Ready for summertime, Philadelphia? Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the summer season (the first day of summer is June 21), but a great time to welcome longer days and balmy weather.
A number of locations in Philadelphia and the countryside are hosting celebratory events in honor of the long weekend. Some of the city’s museums boast extended hours this weekend, too, so making a trip to one of the marquee exhibits is a perfect addition to your weekend plans.
Spend time with friends and family and be sure to commemorate our military men and women at any one of the Memorial Day Weekend events.
Read on for our top picks this Memorial Day Weekend.
• 2013 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships at Lincoln Financial Field: Some of college lacrosse’s best and brightest are headed to Lincoln Financial Field for the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Tournament. From May 25 to May 27, semi finals and championships fill the field. Purchase your tickets soon to join in the action and root for your favorite team’s victory. Outside of the stadium, the free LaXperience Fan Fest invites fans to show off their lacrosse skills, meet some of the tournament’s star athletes and enjoy food and drinks.
• Fireworks and Fountains at Longwood Gardens: On Saturday, May 25 at 9:15 p.m. fireworks illuminate the night sky at Longwood Gardens’ Fireworks and Fountains event. The Memorial Day event marks the first in the summer series of fireworks. The show is coordinated to music by Elton John including Philadelphia Freedom, appropriately. Tickets to the event are available online and also include all-day access to Longwood Gardens.
• Amistad at the Independence Seaport Museum: In accordance with the Independence Seaport Museum’s new exhibit Tides of Freedom: African Presence on the Delaware River, the historic Amistad Schooner will visit the museum’s docks for a multi-day run from May 24 to May 29. Deck and sail tours will be available for guests. The ship has traveled around the globe to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade.
• Memorial Day Programming at the National Constitution Center: From Saturday, May 25 to Monday, May 27 the National Constitution Center celebrates military heroes with a number of family-friendly activities for museum guests. Activities include a patriotic karaoke station from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., American pride-themed arts and crafts, a flag etiquette lesson and a giant flag folding exercise on the front lawn. Each activity is included in the price of museum admission. The museum also provides guests with extended hours on Sunday, May 26 when the museum will remain open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Hidden City Festival Block Party: It’s the kick off weekend for the second annual Hidden City Festival, and an epic block party is set to go down at 12th and Wood Streets in the Callowhill neighborhood. From 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, local bands and DJs provide music for folks to dance up a storm at the Reading Viaduct. Food trucks will be on site serving up a variety of sweet and savory fare, and craft beer will be available as well. Tickets are available online.
• Memorial Day Parade, Service and Reception at Laurel Hill Cemetery: Laurel Hill Cemetery is home to the burial plot of General George Gordon Meade, a war hero from the Battle of Gettysburg. On Sunday, May 26 honor the famed war hero, and all war heroes, at the cemetery which will host a service and wreath-laying followed by a reception with complimentary refreshments.
• Memorial Day Weekend at Franklin Square: The Old City attraction hosts a celebratory weekend this Memorial Day. From Saturday, May 25 to Monday, May 27, Franklin Square hosts family-friendly festivities for all to enjoy. Children are invited to hop aboard the Lightning Bolt Express for a train ride around the park. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at the popular SquareBurger restaurant, ride around and around on the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel and challenge friends and family to a game of mini golf.
• Memorial Day in Historic Philadelphia: The Historic Philadelphia Center raises its hat to Memorial Day with a slew of events from Saturday, May 25 to Monday, May 27. Each day at 3:45 p.m. listen to a live reading of the Declaration of Independence located behind Independence Hall. At 10 benches throughout the historic district, listen to stories about America’s history from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children are invitied to march to a militant drum at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. where they will learn marching and musket etiquette at the Signers’ Garden. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell will also be open all weekend long for visitors.
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