Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Observed annually on the last Monday of May, this special day also marks the unofficial start of summer, bringing with it a host of events, activities, and attractions that celebrate the spirit of the San Francisco Bay Area. From solemn ceremonies and patriotic parades to lively festivals and outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to pay tribute to our fallen heroes while enjoying the best of what the region has to offer.
Memorial Day Events in the San Francisco Bay Area
Presidio Memorial Day Commemoration: One of the largest and most significant Memorial Day events in the Bay Area takes place at the Presidio, a former military post and now a national park site. The annual commemoration includes a formal ceremony, complete with a 21-gun salute, and a guided tour of the historic San Francisco National Cemetery, where visitors can pay their respects to the thousands of service members laid to rest.
USS Hornet Memorial Day Celebration: Aboard the historic USS Hornet aircraft carrier in Alameda, visitors can experience a full day of activities, including live music, captivating speakers, and a wreath-laying ceremony to honor fallen heroes. This unique event offers a glimpse into the ship’s storied past and provides an unforgettable backdrop for Memorial Day festivities.
Bay Area Memorial Day Parades: Communities throughout the region host annual Memorial Day parades, featuring marching bands, veterans’ organizations, and local community groups. Notable parades include the Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade, the Piedmont Memorial Day Parade, and the Mountain View Memorial Day Parade.
Activities and Attractions for Memorial Day Weekend
The long Memorial Day weekend offers the perfect opportunity to explore the Bay Area and have fun with friends and family.
Picnics and Barbecues: Gather friends and family for a festive picnic or barbecue in one of the area’s many picturesque parks, such as Crissy Field, Golden Gate Park, or Tilden Regional Park. Be sure to arrive early to secure a prime spot, as these popular destinations tend to fill up quickly on holiday weekends. Even better, host your own backyard BBQ (or convince a friend with a sweet backyard setup to invite everyone to their place)
Hit the Beach: The unofficial start of summer calls for some fun in the sun, and the Bay Area offers numerous beaches to suit every taste. Head to Baker Beach, Stinson Beach, or Pacifica State Beach for a day of relaxation and fun by the water. However, the San Francisco weather in May usually isn’t what you would call beach weather, so you will have to wait until a day or two before the holiday to plan a beach outing.
Explore the Great Outdoors: Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to embark on a hiking or biking adventure in the Bay Area. With its extensive network of trails, such as those at Muir Woods, Mount Tamalpais, or the Marin Headlands, the region offers endless opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy breathtaking views.
Attend a Festival: The long weekend also plays host to a variety of festivals and events, including the Carnaval San Francisco, a vibrant celebration of Latin American
Understanding the Significance of Memorial Day
Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day has been a national tradition since the late 19th century. The holiday offers an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the sacrifices made by the brave individuals who have fought and died for our nation’s freedom. Throughout the country, communities come together to honor these heroes through a variety of events and activities, such as visiting cemeteries and memorials, participating in parades, and attending special ceremonies.
EXPLORE EVENTS
Upcoming San Francisco Events
16
September
2025
Darius with MPHD b2b Starfari at The Independent
19
September
2025
TOPS – Bury the Key Tour at The Fillmore
19
September
2025
North Mississippi Allstars at The Independent
20
September
2025
Real Neato Festival 2025
20
September
2025
Samia – The Bloodless Tour at The Fillmore
20
September
2025
Anella at The Independent
21
September
2025
The Symposium with John Myrtle at The Independent
22
September
2025
The Raveonettes with Poppy Jean Crawford at The Independent
24
September
2025
Cash Cobain – Party with Slizzy at The Fillmore
25
September
2025
The Waterboys at The Fillmore San Francisco
26
September
2025
The Lone Bellow 2025 Fall Tour at The Fillmore SF
26
September
2025
Yaya Bey with Bathe at The Independent
27
September
2025
David Archuleta with Alexandra John at The Independent
27
September
2025
Robin Trower at The Fillmore San Francisco
28
September
2025
Mon Rovia at The Fillmore San Francisco
29
September
2025
Duckwrth – All American Freak Show Tour with De’Wayne at The Independent
29
September
2025
Spacey Jane at The Fillmore
30
September
2025
10 Years with Nerv- The Independent
30
September
2025
An Evening With JAMES at The Fillmore
01
October
2025
Gavin James at The Independent
01
October
2025
The Chameleons at The Fillmore San Francisco
02
October
2025
The Passionate Ones Tour / Nourished by Time / with Zsela at The Independent
03
October
2025
Diggin’ Dirt at The Independent SF
04
October
2025
An Evening With The String Cheese Incident at The Fillmore
04
October
2025
Model/Actriz – The Independent
05
October
2025
Cochise at The Independent SF
07
October
2025
Night Tapes at The Independent San Francisco
08
October
2025
múm / with Mr. Silla – The Independent
09
October
2025
Jeremy Jordan & Age of Madness / with Homestyle Dinner Rolls- The Independent
09
October
2025
Fleshwater at The Fillmore San Francisco
San Francisco Events
No Upcoming Events Avaialble
Holiday Insights