring a refillable water bottle. It can get hot and crowded, and water stations aren’t always nearby. Sunscreen and a hat can help too, as there’s reportedly not much shade around the National Mall.
Many venues have bag restrictions or security checks, so it’s easier to move around if you only bring the essentials. Check the event’s official website or app for any specific guidelines before you go.
Arrive early when heading to major events. Most areas near the Mall will have screening points. Small bags are usually allowed, but coolers and large backpacks might be turned away.
There will be portable toilets around the Mall during major events, but they can get busy. Museums and visitor centers are your best bet for cleaner bathrooms, just be prepared for a short wait.
If you’re bringing children or older family members, allot some time to rest. Look out for shaded areas, nearby cafes, or museums with indoor seating.
Download the National Park Service app or follow event pages for real-time updates on closures, weather alerts, and schedule changes. These are especially helpful if storms roll in or if events shift last minute.
Memorial Day in D.C. is a time to reflect, enjoy, and come together. Plan your accommodations and activities ahead of time so you can completely enjoy your weekend.Stay hydrated, take breaks when you need to, and enjoy the festivities safely.
Other Great Cities to Visit for Memorial Day Weekend 2025
Not spending Memorial Day weekend in D.C.? We’ve got you covered in other major cities too. Whether you’re heading to New York City for Fleet Week, soaking up the sun in San Diego, catching live music in New Orleans, or enjoying the beach vibes in Miami, you can find and book parking ahead of time with Spacer.
Zarah Mae Torrazo leads the content team for Parkhound, WhereiPark, Spacer.com.au, and Spacer.com, where she focuses on helping drivers navigate city-specific parking rules, street regulations, and reliable monthly parking options across major North American and Australian markets. With nearly a decade of experience in research-driven content, she translates complex local parking policies into clear, practical guidance that helps people find safe, affordable spaces wherever they’re headed. Her work draws on a deep understanding of how urban parking systems operate and how shared parking solutions can support both drivers and communities.
Zarah Mae Torrazo leads the content team for Parkhound, WhereiPark, Spacer.com.au, and Spacer.com, where she focuses on helping drivers navigate city-specific parking rules, street regulations, and reliable monthly parking options across major North American and Australian markets. With nearly a decade of experience in research-driven content, she translates complex local parking policies into clear, practical guidance that helps people find safe, affordable spaces wherever they’re headed. Her work draws on a deep understanding of how urban parking systems operate and how shared parking solutions can support both drivers and communities.
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