This Memorial Day, we hope you’ll find time to honor the men and women who have given their lives while serving our country. As with most holidays, Houstonians are great at celebrating and enjoying the day off. Further, as the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day is usually filled with good bar-b-que, finding the nearest body of water and enjoying the sun. In and around Houston, there will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate. Whether you’re visiting Houston for a long weekend or enjoying a “staycation,” we’re sure there’s an event for everyone.

Patriotism in Practice

Stars & Stripes at the Lawn
Memorial City Lawn | Wednesday, May 22 or Wednesday, May 29 from 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Join Memorial City in honoring fallen soldiers and their families every Wednesday evening. Though not on Memorial Day, the event is hosted weekly on The Lawn, Memorial City’s green space. The 30-minute patriotic flag and music ceremony honors our country, military, and their families. The presentation is set to classic American songs.

Memorial Day Remembrance
George Ranch Historical Park | Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Did you know that Memorial Day was originally named Decoration Day? Explore the origin of this federal holiday at the George Ranch Historical Park historic family cemetery. In a fitting tribute, guests will help clean the graces of those who served in military conflict, learn about the holiday’s traditions and eat a USO-inspired meal.

Houston National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony
Houston National Cemetery | Monday, May 27 at 9:30 a.m.

Veterans Affairs’ cemeteries across the U.S. will be hosting Memorial Day ceremonies. The Houston National Cemetery, a VA cemetery, takes part in this nationwide initiative to honor fallen servicemen and women. Typically, an address is given by a native Texan of rank, followed by a parade of colors and the laying of memorial wreaths by representatives of Houston's veteran community. Both the Houston Mounted Police and the Houston Highlander Pipe Band have been in attendance in past years.

Memorial Day Ceremony
The City of Sugar Land | Monday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Join the City of Sugar Land as it hosts the 10th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Sugar Land Memorial Park. The event will honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The event will have an official ceremony with tributes from members of the community, patriotic music, free educational and commemorative activities, on-site military exhibits, a flag ceremony and food available for purchase.

Annual Memorial Day Remembrance
Galveston Naval Museum | Monday, May 27 from 11 a.m. to Noon

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The Galveston Naval Museum will be hosting its Annual Memorial Day Remembrance service. The ceremony includes presentation of the colors, national anthem, special guest speakers, tolling of the bells, remembrance of WWII veterans and taps. Veterans will also be leading free tours of the USS Cavalla and the USS Stewart, both WWII vessels. The Lone Star WWII Living History Crew will also be aboard all weekend for tours, reenactments, and ceremonial presence.

Weekend Fun For All

Dancin’ in the Street…Motown & More Revue
Miller Outdoor Theatre | Wednesday, May 23 through Sunday, May 26 at 8:15 p.m.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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With performances all week, there’s no reason to miss Miller Outdoor Theatre’s Dancin’ in the Street…Motown & More Revue. Nothing gets a crowd moving like soul and Motown classics, so be sure to catch your favorite Houston entertainers paying tribute to this fun and vibrant musical genre. This is a ticketed event for covered seating, but as always, tickets on the hill are free.

Houston Symphony Presents The Best of Broadway
Jones Hall | Friday, May 24 through Sunday, May 26, times vary depending on the day

Sometimes there’s nothing more American than Broadway show tunes. Join the Houston Symphony for The Best of Broadway concert at Jones Hall. The event will feature music from iconic composers like Rodgers and Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne and more. The symphony will be accompanied by the Houston Symphony Chorus for a full company experience.

Memorial Day Tribute Concert
The City of Sugar Land Town Square | Friday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Kickoff your Memorial Day weekend with the Houston Choral Showcase’s Elite Mixed Choir. The City of Sugar Land will be hosting at the choir for a free concert at the Town Square. The show will include a number of colorful tunes, along with patriotic tributes.

Family Nature Club: Willow Waterhole
Houston Zoo | Saturday, May 25 at 1 p.m.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The Houston Zoo’s Family Nature Club will be hosting a fun family get together at the Willow Waterhole. The club is a perfect opportunity to get the entire family outside to explore nature and have fun this Memorial Day weekend! Willow Waterhole is located just past 610 in Southwest Houston.

Sunday Family Fun Zone & Memorial Day Viewing
Museum of Fine Arts Houston | Sunday, May 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Monday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Spend Sunday afternoon at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and enjoy games, story time, mini-gallery tours and more. Art comes alive through entertaining activities and stories orchestrated by the museum. The Sunday Family Fun Zone and general admission to the museum is free for kids 12 and under. Further, The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens and Rienze, all usually closed on Mondays, will be open for Memorial Day for visitors to enjoy the collections.

Level 9 Tour
Space Center Houston | Monday – Friday at 10:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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For the space enthusiast, enjoy a four to five-hour guided tour of NASA Johnson Space Center. The Level 9 Tour is typically four to five hours and is described as the ultimate NASA experience. Visitors will see the historic Mission Operations Control Room, the current Mission Control and explore Rocket Park. All NASA guides are highly trained and loaded with interesting information throughout the tour. Further, Level 9 Tours include a second-day ticket allowing you to return the next day to explore more of Space Center Houston.   

Waugh Drive Bat Colony
Waugh Drive Bridge Near Buffalo Bayou | Anytime

One local curiosity that’s always interesting and fun is the Waugh Drive Bat Colony. This colony of Mexican free-tailed bats lives around the bridge for the entire year and is thought to be the largest colony in Texas. The Waugh Bridge Bat Colony has become such a spectacle that there is a dedicated observation deck for visitors. A small reminder, be courteous of the bats and their home. For more information click here.