Falling on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is a time to commemorate those who gave their lives in military service. But in Boston, Memorial Day festivities last all weekend long. Enjoy Memorial Day parades in Cambridge, Medford, Watertown, and Newton. Attend the tradition of the annual cannon salute in Cambridge on Memorial Day morning or the special services held in Veterans Memorial Park. Memorial Day is a time to remember and reflect, but it's also the unofficial beginning of summer in Boston, which means it's a great time to explore the city and its many special events. Here is our list of some of the top Boston Memorial Weekend activities.
Memorializing Our MA Military Heroes with a Garden of Flags
Every year on Memorial Day weekend, the MA Military Heroes organization plants 37,000 flags in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Boston Common to commemorate the Massachusetts service members who have lost their lives defending our freedom. While there, take a ride on the iconic Boston Common Carousel.
- - Garden of Flags on display May 25th – May 29th / FREE Admission
- - Boston Common Carousel Tickets are $4/ride
- - Carousel Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00AM–4:00PM and Friday-Sunday 10:00AM-6:00PM
Walk in the Founding Father's Footsteps on the Freedom Trail Tours
Walk through history – literally! Boston's iconic Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red line through the city that leads to 16 nationally historic sites. A unique collection of meeting houses, burying grounds, museums, and more let you experience the American Revolution from the perspective of those who lived it.
- - There are different types of tours, both public and private.
- - Each tour is led by a guide in historic costume.
- - Length of tour varies.
- - Tickets: Adult (13 and up) $17.00 // Child (6-12 years) $8.00 // (Under 6 years) FREE // Senior and Students $15.00
Annual Memorial Day Services at Veterans Memorial Park
A cherished community space, Veterans Memorial Park is a tranquil, beautifully landscaped area in Back Bay Fens reserved for remembering the sacrifices made by our veterans. Monuments represent those who fought in WWII, the Korean and Vietnam War, as well as those who lost their lives on 9/11.
- - Annual Memorial Day Service will be held on May 27, 2023 at Veterans Memorial Park at 11:00AM
Discover the Best of Boston at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a Boston must-see, must-shop, must-eat venue! Over 40 local vendors offer a unique shopping experience while the Quincy Market showcases more than 25 local eateries. Plus, talented local musicians and street performers fill the Marketplace with mesmerizing music, magic, and laughter. The cradle of Liberty
- - Open Monday – Saturday 10:00AM – 9:00PM and Sunday 11:00AM – 7:00PM
Take Time Out for Boston's Time Out Market
Dig into Boston's most delicious culinary delights made by New England's most celebrated chefs at Time Out Market Boston. This must-taste destination sits in the heart of The Fenway and features 27,000 square feet of the best food, drinks, music, arts and culture. If the way to the heart is through the stomach, you're sure to fall in love with Time Out Market Boston.
- - Kitchens Open Monday – Friday 11:30AM – 10:00PM, Saturday – Sunday 11:00AM – 10:00PM
Annual Memorial Weekend Boston Calling Music Festival
You don't want to miss this three-day music extravaganza! Four stages and over 50 performances featuring the biggest indie and pop-rock musicians and DJs make this music festival extra festive. Memorialize the music this Memorial Weekend at Harvard's Athletic Complex.
- - Children under 10 are FREE
- - Ticket prices vary depending on GA, GA+, VIP, Platinum
- - Memorial Weekend: May 26-28, 2023
When you want to experience the bold and rebellious spirit of Boston, there's no better place than Hotel Revere Boston Common. Nestled in the Back Bay neighborhood just blocks from Boston Common; our urban refuge puts you in the heart of Memorial Day festivities. Conveniently close to Garden of the Flags and the Veterans Park monuments and right on the Freedom Trail, Hotel Revere is an ideal location for your Memorial Day weekend destination.
Memorial Day is about appreciating America's freedom and those who fought for it. Embrace your freedom to travel by planning a Memorial Day weekend getaway in Boston, where the Freedom Trail began. Revere Hotel Boston Common offers luxury rooms and suites, and delicious dining options at Rebel's Guild, and Boston's most sophisticated rooftop bar, Rooftop@Revere. Rediscover one of America's most historic cities with our hotel specials and packages.