San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Memorial Day observances and summer fun
Celebrated on the last Monday in May — this year it’s May 27 — Memorial Day will see Bay Area organizations paying tribute to the occasion with parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, memorial services and local presentations honoring fallen American soldiers.
However, it’s not all solemn observances. There are plenty of afternoon barbecues and parties scheduled to mark the unofficial start to summer season. And right on schedule, the long weekend will be packed with festivals, including Carnaval San Francisco and Napa’s 2024 BottleRock music festival.
Check out the Chronicle’s guide to what to do to mark the occasion around the Bay Area over the three-day holiday weekend.
Services, ceremonies and parades
USS San Francisco Memorial Day Event
Honor the sailors and Marines who gave their lives during the historic World War II Battle of Guadalcanal aboard the USS San Francisco in 1942. The event will feature live music from the Sea Cadet Band of the West and the Mare Island Chorale, as well as a program featuring keynote speaker retired Navy Rear Adm. Thomas L. Andrews III and others.
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 26. Free, r egistration recommended. USS San Francisco Memorial, end of El Camino Del Mar, Lands End, S.F. 415-334-0263. https://usssanfrancisco.org
Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery Memorial Day Service
Commemorate Memorial Day with a visit to the oldest military cemetery on the West Coast.
Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, May 27. Free. Birch Road, Benicia. 707-693-2460. www.cem.va.gov
San Rafael Memorial Day Service
Marin County United Veterans Council conducts a program featuring patriotic music, speakers, a flag display and wreathlaying ceremony.
9 a.m. Monday, May 27. Free. Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 20 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 415-473-7000. www.marincounty. gov
USS Hornet Memorial Day Service
Observe the occasion on board the USS Hornet with a wreath-laying ceremony, color guard presentation, guest speakers and a memorial squadron flyover.
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday, May 27. Included with museum admission; veterans free. 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda. 510-521-8448. https://uss-hornet.org
S.F. Presidio Memorial Day Observance
Beginning with a live band concert, the program will include local politicians and veteran speakers. There will also be a wreath ceremony and San Francisco Coast Guard Air Station flyover. The Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno will also hold a morning ceremony.
10:30 a.m. Monday, May 27. Free. Presidio Main Post, 50 Moraga Ave., S.F. 650-589-7737. www.cem.va.gov
Strength in Numbers: Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade
Mark the holiday with a small-town parade, preceded by a memorial service at 9:45 a.m. Stake out a spot near downtown’s Lytton Square, where some of those marching will pause for brief performances. A carnival and live music continue Monday’s festivities at the community center after the parade.
10:30 a.m. Monday, May 27. Free. Parade route runs from Old Mill Park to Mount Tamalpais High School along Miller Ave., Mill Valley. http://mviloveaparade.com
Festivals and other events
Marin Greek Festival
Celebrate the holiday weekend with live music from the Kymata Band, Greek food, wine and sweet treats, speakers, cultural activities and dancing.
5-9 p.m. Friday, May 24; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, May 25; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, May 26. Free-$5 admission. Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church, 1110 Highland Dr., Novato. https:// maringreekfestival.org
Memorial Day Weekend Bay Area Kidfest
This long-running annual Bay Area family event is set to feature live entertainment, children’s activities, food vendors, carnival rides, arts and crafts and exhibitors. There will be a Memorial Day ceremony at noon on May 27, set to feature the award-winning Concord Blue Devils C Drum and Bugle Corps and the Mount Diablo High School Jr. ROTC color guard.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, May 25-26; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, May 27. $8-$40, under 2 and seniors free; reservations recommended. Mount Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St., Concord. 925-408-4014. www.kidfestconcord.com
Memorial Day Weekend Treasure Fest
Enjoy a holiday weekend strolling the outdoor artisan marketplace set along a Treasure Island promenade. It’s set to include live music from three bands each day, interactive art exhibits, games, food trucks, mocktails, cocktails and more than 300 makers and vendors to browse.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, May 25-26. $5-$20, under 4 free; reservations recommended. 500 Avenue North, Treasure Island, S.F. 415-898-0245. www.treasurefest.com
Presidio Pop Up DJ Series
Enjoy live DJ sets from Audio 1, food trucks, views of the Golden Gate Bridge and more.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 25. Free. S.F. Presidio Main Parade Lawn, Montgomery St., S.F. https://presidio.gov