1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Southeast US Travel

Memorial Day Events in the Southeast

South Carolina and Virginia - Ceremonies, Festivals and Special Events

By Sheridan Alexander, About.com

Hot-air balloons at Freedom Weekend Aloft

Hot-air balloons at Freedom Weekend Aloft

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Freedom Weekend Aloft

Memorial Day Weekend Events in South Carolina

  • Freedom Weekend Aloft - Simpsonville
    May 24 - 26, 2008

    Throughout Memorial Day weekend, this popular festival offers 100 beautiful hot-air balloons competing daily, concerts by the nation’s top entertainers, amusement rides, games, displays, children’s activities, a Frisbee Dog Contest, great food, Memorial Day fireworks and more.


  • Gullah Festival - Beaufort
    May 23 - 25, 2008

    Held on the weekend before Memorial Day, the Gullah Festival of South Carolina celebrates the history, customs, cultures, and accomplishments of the African Americans of the Lowcountry.


  • Iris Festival - Sumter
    May 23 -25, 2008

    South Carolina's oldest continuous festival includes concerts, an arts and crafts show, a golf tournament, a flower show, a food tasting, children's activities and more.


  • Plum Hollow Blue Grass Festival - Campobello
    May, 2008

    Always held the last Weekend in May, this festival is dedicated to the innovations made by creative artists breaking new ground with old music.


  • Spoleto Festival USA - Charleston
    May 23 - June 8, 2008

    Firmly established as one of the world’s major arts festivals, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston, South Carolina’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces each spring with over 120 performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in disciplines ranging from opera, theater, music theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music, as well as the visual arts.

Memorial Day Weekend Events in Virginia

  • Remember the Music-Remember the Heroes - Virginia Beach
    May 23 - 25, 2008

    Enjoy a Star-Spangled special tribute as bands from our Armed Forces perform music from various decades throughout the weekend along the Virginia Beach boardwalk.


  • Memorial Weekend at Wintergreen Resort
    May 23 - 26, 2008

    Wintergreen Resort located in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers four days of activities, including music, food, a fun-filled day at the lake, and much more.


  • Memorial Day Weekend Ceremonies at the National D-Day Memorial - Bedford, Virginia
    Two special events will take place during Memorial Day Weekend:
    - May 24, 2008 - Moonlight Serenade
    The Jefferson Choral Society will perform an evening concert of 1940s and patriotic music, beginning at 8 p.m. Regular admission fees apply and make a note to bring your own chair.
    - May 26, 2008 - Remembering Their Sacrifice
    At 11 a.m., a wreath-laying ceremony will pay tribute to those who have given their lives in service to our nation. The ceremony includes music, speakers, presentations and more. Admission is free from 10 a.m. until noon.

  • Fredericksburg National Cemetery Annual Luminaria
    May 24, 2008

    This annual program includes a historical walking tour to view the illumination of 15,300 candles in memory of those who have given their lives for their country. Taps will be played every 30 minutes. (Rain date - Sunday, May 25, 2008.)


  • Wolf Trap 2008 Summer Blast Off!
    May 25, 2008

    Celebrate the beginning of the summer season at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts with an evening of concert band favorites performed by the "The President's Own" United States Marine Band at the Filene Center. The popular annual free concert will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Gates Open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. concert and the fireworks viewing area opens at approximately 9:30 p.m. Capacity is limited and the park will close at capacity. Shuttle bus service will be available from the West Fall Church Metro station for this event.


  • Memorial Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery
    May 26, 2008

    An annual wreath laying ceremony and military concert, performed by the U.S. Army Band, will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial Day is one of only three annual holidays when special ceremonies are open to the public. Also, find out about the Memorial Day Weekend tradition known as Flags-in.


  • Memorial Day Ceremony at the United States Air Force Memorial
    May 26, 2008

    The Air Force Association and the Air Force Sergeants Association will host a 9 a.m. wreath laying ceremony in memory of the men and women of the United States Air Force and its heritage organizations at the United States Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley is the keynote speaker at this ceremony, which is open to the public. In a new tradition, this year the opportunity is available for individuals and Air Force alumni organizations to lay smaller wreaths in memory of their loved ones, friends and organizational members. Call the Air Force Memorial Office for more information or wreath ordering suggestions, if needed. Telephone: 703-979-0674. U.S. Air Force Memorial Web Site


  • Memorial Day at Colonial Williamsburg
    May 26, 2008

    An annual commemorative program will observe Memorial Day and remember those who have given their lives in the service of their country.


  • Memorial Day Jazz Festival - Fort Ward Park in Alexandria
    May 26, 2008

    Enjoy this free annual festival of American music performed by jazz ensembles and orchestras in a variety of jazz styles.


  • Additional Memorial Day Ceremonies Throughout Virginia
    May, 2008

    Visit the Virginia Tourism Web Site for information about more patriotic ceremonies taking place throughout Virginia including events in Bedford, Breaks, Clarksville, Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, Manassas, Newport News, Richmond, Shenandoah and Stuart.
Memorial Day Weekend Events: Georgia - North Carolina

Memorial Day Weekend Resort Destinations

Spring Festivals and Events in the Southeast

Explore Southeast US Travel

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Southeast US Travel
  4. Events, Festivals, Holidays
  5. Events Listed by State
  6. Georgia Events
  7. Memorial Day Events - Festivals and Celebrations - Memorial Day Weekend in the Southeast

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.