Memorial Day is an important time to honor those who have served and protected our country. This weekend, many events are planned across Hampton Roads to celebrate with family and friends. Check out our list below for local memorial services, parades, festivals, and more. We wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend! And remember – Rutter Mills is available 24-7 if you need us. Call or text us at 757-622-5000, or click here to email us. 
Virginia Beach:
Annual Tidewater Veteran’s Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 29, 2017, from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM.
Located at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial, 1000 19th Street, across from the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Highlights: The annual Tidewater Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony, sponsored by the Mayor’s Veterans Committee is held to honor and pay tribute to the men and women of the armed forces “who gave their all.” This event is free and open to the public. Military personnel, their families, and all citizens are invited to participate. Citizens who would like to place an American flag (provided) around the memorial’s base are encouraged to arrive before the ceremony. The flags will remain in place for one week.
Pungo Strawberry Festival
Saturday, May 27, 2017, and Sunday, May 28, 2017, from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM each day.
We are located in the fields surrounding 1776 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
Highlights: The Annual Pungo Strawberry Festival’s activities include a pie eating contest, strawberry bake-off, continuous entertainment on three stages, a parade, one of the largest carnivals on the east coast, a livestock show and sale, a multi-million dollar military display, pig races, youth art show, and arts and craft booths.
Salute to Summer at the Beach
Friday, May 26, 2017, through Sunday, May 28, 2017, beginning at 8:00 PM each day.
Located at Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, 17th Street Park, 24th Street Park, and 31st Street Park at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Check out the link below for the entertainment schedules.
Highlights: Salute to Summer is an unabashed “Star-Spangled” salute to great music, fun in the sun, and the men and women of the military who have sacrificed their lives throughout our history. Enjoy free entertainment on three outdoor stages featuring live music by local and regional bands. The “Heroes Walk” display stretches from 16th to 32nd Streets along the boardwalk. Original essays written by local high school students are reproduced on four-by-eight-foot banners easily read by passers-by. Stroll the Virginia Beach boardwalk and enjoy these essays describing historic United States military conflicts. They help to remind us of the price that has been paid and is still being paid today by our United States military.
Newport News:
Memorial Day Celebration at Victory Arch
Monday, May 29, 2017, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.
Located at Victory Arch at 25th Street & West Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607.
Highlights: Sponsored by American Legion Braxton-Perkins Post #25, this annual ceremony is held at 11:00 AM at the Victory Arch, 25th Street & West Avenue, in downtown Newport News. After the ceremony, the public is invited to learn about America’s rich military heritage at the Virginia War Museum. Visit the museum on Memorial Day and receive $1 off the admission price.
Memorial Day Tradoc Band
Monday, May 29, 2017, beginning at 5:00 PM.
Located at City Center at 701 Town Center Drive, Newport News, VA 23606.
Highlights: Honor and remember those who served in this beloved annual tradition with U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command Band. Bring a blanket or lawn chair; this event is free and open to the public. Gates open at 5:00 PM. Guitarist Tom Katsiyiannis will perform from 5:30-6:30 PM.
Chesapeake:
Memorial Day Ceremony in Chesapeake
Monday, May 29, 2017, beginning at 11:00 AM.
Located at Chesapeake City Hall, City Council Chambers at 306 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322.
Highlights: A Memorial Day ceremony honoring all who sacrificed for freedom.
Portsmouth:
Portsmouth 133rd Annual Memorial Day Parade and Vietnam War Memorial Service
Monday, May 29, 2017, beginning at 10:00 AM.
Located at High and Crawford Streets in Portsmouth, VA 23704.
Highlights: A Portsmouth tradition since 1884. Annually, the Memorial Day Parade salutes the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and celebrates Portsmouth’s proud military heritage. This year’s parade will include floats, marching band units, armed forces units, excitement, and much more. Immediately following the parade will be the Vietnam War Memorial Service – a solemn commemorative service recognizing Portsmouth Servicemen that were killed in action during the Vietnam War – held at the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center Courtyard. For more information, call the Department of Marketing, Entertainment, and Tourism at 757-393-5143.
Yorktown:
Memorial Day Ceremony at York Hall
Monday, May 29, 2017, from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM.
Located at Historic Yorktown at 301 Main Street, Yorktown, VA 23690.
Highlights: Posting of colors, historical re-enactors, guest speaker, and the placing of flowers. This is a free event. Please call 757-890-3500 for more information.
