Memorial Day Weekend 2024 in Seattle

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, but celebrations extend over a weekend. It marks the start of the summer festival season with several events happening simultaneously in Seattle. But first of all, it is the time to remember service men and women of the U.S. armed forces who died for their country. The Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park holds an official commemoration service since 1927.

Memorial Day in Mill Creek (May 27, 2024)

Mill Creek has a Memorial Day program that starts with a solemn ceremony at the Veterans Monument. On Monday a patriotic parade marches at 11 a.m. through Mill Creek Town Center, featuring Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Civil Air Patrol, military vehicles, and a flyover by military jets. It is a huge celebration, for which locals prepare months in advance.

Memorial Day celebrations in downtown Seattle

See festive decorations on Main Street that include vintage military cars and historical exhibits. In downtown Seattle stop by The Garden of Remembrance at Benaroya Hall to honor Washington State citizens who were killed in service during World War II and wars in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The Museum of Flight offers a special program of Memorial Day starting with a concert by the Boeing Employee Concert Band, which is followed by a memorial service and presentation of the special exhibit.

Northwest Folklife Festival at Seattle Center (May 24–27, 2024)

Memorial Day weekend also means that the Northwest Folklife Festival is underway. The annual event attracts 250,000 attendees to Seattle Center. With more than 5,000 performers during four days, Northwest Folklife is one massive hippie festival where people can learn to dance, listen to world music, try street food from different countries, and shop for arts and crafts. Previous lineups included Naomi Wachira, Tomo Nakayama, and Astro King Phoenix. Jazz music fans can enjoy the Annual Couth Buzzard Jazz Festival held over Memorial Day Weekend. The festival featured artists like Kenny Mandell, Orville Johnson, and Julie Criswell.

Seattle International Film Festival at the SIFF Film Center (May 9–19, 2024)

Also, it's worth to remember that the Seattle International Film Festival is underway with a vast program that consists of more than 400 excellent films. This year, it will be the 50th festival, and a jubilee is always a great occasion to celebrate with a twist! After that, from May 20th to 27th, you'll be able to enjoy a week of films streaming.

Memorial Day Weekend Run at Magnuson Park (May, 2024, TBA)

If you are ready for a jog around picturesque Lake Washington, take part in the Memorial Day Weekend Run in Magnuson Park. Choose from a 5K, 10K, and 15K distance. The course and nature around will not disappoint you. Plus, it's a terrific family-friendly entertainment option.