Here’s where you can pay tribute to fallen vets and celebrate the freedom they fought for over Memorial Day Weekend in Nevada.
Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25, marks the unofficial start of summer. It’s also a time for Nevada families to gather and pay tribute to the brave men and women of the US Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in service to our country.
With solemn ceremonies and boisterous block parties throughout the Silver State, here are 16 ways for people of all ages to spend Memorial Day Weekend in Nevada.
Memorials
Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Ceremony
Fernley
The Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 14 Veterans Way in Fernley, about 35 miles east of Reno, invites families and veterans for remembrance and reflection:
- Flag-In Day: May 24 at 8:30 a.m.
- Memorial Day Ceremony: May 26 at 11 a.m., with Nevada Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony
Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Ceremony
Boulder City
A place of rest and reflection for veterans and their families, the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Dr., Street 2, will hold ceremonies for Memorial Day weekend, including:
- Flag-In Day: More than 34,000 flags will be placed on graves starting at 7 a.m. on May 24
- The Honor Project: Volunteers will lay handcrafted commemorative tokens in honor of fallen heroes starting at 9 a.m., May 25
- Special Forces Ceremony at 10 a.m., May 25
- Memorial Day Ceremony May 26 at 1 p.m. in the chapel
Las Vegas Memorial Day Ceremony
Las Vegas
The 24th annual Lakes Memorial Day Ceremony at Lake Sahara South Park, 3300 Lake South Dr., takes place on May 25 at 9:30 a.m. Presented by Ward 2 Councilwoman Kara Kelley and Nevada Post 76 Spirit of Freedom Legionaires, there will be appearances by the U.S. Navy Junior R.O.T.C, the U.S. Air Force Junior R.O.T.C, and American Legion members of Nevada.
Henderson Commemorative Ceremony
Henderson
The Palm Henderson Mortuary and Cemetery, 800 S. Boulder Hwy., Henderson, will pay respects to fallen heroes from all branches of the military with special tributes and guest speakers on May 23. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m., followed by refreshments and a veteran fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Memorial Day Remembrance
Mesquite
The City of Mesquite will pay tribute to fallen US veterans with a community event at the Mesquite Veterans Memorial Park on May 25 at 2:55 p.m. City leaders, officials, and veterans will speak.
Dayton Memorial Day Ceremony
Dayton
The Northern Nevada All-Veteran Honor Guard presents a memorial service at Dayton Valley Cemetery on May 25 at 9 a.m. The ceremony will honor veterans from the Nevada community and from around the country and world.
Celebrations
Drifters Music Festival
Reno
Celebrate Memorial Day with a two-day country music takeover, the Drifters Music Festival, at the J Resort’s Festival Grounds on May 23-24. There will be performances by chart-topping country artists, including Chase Rice, Lauren Alaina, Trey Lewis, Matt Schuster, Dustin Lynch, Mitchell Tenpenny, Matt Stell, CeCe, and Drew Green.
Rockin’ Rib Fest
Reno
All ages are invited to this free rib cook-off competition on the third floor of the Casino Fandango parking garage, May 22-25. There will be BBQ, arts and crafts, a beer garden, and live music.
5th Annual Convoy around Carson City
Carson City
A family and dog-friendly convoy of Jeeps will cruise Carson City from Capriotti’s to Shoetree Brewing on May 25 from 3 to 5 p.m. in honor of our fallen veterans.
Southern Highlands Memorial Day Party
Las Vegas
Southern Highlands presents its 24th Annual Memorial Day Party on May 25, 4:30-8:30 p.m., at Olympia Sports Park, 4885 Starr Hills Ave. There will be fun for the whole family with games, food trucks, water slides, face painting, a raffle, fireworks, and live music. Proceeds support Nellis and Creech Air Force bases.
Skye Canyon Patriotic Parade
Las Vegas
Skye Canyon’s Seventh Annual Patriotic Car Parade brings stars, stripes, decked-out cars, and a block party on May 23. Your $10 donation supports the Kline Veterans Fund, a charity for veterans in need. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and will be followed by fun for the whole family, including inflatables, face painting, and local food trucks.
Best Dam BBQ
Boulder City
This annual Memorial Day weekend event takes place May 23-24 at Bicentennial Park, with events including a Best Dam Rib Contest, Best Dam Car Show, vendors, and a kids’ contest. Entry is free, but BBQ sampling ticket packs are $20.
Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks
Pahrump
The Pahrump Designated Fireworks Safety Site will open May 22-24, 7-11 p.m., to provide residents and visitors with a safe and legal location to safely discharge legally purchased fireworks from designated shooting areas and watch fireworks demonstrations.
Caliente Memorial Day Celebration
Caliente
The 76th annual Caliente Memorial Day Celebration kicks off May 22 in this small Lincoln County town, located about 76 miles from Las Vegas. Hundreds will gather for four days of fun with art shows, a softball tournament, evening dances, a parade, cornhole, bike rides, and BBQs. The celebration winds down on May 25 with a Memorial Day service to honor our fallen veterans at 11 a.m.
Expos and gift shows
Veteran Living Well Expo
Las Vegas
The Living Well Veteran Expo takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 25, with a focus on health, wellness, and connection. It’s a resource fair where veterans and families can mingle and create meaningful relationships with trusted local organizations, veteran-focused partners, and those with similar experiences. There will be raffles, giveaways, and other surprises.
Magnificent Memorial Day Craft and Gift Show
Las Vegas
Shop for unique gifts and crafts during the Magnificent Memorial Day Craft and Gift Show in the Veil Pavilion at Silverton Hotel and Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Rd., on May 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking, admission, and one ticket for the hourly drawings are free.
