ABOVE PHOTO: Sesame Place (Photo by B.D. Galloff for Visit Philadelphia)
Special commemorations, fireworks shows, museum programming, outdoor festivals and more…
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The unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day weekend (May 27-30, 2022) marks the time when we mentally check out for a while, life moves a little slower and, according to some, it’s socially acceptable to wear white.
Over the long weekend, museumgoers can pay tribute to those who’ve served our country from its earliest days at the Museum of the American Revolution and the National Constitution Center.
Fireworks shows light up the night at Visit Philadelphia’s Kickoff-to-Summer Fireworks Show at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, plus additional displays at the Mann Center and Sesame Place.
Greater Philadelphia also plays host to a bevy of warm-weather festivities like the Devon Horse Show, Twilight in the Gardens at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and Spring in LOVE: A Multicultural Marketplace Experience in LOVE Park.
And the city’s open-daily attractions like Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink at Dilworth Park and Spruce Street Harbor Park welcome visitors all weekend long.
Get into a summertime frame of mind and partake in some long-weekend action with our top picks for things to do over Memorial Day weekend in Greater Philadelphia.
01–Comcast NBCUniversal Memorial Salute with The Philly POPS at The Mann Center
Friday, May 27, 2022 | 7 p.m.
For the sixth year, The Philly POPS pay tribute to those who serve during the Comcast NBCUniversal Memorial Salute at The Mann Center. The community concert — presented in partnership with Wawa Welcome America — features the POPS and guest conductor Byron Stripling performing showtunes, patriotic songs and more with the help of vocalist Sydney McSweeney and violinist Jennifer Orchard. Even better? The event ends with a spectacular fireworks display. Note: Tickets — which are free! — are limited for the general public, so reserve yours today.
Where: The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue
02–Visit Philadelphia’s Kickoff-to-Summer Fireworks Show
Saturday, May 28, 2022 | 8 p.m.
Get ready for a brilliant start to summer 2022 in Greater Philadelphia. This Memorial Day weekend, head to the Delaware River waterfront for Visit Philadelphia’s Kickoff-to-Summer Fireworks Show, brightening up the Historic District and beyond at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. A live concert from 78th Army Band’s Latin Ensemble (8-9:30 p.m.) and a fireworks display (9:30 p.m.) — is there any better way to start one of the four best seasons of the year in Philadelphia?
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
03–Memorial Day Weekend Celebration at Sesame Place
May 28-29, 2022
Elmo and friends don their finest red, white and blue attire for photo ops all weekend. And on Sunday, May 30, 2022, stick around for the Memorial Day weekend fireworks display.
Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
04–Memorial Day Weekend at the National Constitution Center
May 27-29, 2022
Explore the gallery spaces and permanent exhibits at the National Constitution Center, while learning about Memorial Day’s roots during the Reconstruction Era. Daily flag etiquette workshops and “Thank-A-Vet” postcard-writing stations offer a chance to reflect. Admission is discounted for veterans and free for active military.
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street
05–Memorial Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution
May 27-30, 2022
Pop-up talks about Revolutionary veterans, a memorial ribbon-making station and replica objects from a Continental Army soldier’s knapsack are among the highlights of the Museum of the American Revolution’s Memorial Day weekend programming. Veterans, military and Blue Star Families enjoy free admission all weekend long.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street
06–Memorial Day Ceremony at Laurel Hill Cemetery
Sunday, May 29, 2022 | Noon
Did you know Laurel Hill Cemetery held the first Memorial Day observance in Philadelphia in 1868? Well, now you do. Come be a part of that rich history during a traditional Decoration Day service recreation at the gravesite of Battle of Gettysburg hero General George Gordon Meade.
Where: Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue
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