Memorial Day weekend is an opportunity for reflection and family time. Here are 8 ways to celebrate in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off to summer, as many people like to BBQ, swim, and enjoy their three-day weekend. But it’s so much more than that. This patriotic holiday is a chance to remember and honor military members who’ve given their lives in service to our country. Our freedom is possible thanks in part to these American heroes, which makes Memorial Day a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our privilege and remember the ones we’ve lost.
This year, Memorial Day is on May 25. There are many ways to celebrate in Dallas-Fort Worth on the holiday weekend, from participating in races to visiting a military monument or observing a military ceremony. Of course, you could also enjoy the sunshine and time with family (what our freedom is all about!) by heading to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival or the Dallas Arboretum, both of which are hosting special Memorial Day events.
No matter where you go or what you do, remember it’s all possible thanks to the sacrifice of our servicemen and women.
1. Memorial Day Freedom Run
When: May 23
Where: Trinity River Trail, Fort Worth
Get out and move this at the Memorial Day Freedom Run, which honors the military with each mile. This run, kicking off at 7:30 a.m., offers options for a 5k, 10k, and 13.1 half-marathon registration. There is also a family fun run that is just 1 mile and perfect for those running with kids.
Fresh air, exercise, and beautiful views at the Trinity River Trail make for a great way to kickstart this three-day weekend.
2. Visit Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery
When: May 23-25; May 30
Where: 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas
Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to visit a military cemetery to remember veterans who gave their lives in service to our country. It’s a somber, yet important reminder of what the weekend is for. One option is to visit the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, which is the sixth national cemetery in Texas and features a memorial walkway honoring veterans.
For a more structured visit, join community members on Saturday, May 23 at 9 a.m. to meet up with the Travis Manion Foundation for The Honor Project at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. At this event, volunteers will leave hand-crafted commemorative items on military graves to honor and reflect on their sacrifices.
Or, go on May 24 at 8:30 a.m. to help the American Red Cross – Service to Armed Forces North Texas Region put American flags at graves. Be sure to bring your own ruler for proper placement of flags. The American Red Cross will also need volunteers to help remove the flags on May 30 at 8:30 a.m.
3. Scarborough Faire’s The Last Huzzah
When: May 23-25
Where: 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie
Memorial Day is your last chance to visit the Scarborough Renaissance Festival for The Last Huzzah! This is your chance to watch medieval jousting, sword fighting, acrobats, Scottish bagpipe performers, puppeteers, and mermaids. There are knighting ceremonies, beer stein holding competitions, games, and tons of delicious food and drinks. Plus, one-of-a-kind artisan goods for purchase.
On Memorial Day Monday, all active duty and retired military members will receive a yellow sash and can march in the Veterans Parade and Fallen Heroes Tribute, which includes a presentation of colors and special tribute to remember those we’ve lost. Tickets start at $34 for adults and $15 for kids ages 5-12.
4. Memorial Day Family Fun Weekend
When: May 23-25
Where: Dallas Arboretum,
Spend some time in nature and enjoy the long weekend with the kids at the Dallas Arboretum’s Memorial Day Weekend. The holiday weekend will include a petting zoo, historical tours of the DeGoyler House, live music in the garden, and interactive activities at the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. Of course, you can also just explore the beautiful flowers and see the spring-themed art installations titled the “Hunt Slonem: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies.”
As a special for military members, active-duty military members, veterans, and first responders, buy-one-get-one-free admission is available year-round for themselves and a guest.
5. Dallas Memorial March
When: May 24-25
Where: Reverchon Park, 3505 Maple Avenue, Dallas
Non-profit organization Carry the Load is honoring the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country at the Dallas Memorial March.
The community will come together to honor America’s fallen heroes by walking and remembering military members, sharing stories, and enjoying on-site food trucks, while raising money for the organization. There will also be a Kids Zone, a special silent midnight walk, and ceremonies throughout the two-day event.
6. Admire a Military Memorial
When: May 25
Where: Various locations throughout DFW
This Memorial Day, take the time to visit one of the impressive memorials located throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. The Corporal RD Foster Veterans Memorial Park in McKinney (6053 Weiskopf Avenue) has a Wall of Honor listing the names of military members from Collin County who died in the line of duty, plus a lighted American flag that is up 24 hours a day.
The Veteran’s Memorial Park in Fort Worth (4120 Camp Bowie Boulevard) was dedicated in 1923 and contains monuments dedicated to veterans from World War I and II. One is a poignant sculpture called “Duty,” which features a soldier supporting a wounded soldier. The Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Fair Park is another stunning display of heroism. This one features a memorial to honor those who died in the Vietnam War, with the names of Texans killed or missing in action.
One way to honor the military member in your life is to apply for their name to be engraved on the monument panels at the Forest Hill Memorial Park (3210 California Parkway). If selected, the veteran’s name will be engraved for free, and you can find it when you visit the park.
7. 97th Annual Fort Worth Memorial Day Service
When: May 25
Where: Mount Olivet Cemetery, 2301 North Sylvania Avenue, Fort Worth
Be a part of Texas history by attending the 97th Annual Fort Worth Memorial Day Service at 10 a.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery. This traditional event welcomes veterans, local leaders, and the community to honor and remember lost service members through a military honors ceremony, patriotic music, and special tributes.
8. Memorial Day at Flag Pole Hill
When: May 25
Where: 8015 Doran Circle, Dallas
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is hosting a special outdoor concert at Flag Pole Hill at 8:15 p.m. this Memorial Day, and it’ll be a treat for your senses. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy patriotic live music during this free event, including “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” among others.
Be sure to stay until the end to see the fireworks beginning at 9:15 p.m. There’s no better way to kick off the summer with a bang—and honor the sacrifices of our military at the same time.
