With the upcoming holiday, there are plenty of ways not only to have fun, exciting adventures, but to honor and remember this Memorial Day weekend. Whether you join a race, watch a film, head to a park or take a hike, here are the many things to do this Memorial Day weekend in the Southwest.
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Armed Forces Day Concert | May 16 | Salt Lake City, UT
Kick off the spirit of Memorial Day early at the outdoor Armed Forces Day Concert at the Gallivan Center. Bring a blanket, maybe a light jacket for the cool evening air, and settle in beneath the city skyline for a patriotic evening of music and community gathering.
Learn more at thegallivancenter.com.
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LA Fleet Week | May 19–25 | Los Angeles, CA
One of the largest Memorial Day traditions on the West Coast, LA Fleet Week transforms the Los Angeles waterfront into a weeklong celebration of service members and community. Tour active-duty ships, explore military exhibits, enjoy live entertainment and dine from waterfront food trucks while free trolleys throughout the harbor. This year’s celebration also serves as part of Los Angeles’ America 250 festivities, making it an especially meaningful time to visit.
Learn more at lafleetweek.com.
Mountainfilm Festival | May 21–25 | Telluride, Colorado
In the box canyon mountain town of Telluride, this film festival happens every Memorial Weekend. The Mountainfilm festival is about bringing together filmmakers and change makers, as it showcases documentary films celebrating activism, adventure, environmental spirit and social justice. Taking place on the homeland of the Nuchu (Ute) and Pueblo people, this festival is a way to connect spiritually and remember the many things we've accomplished thanks to our fallen veterans—and the work still ahead.
Learn more at mountainfilm.org/festival.
Memorial Weekend Events | May 21–25 | Red River, New Mexico
Head to the small mountain town of Red River where Memorial Day is a full weekend outdoor celebration. The community hosts a packed schedule of events, from live music and family activities to memorial observances and ceremonies. On Memorial Day, festivities and more ceremonies will take place at Brandenburg Park, with plenty of food vendors to enjoy the day.
Learn more at redriver.org/events/annual-events/memorial-weekend.
A Community Memorial Day Event | May 25 | Gilbert, Arizona
At Gilbert Memorial Park, community members gather for a Memorial Day breakfast event focused on honoring veterans and bringing families together in remembrance. Flags will be placed at each military grave, and you can walk through Gilbert Memorial Park to see the educational story boards will be placed throughout. Lunch will also be available.
Learn more at gilbertmemorialpark.com.
A Day of Remembrance | May 25 | Phoenix, Arizona
At Heard Museum, Memorial Day takes on a deeply moving cultural significance during a special gathering honoring Native American veterans and their families. The day begins with a flag-raising ceremony and tribute drum songs for fallen veterans, followed by storytelling sessions, public reflections and family activities centered on resilience, creativity and cultural connection.
Learn more at heard.org/event/memorial-day/.
Memorial Day Race | May 25 | Mesa, Arizona
Is it really a holiday without a 5k run involved? For those looking to spend the holiday in motion, the Memorial Day Race in Mesa offers distances ranging from a one-mile fun run to a full marathon. Portions of every registration is being donated to Operation Gratitude, an organization that meeting the evolving needs of U.S. Military and First Responders.
Learn more at eventbrite.com/e/memorial-day-1m-5k-10k-131-262.
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Memorial Day Hike | May 25 | El Paso, Texas
Another active sort of Memorial Day, you can start the morning in McKelligon Canyon for a community Memorial Day hike welcoming hikers of all experience levels. Surrounded by rugged desert mountains, participants can go at their own pace while sharing conversation, reflection and fresh air beneath the rising sun.
Learn more at visitelpaso.com/events.