Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday of May, commemorates the military who died while serving. Residents of San Francisco respectfully honor the memory of soldiers who gave their lives in the fight for peace and freedom. Numerous events, such as Memorial Day Commemoration at Presidio National Cemetery, Memorial Day Interfaith Service at the San Francisco Presidio, Community Picnic at the Presidio's Main Parade Ground, USS San Francisco Memorial, and Armed Forces Half Marathon at Todos Santos Plaza, Concord gather many visitors annually.
The three-day weekend always brings an array of events to San Francisco, starting from the official ceremonies in Presidio and ending at the Mission district. Harrison Street transforms for the weekend with wild dancing, drumming, and parades, which celebrate the cultures of Brazil, Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia, West Africa, and other countries. On top of that, the Memorial Day weekend offers plenty of concerts, fairs, races, and various activities that are perfect for a three-day holiday.
Memorial Day Commemoration at Presidio National Cemetery (May 27, 2024)
Memorial Day Commemoration takes place at San Francisco National Cemetery in the Presidio and is the most important holiday highlight. The Presidio is a 1,500-ac (607-ha) park, which was set up in a former military area. It has been the site of the Memorial Day events in San Francisco since the establishment of this holiday in 1868. Last year, starting on Monday at 10:30 am, the ceremony honoring one million Americans killed. The event included a 21-gun salute and solemn speeches, lasting until around 1:30 pm. The Presidio also hosts several picnics throughout the weekend.
Memorial Day Interfaith Service at the San Francisco Presidio (late May 2024)
This event usually takes place on Memorial Day. In 2023, after a Memorial Day ceremony at the National Cemetery from 11 am to noon, the Interfaith Center at the Presidio Chapel hosted a Meditative Organ Concert, showcasing the talents of resident organist Reverend James Parrish Smith. The organizers have not yet confirmed the event in 2024.
Community Picnic at the Presidio's Main Parade Ground (late May 2024)
Off-the-Grid’s Picnic at the Presidio was usually held on Monday from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at the Main Post Lawn on the Main Parade Ground. It was perhaps the most massive outdoor picnic during Memorial Day weekend, with some of San Francisco’s best restaurants serving their most delicious foods. The organizers have not yet confirmed the event in 2024.
USS San Francisco Memorial (late May 2024)
Fallen US Navy members will be honored during the USS San Francisco Memorial, held annually at the USS San Francisco in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area since 1950. The USS San Francisco participated in most of the Pacific battles, from Pearl Harbor to the end of WWII, gaining 17 battle stars. Last year, the event took place on Sunday of the Memorial Weekend.
Other Memorial Day Ceremonies (May 26, 2024)
Another ceremony is held at the USS Pampanito at Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 45, where submarine veterans honor their comrades and submarines lost at sea. "Lost Boat" ceremony features 52 bell tolls for each vessel. Bay Area's famous museum USS Hornet also hosts the Memorial Day Ceremony at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda. The USS Hornet is open from 10 am to 5 pm on with many special events and exhibits during the day.
Armed Forces Half Marathon in the Briones Regional Park, Martinez (May 25, 2024)
Runners can participate in the Armed Forces Half Marathon Year of The Marine to honor those men and women who gave their lives for American freedom. The run will begin at 6:30 in the Briones Regional Park with the national anthem. It's a great opportunity to test your spirit and join an important event that honors America's fallen soldiers.
