On Memorial Day there are several events in the Phoenix area where you can take some time to honor our country's fallen veterans. At the end of this list, you'll also find some Memorial Day Weekend special events that you might want to attend.
If you arrived at this page but you were actually looking for Veterans Days activities and events in November, you can find those here. Many people confuse the two! Technically, Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who have died while serving. Veterans Day is a day to honor those among us who have served or are serving now. No matter -- as long as we take the time to be thankful to those who serve or have served for our freedoms.
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice. Photo credit: Getty Images, unless otherwise indicated.
Memorial Holiday Weekend at The Phoenician
The package starts at $279 per night and includes: a welcome amenity; two drink coupons, two bottled waters, two ice cream sundaes, sunscreen, glow sticks and kid-friendly flashlights; a 25% savings on guests’ next stay; pool Party Buffet for Family of Four on Friday, May 24 from 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m. with live Bands Sugahbeat and Phoenix Magazine’s 2012 Best Band, EastonAshe. A family of four is defined as two adults and two children. Additional tickets to the Pool Party Buffet are available for $25 for adults and $14 for children (includes tax and gratuity). For details and reservations call (800) 888-8234 and ask for rate code: MEMORIAL.
In 2013: Monday, May 23 - 26
In 2013: Monday, May 23 - 26
Memorial Day Ride & Salute to Service BBQ Challenge
$10 General Admission. Memorial Day Ceremony at 2 p.m. with Glendale Fire Honor Guard, National Anthem and Missing Man Squadron. At 2:30 p.m. the ride starts, with a ceremonial stop at the National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix. After the ride, BBQ and awards. Live bands at noon and 6:30 p.m. Registration ($30 for one biker/ $50 for two) includes dinner and entry to party. Ride registration starts at 11 a.m. at Chester's Harley Davidson in Mesa. Ride starts from Sanderson Ford's Starliner Diner, 5111 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale.
In 2013: Saturday, May 25
In 2013: Saturday, May 25
The Arizona Winds Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day Tribute
The concert opens with a composition by New York Pops Orchestra Conductor Steven Reineke titled "Portrait of Freedom." The band continues with the three movement "First Suite in Eb for Military Band" by Gustav Holst written in 1921. "Esprit de Corps," based on "The Marines' Hymn," is an exciting and fast-paced work which pays tribute to the United States Marines. A swing-era piece by the same title is a tribute to their legacy. And of course there are the marches, including "The Liberty Bell March", "The Chimes of Liberty", "Hands Across the Sea", "National Emblem March", "The Thunderer March". Mountain Ridge High School Auditorium, 22800 North 67th Avenue, Glendale. Free admission.
In 2013: Sunday, May 19 at 3 p.m.
In 2013: Sunday, May 19 at 3 p.m.
Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony in Surprise
Located at the WWII Memorial at the regional Library, 16089 N. Bullard, Ave., Surprise.
In 2013: Saturday, May 25 at 37 a.m.
In 2013: Saturday, May 25 at 37 a.m.
Memorial Day at The Wigwam
A Salute to the Troops concert with Fighter Country Partnership, featuring the Mary Hoffman Band.
In 2013: Sunday, May 26 at 5:30 p.m.
In 2013: Sunday, May 26 at 5:30 p.m.
Memorial Day Weekend Canal Ride
Riders will meet up at Kelly’s at Southbridge, 7117 East 6th Avenue in Scottsdale. Then it’s off to the first ride stop, Lon’s at the Hermosa. Then back on the canal path headed to O.H.S.O. Nanobrewery. Finally, riders will make their way to the final stop at Dos Gringos in Old Town Scottsdale. Food, friends and ice cold beer will be available at each stop. Registration is $25 per person and that includes a can of SanTan brew at each stop and food at Kelly’s at Southbridge. All riders must arrive no later than 3 p.m. and be ready to cruise the canal by 3:30 p.m.
In 2013: Sunday, May 26 at 3 p.m.
In 2013: Sunday, May 26 at 3 p.m.
Memorial Day Observance
The Pioneers’ Cemetery Association will be honoring those who have died in the service of their country at a ceremony at the Pioneer & Military Memorial Park at 14th Avenue and Jefferson Street in downtown Phoenix. The keynote speaker will be Marshall Shore, Phoenix's HIPstorian. Other participants include the Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory, the Knights Templar, and members of Civil War re-enactment organizations. Parking is available at Wesley Bolin Plaza. For more information call 602-534-1262.
In 2013: Monday, May 27 at 9 a.m.
In 2013: Monday, May 27 at 9 a.m.
Flags for Our Fallen
Over 150 American Flags and 150 Motorcycles paying tribute in 'Flags for Our Fallen'. The flag display and salute along with the official Ceremony are free. For $10 donation you can sponsor a flag. Register online.
In 2013: Monday, May 27 at 5:30 p.m.
In 2013: Monday, May 27 at 5:30 p.m.
Memorial Day Celebration
The Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts hosts the Memorial Day Celebration at the Pera Club, 1 E. Continental Dr., Tempe. This annual event celebrates Marching Music with a family-style barbeque that features entertainment, raffles, and food. The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps will debut their 2013 musical production "Pianoman." Tickets online or at the door.
In 2013: Monday, May 27 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In 2013: Monday, May 27 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
