- Multiple ceremonies and services across the Bay Area marking Memorial Day
- Diverse activities including flag planting, carnivals, and music festivals
- Variety of locations from San Francisco to Bolinas offering unique experiences
- Carnaval San Francisco and Bay Area KidFest among notable events
Memorial Day: A Weekend of Commemoration and Celebration in the Bay Area
Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday in May, is a significant occasion marking the unofficial start to summer while honoring fallen American soldiers. This year, 2026, the Bay Area will host an array of events that blend solemnity with joy.
Ceremonies and Services
San Francisco’s Presidio National Cemetery will hold a program featuring patriotic music, speakers, and a flag display at 9-11 a.m. on Monday, May 25. The San Rafael Memorial Day service will see a parade kick off an afternoon filled with activities including a wreath-laying ceremony.
The Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery’s Memorial Day observance will include scouts planting thousands of flags from 8:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. on May 23, while the USS Hornet Memorial Day event offers a wreath-laying ceremony and guest speakers at 10 a.m.
Carnivals and Festivals
The Carnaval San Francisco promises a free Mission District celebration with five music stages, DJ block parties, food vendors, cultural pavilions, and a grand parade. The Marin Greek festival will celebrate the holiday weekend with live music from the Kymata Band, Greek food, wine, and dancing.
For families, Bay Area KidFest is set to offer carnival rides, live entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and a Memorial Day ceremony scheduled at noon on Monday. In Mill Valley, the 25th anniversary Memorial Day weekend tradition features carnival rides, midway games, live music, and more.
Additional Events
The USS San Francisco Memorial Fallen Heroes memorial wreath laying will honor those who lost their lives in service to the country on May 25. The Hillsborough Memorial Day music festival and parade offer a day filled with activities including a wreath-laying observance and carnival.
For art lovers, Point Reyes open studios provide an opportunity to explore West Marin artists’ holiday weekend art tour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 23-25. Bolinas Memorial Day food festival will feature Thai food, paella, tamales, oysters, live music, and drinks.
These events showcase the diverse ways in which Bay Area residents commemorate Memorial Day, blending solemn ceremonies with festive activities to honor those who have served our country.