Memorial Day is just around the corner, a time for cookouts, inflatable pool toys and good old fashioned time with friends and loved ones. Known coast to coast as the unofficial kick off for summer, numerous local entities will host their own events and discounts.
Consider this your Memorial Day guide — just some of what’s going down in Williamsburg, Yorktown, Hampton and Newport News.
Williamsburg/Yorktown
Memorial Mile — May 25 – 27, Waller Mill Park.
In honor and remembrance of fallen law enforcement, fire, EMS and military members, Waller Mill Park will be displaying the stories of heroes taken too soon on remembrance signs posted throughout the park.
Free and open to the public.
Colonial Williamsburg Memorial Day Commemorative Program — May 27, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Palace Green.
Fifes and drums procession from the Governor’s Palace to the Bruton Parish Church in remembrance of those who have died in pursuit of freedom. The event includes the offering of prayers, the laying of wreaths and a musket volley.
Free and open to the public.
NSOF Family Getaway — May 26 – 27, Great Wolf Lodge.
The Great Wolf Lodge Navy EOD and Navy Diver service members along with their families for an all expenses paid weekend getaway. Waterpark passes and a pizza party will be included.
Free, application and $25 deposit required.
Memorial Day Ceremony at York Hall — May 27, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., York Hall.
Fifes and drums, posting of colors, a special guest speaker and much more at Historic Yorktown’s Memorial Day commemoration event.
Free and open to the public.
Classic Cruisers Car Club Memorial Day Car Show — May 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Coastal Community Church.
Calling all car enthusiasts: this Memorial Day event will have everything. Raffles, a DJ, specialty vendors, and trophies ranging from best in show to kid’s choice. All proceeds go directly to Gathering of Mountain Eagles, a nonprofit dedicated to providing opportunities for wounded veterans and their families.
$20 registration fee.
Yorktown Rotary Club Memorial Day Freedom Run — May 27, 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Yorktown Battlefield (registration at York High School).
Participate in either the 8k or the 5k with t-shirts and refreshments included. The route will be through the historic Yorktown Battlefield and the path will be lined with the names of service men and women who died fighting for the freedom of our country. All proceeds benefit the Yorktown Rotary Foundation to provide scholarships at local high schools and support a wide variety of community programs. There will be cash prizes.
$30 registration fee.
Hampton/Newport News
Memorial Day Free Play Paintball — May 27, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Bethel Battlefield Paintball Park.
Come cut loose at one of Hampton’s premier paintball facilities with a full day of free play. Visit Bethel Battlefield on Memorial Day, and you get free admission, free air, free rental gear — all you have to do is buy your ammunition. No reservations are required.
Free and open to the public (with the purchase of 500 paintballs).
Memorial Day Celebration at the Victory Arch — May 27, beginning at 11 a.m., Newport News Victory Arch.
Come partake in this Newport News Memorial Day tradition, and after the fact, enjoy $1 off admission price at the Virginia War Museum, just a few miles up the road.
Free and open to the public.
Memorial Day: Ceremonial Band — May 27, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Hampton National Cemetery.
Watch the U.S. Fleet Forces band play at this historic location in honor and remembrance of fallen veterans.
Free and open to the public.
Memorial Day and Flag Retirement Ceremony — May 27, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Fort Monroe National Monument.
Join Fort Monroe in commemoration of fallen military personnel and a ceremony to retire worn and torn flags with respect and dignity. If you have a flag that requires retirement, a drop box will be located at the nearby Colonies RV & Travel Park.
Free and open to the public.
