Looking for events and activities to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in Philly? 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.

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 22–25, 2026

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 23–25, 2026

The National Constitution Center honors Memorial Day all weekend with programs that explore the holiday’s history and how the nation remembers its fallen service members. Families can enjoy flag ceremonies, crafts, trivia, and talks designed for all ages.

Admission to the National Constitution Center will be free on Saturday, May 23.

Memorial Day Remembrance at Laurel Hill

3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia
Sunday, May 24, 2026, 12 pm– 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.

RSVP to attend and pay what you wish.

Memorial Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution

101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia
May 23–25, 2026

Explore the history of the Revolutionary War through interactive exhibits, walking tours, and historical performances. Kids and adults can gather to celebrate and honor the revolutionaries who lost their lives to secure freedoms for future generations.

Grab a ticket in advance. Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy free admission for the weekend.

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

2715 E Allegheny Avenue, Philadelphia
May 22–25, 2026

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at the 2026 Philadelphia Tango Festival. The theme of the 14th annual festival is “Conscious Improvisation”, exploring how freedom and fluidity can be achieved through a deep study of tango.

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. Online registration ends May 13th.

Memorial Day Irish Fest

9130 Academy Road, Philadelphia
May 25, 2026, from 12 pm–8 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 hiking 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 22, 2026

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 23, 2026, 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, 2026, from 5 pm–10 pm

Celebrate Fountain Fest Weekend with America 250–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 Faire

6400 Hog Island Rd, Philadelphia
May 23–25, 2026, from 11 am–6 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 photo courtesy of Delaware River Waterfront.