Philadelphia Memorial Day Events
Memorial Day Weekend in Philly is packed with ways to celebrate. From food to family fun, here’s your go-to guide for a great holiday.
Philly’s packed with ways to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend — but picking the best events and activities can be tough. This go-to guide rounds up the top family fun, outdoor adventures, and festive eats to help you make the most of the long weekend.
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Memorial Day Weekend Attractions
Celebrate Memorial Day in Philadelphia by exploring the city’s top attractions — from historic sites to scenic riverfront spots. With plenty of family-friendly fun and engaging experiences, it’s the perfect time to make lasting memories together.
Summer Kickoff & Family Fun at Spruce Street Harbor
301 S. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
May 23-26, 2025
Kick off summer with a weekend of family fun, live music, and creative activities at Spruce Street Harbor Park’s Opening Weekend. From balloon twisting and stamp-making to drinks on the waterfront, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Patriotic Activities & Free Admission at National Constitution Center
525 Arch St, Philadelphia
May 24-26, 2025
The National Constitution Center honors Memorial Day all weekend with programs that explore the holiday’s history and how the nation remembers its fallen servicemembers. Families can enjoy flag ceremonies, crafts, trivia, and talks designed for all ages.
Tickets are required.
Memorial Day Remembrance at Laurel Hill
3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia
Sunday, May 25, 2025, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join the Memorial Day Service at Laurel Hill, the site of Philadelphia’s first Memorial Day in 1868, to honor veterans with the dedication of new gravestones for three previously unmarked soldiers. The ceremony includes wreath-laying, speeches, music, and a pageant, welcoming veterans, historical groups, and the community to participate.
Memorial Day Eats & Entertainment
Memorial Day in Philadelphia offers more than just great food — enjoy delicious BBQ, festive drinks, and live entertainment. After indulging, take a stroll or explore one of the city’s top parks or playgrounds to relax and soak in the holiday spirit.
Philadelphia Tango Festival
2030 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia
May 23-26, 2025
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at the 2025 Philadelphia Tango Festival, honoring legendary musician Aníbal Troilo.
Enjoy workshops for all levels, live concerts, milongas with top DJs and bands, and social events, but be sure to purchase your ticket in advance to secure your spot.
Memorial Day Irish Fest
9130 Academy Road, Philadelphia
May 26, 2025, from 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Celebrate Irish culture at the annual Irish Fest at the Cannstatter with live music all day, family-friendly fun, and plenty of food and beer available for purchase.
Admission is $15 at the gate; please note no outside coolers, pets, alcohol, or food are allowed on park grounds.
Memorial Day Outdoor Events
Get outside this Memorial Day with a family-friendly Philly bike ride or trail adventure. Explore local outdoor activities and events to make the most of the holiday together.
Summerfest Opening Day at Blue Cross RiverRink
101 S. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia
May 23, 2025
Celebrate the start of summer at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, a Philly Waterfront favorite with roller skating, mini-golf, games, and tasty eats — all with stunning river views.
It’s free to enter and open to the public, but be sure to reserve your roller skates in advance for a smooth experience!
Memorial Day Freedom Run
2 Riverside Dr, Camden
May 24, 2025, from 7:30 am – 11:30 am
Join the Memorial Day Freedom Run to honor and remember those who sacrificed for our freedom with a meaningful run or walk. Open to all ages and paces, this stress-free event offers scenic routes, optional timing, and swag like finisher medals and shirts — all supporting a powerful cause.
Sign up today to celebrate freedom and make this Memorial Day unforgettable. (Explore more Family-Friendly Charity Walks and Runs in the Greater Philadelphia Region here!)
Enchanted Weekend at Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square
May 23-25, 2025, from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Celebrate Fountain Fest Weekend with Taylor Swift–themed tours, live music, family activities, and dazzling fountain shows. Enjoy pop hits on the organ and carillon, plus themed concessions all weekend long.
The Philadelphia Renaissance Fair
6400 Hog Island Rd, Philadelphia
May 24-26, 2025, from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Experience three days of family fun and fantasy at Fort Mifflin’s Memorial Day Weekend Faire, featuring juggling, magic, archery, and more.
Tickets start at $10 and include access to four stages, food, drinks, and activities—rain or shine!
Celebrating Memorial Day in Philadelphia
Memorial Day weekend getaways from Philly can be great, but sometimes the best memories happen right at home. Combine tasty eats with fun attractions and outdoor activities around the city for a family-friendly holiday celebration like no other. Looking to celebrate outside the city? Check out our guides to Main Line Memorial Day events and Bucks County Memorial Day events for more ways to honor the holiday with your family.
Lead image courtesy of Delaware River Waterfront.
