Jump-start summer with a hero-honoring weekend.

Be sure to see what's going on at the wineries and elsewhere as you make your plans, as this is not necessarily a comprehensive list of weekend opportunities.

Coastal Virginia - Hampton Roads | Northern Virginia
Central Virginia | Shenandoah Valley | Blue Ridge Highlands 

 Coastal Virginia - Hampton Roads

Newport News - May 27 - Memorial Day Celebration at Victory Arch - This annual ceremony is held at 11 a.m. at the Victory Arch. Afterward, learn about America's rich military heritage at the Virginia War Museum. Visitors on this day only will receive a $1 discount on admission.

Newport News - May 27 - Memorial Day Concert - U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band - Raise the flag, raise your spirits and celebrate a proud holiday with this extraordinary ensemble of musicians. Park opens at 5pm. Concert followed by fireworks at 7pm.

Yorktown - May 27 - Memorial Day Ceremony at York Hall - Includes the posting of colors, historical re-enactors, a guest speaker, the placing of flowers, and the presentation of awards to student winners of the "York County Remembers" Poster Essay Contest.

Williamsburg - May 27 - Memorial Day Commemorative Program - Gather for a modern service honoring military veterans who died while serving their country. A procession with Fife and Drum support will proceed from the Palace to Bruton Parish Church and the French gravesite.

Portsmouth - May 27 - Annual Memorial Day Parade - A tradition since 1884, the City's Memorial Day Parade is the nation's oldest.

 Northern Virginia

Fredericksburg - May 24-25 - Memorial Day at Ferry Farm - Visit Historic Kenmore and Ferry Farm where Civil War living-history interpreters will bring the past to life. Learn about period chores and cooking, medicine, and weapons. See exhibitions of cavalry and infantry drilling. Hear period music and play games. Please note - this event takes place at both Ferry Farm and at Kenmore Plantation. Separate admissions charged at each site.

Manassas - May 28 - Memorial Day Observance - Memorial Day Observance at Manassas National Battlefield Park. Musketry and Artillery salutes in memory of war dead, decoration of monuments with state flowers and flags.

Vienna - May 25-27 - ViVa Vienna Memorial Day Festival  - a family and community oriented celebration of Memorial Day and the greater Vienna Community spirit.

Falls Church - May 27 - City of Falls Church Memorial Day Festival and Parade - Something for Everyone Throughout the Day: Amusement Rides, Pony Rides, Arts and Crafts Booths, Food Vendors, Civic and Business Booths, and Live Entertainment.

 Central Virginia

Lynchburg - May 26 -  Confederate Memorial Day Service in Old City Cemetery - Annual Lynchburg tradition since 1866.

Glen Allen - May 27 - Memorial Day Wine and Cheese Pairing - Wine and Cheese pairing on Memorial Day - only $10 per person!

Bedford - May 25 - National D-Day Memorial -Stars & Stripes Forever: Patriotic Concert - Step into the Memorial and enjoy a stunning performance of patriotic music that will have your feet tapping and flags waving. What more appropriate time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have served in our military than Memorial Day weekend.

Bedford - May 27 - Remembering Their Sacrifice - The Memorial will have a wreath-laying ceremony at 11am to pay tribute to those who have given their lives in service to our nation. The ceremony includes a special musical tribute by the Bonsack Baptist Church Adult Choir, plaque dedications, and speakers. Free admission from 10am to noon.

Richmond - May 27 - Memorial Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial - This ceremony honors all veterans and reminds citizens that we must remain vigilant to protect our freedoms. We will have extended hours during the weekend with other special activities.

Petersburg - May 27 - Memorial Day Commemoration - At Pamplin Historical Park events will include an artillery demonstration, color bearers, and the playing of TAPS in commemoration of fallen soldiers.

 Shenandoah Valley

Shenandoah - May 24-25 - Memorial Day Festival and Parade - Memorial Day Festival and Parade is a small Town patriotic festival in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, where the river meets the mountains!

 Blue Ridge Highlands

Rocky Mount - May 18 -  Veterans Memorial Day - Meet on the Franklin County Courthouse green to honor local casualities of all wars & military operations.