Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend is a time remember the soldiers who bravely served our country, but let’s be honest, its also the time to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. Whether you’re spending it with family or friends, there are an endless number of activities to keep you busy and enjoying your long weekend. From activities to commemorate the fallen soldiers, to art festivals and events planned at governors’ island, there is something available for however you enjoy spending your time off. Memorial Day weekend is a time to surround yourself with loved ones and appreciate the time we have together while soldiers are out fighting for our freedom. If you’re staying in the city there is a lot to do and the best part is it’s not as crowded. We’ve narrowed down the activities going on in the city so you can pick some of them or none and spend the day grilling out at the beach. Enjoy the time off and happy Memorial Day!

The Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit

The Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit occurs four times a year, Labor Day weekend and the one after it and Memorial Day weekend and the one after it. Starting May 27th through the 29th, this is an opportunity to see artists showcasing their craft including fine arts, graphics, mixed media, oils and acrylics, watercolor photography, sculpture, crafts, jewelry, metal work, ceramics, glass mixed media, fiber and wood. You could walk around the park then stop at the sidewalk show and enjoy looking at all the different things people create with all different materials. Make a day out of seeing the local art and how creative people can be with different materials.

Family Fun Day at Governors Island

Spend the day at family Memorial Day on Governors Island on Sunday May 28th. The event features live theater, music, games, arts and crafts and other creative activities, and is a completely free event. With more performances, shows, face painting and rides, this is the perfect place to spend your day with family. You can go and bike ride or see the exhibits they have opened until October 1st. Whether you spend it at the event or just on the island, it’s a perfect place to be outside with close ones and spending the day together.

The Memorial Day commemoration

The Memorial Day commemoration is an event on Monday May 29th to remember the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. This annual ceremony at the Monument has become the city’s largest and most reflective remembrance of Memorial Day. It is an opportunity to gather in memory of all those who have served our country, and in the spirit of Memorial Day as a tradition of contemplation, commemoration and remembrance. At 10:00 am, the United States Navy Band will perform a musical introduction. The Procession begins at 10:30 am, started by the New York Scottish Pipes and Drums, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in period uniforms, and the Veteran Corps of Artillery.

Fleet Week NYC 2017

Another event to remember the celebration of the sea services for our country is Fleet Week New York, now in its 29th year. It is a unique experience for the residents of New York and the neighboring tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as observe directly the newest capabilities of today’s maritime services. It is a weeklong celebration starting Wednesday May 24th until Tuesday May 30th and has been held nearly every year since 1984. For the full schedule of events, visit the Intrepid’s website.

Concert in the cemetery

Spend the day at a concert at Green-Wood cemetery. A student-manned ISO Symphonic Band performs works from some of the cemetery's permanent residents, such as Fred Ebb, Louis Moreau Gottschalk and Leonard Bernstein. It’s now in its nineteenth year and is a unique way of spending your time off. After the concert there will be a trolley/walking tour. This will occur on Monday, May 29th at 2:30 p.m. It’s free, but you must RSVP, http://www.green-wood.com/event/memorial-day-concert-2017/

Support a parade

New York City honors our fallen heroes this Memorial Day weekend with parades in several boroughs. In Manhattan, head uptown for a smaller parade in Inwood, which begins at Dyckman Street and Broadway on May 29th at noon. The Little Neck-Douglaston parade in Queens is the largest and starts at Northern Boulevard and Alameda Avenue on May 29th at 2 p.m. There is also one in Brooklyn, on its 149th year, which begins at 78th Street and Third Avenue in Bay Ridge on May 25 at 11 a.m. It’s a chance to gather and see everyone marching in celebration and remembrance.

The Beach

As well as remembering our fallen soldiers, Memorial Day weekend is a time to relax with family and friends at the beach. It’s a cliché to drink beer and grill out at the beach, but it’s just an excuse to get together and enjoy the time off to kick off the beginning of summer. If you’re travelling from the city the closest beach to travel to is Sandy Hook, New Jersey, Rockaway Beach, Queens, Governors Island Beach Club and, Jones Beach, Long Beach. Make a day of travelling to the beach with your friends and laying out to start on your tan and relaxing.