Memorial Day is an important time to honor those who have served and protected our country. This weekend, there are many events planned across Hampton Roads to celebrate with family and friends. Check out our list below for local memorial ceremonies, 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, even over the holiday. Simply call or text us at 757-622-5000.
Virginia Beach
Pungo Strawberry Festival
Date: Friday May 24 – Sunday May 26
Location: 1776 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Pungo Strawberry Festival is held on Memorial Day weekend every year. Not only does the Festival have all the strawberries you can eat offered in over 50 different ways, 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, livestock show and sale, a multi-million dollar military display, pig races, youth art show, and arts and craft booths.
Virginia Beach Surf Art Expo
Saturday May 25, 2019 – Monday May 27, 2019
Location: Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 1700 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Steel Pier Classic & Surf Art Expo is a surfing competition in conjunction with a surf art show. We get together every Memorial Day Holiday Weekend, the last weekend in May for three glorious days of surfing and surf art on this major holiday that thousands of people enjoy and celebrate the start of summer in Virginia Beach, VA.
Salute to Summer
Date: Friday May 24 – Sunday May 26
Location: Dairy Queen Grill & Chill 17th Street Park
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 along the boardwalk from 16th to 32nd Streets. 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 historical 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.
Norfolk
Memorial Day Ride
Date: Monday May 27, 2019 – 9am to 12pm
Location: 333 Waterside Drive
In honor of our active duty and veteran service persons, cyclists of all skills and abilities will depart Waterside District to ride the Elizabeth River Trail to the War at Home Memorial. After a brief tour and visit, cyclists will return to the Waterside District to enjoy food and drink specials.
Free and open to cyclists of any abilities.
Chesapeake
Memorial Day Ceremony
Date: Monday May 27, 2019 – 11am
Location: 306 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, Virginia
The City of Chesapeake will hold its Annual Memorial Day Ceremony on May 27 at 11:00 a.m. in front of Chesapeake City Hall on Cedar Road. Chesapeake’s Annual Memorial Day Observance is presented by The Mayor’s Commission on Veterans Affairs. The event is open to the public.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Annual Memorial Day Parade
Date: Monday May 27, 2019 – 10am to 12pm
Location: 206 High Street, Portsmouth, Virginia
A Portsmouth tradition since 1884, the annual 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. Enjoy floats, marching bands and lots of excitement. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. and travels on High Street from Peninsula Avenue (at I.C. Norcom High School) to Crawford Street.
Newport News
Memorial Day Celebration at Victory Arch
Date: Monday May 27, 2019 – 11am
Location: Victory Arch at 25th Street and West Avenue
Sponsored by American Leigon Braxton-Perkins Post #25, this annual ceremony is held at 11am at the Victory Arch at 25th Street & West Avenue in downtown Newport News. After the ceremony, the public is invited learn about America’s rich military heritage at the Virginia War Museum. Visit the museum on Memorial Day and receive $1 off the regular admission price.
Yorktown
Memorial Day Ceremony at York Hall
Date: Monday May 27, 2019
Location: York Hall 301 Main Street
Fifes and drums of Yorktown at begin at 11:45 am followed by posting of the colors, a guest speaker, and the laying of wreaths. York Hall 301 Main Street. Free to the public. Please call 757-890-3500 for more information.