Honoring our Heroes: Memorial Day Events in Southern California
On Memorial Day, the heroes made the ultimate sacrifice to help protect us and keep America free.
If you’re looking for a way to honor these heroes, there are many celebrations happening on Memorial Day weekend throughout the area. Here are a few of the best:
Nuvision’s Military Gas Giveaway
When: Monday, May 27, 2019
Where: Mobil Gas Station - 16001 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Cost: Free for Military and Veterans
Nuvision is proud to again support our military this Memorial Day by honoring the men and women of the military who have given their lives to protect our country and secure the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted. We’ll be supplying a free tank of gas up to 20 gallons to any service member or veteran with a valid military ID. The Free event is at the Mobile gas station at the corner of Edinger & Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach, CA.
Old-Fashioned Memorial Day Celebration
When: Monday, May 27, 2019, at 11:00 am
Where: Westminster Memorial Park & Mortuary 14801 Beach Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683
Cost: Free
The Old-Fashioned Memorial Day Celebration at Westminster Memorial Park maintains long-held American traditions to honor fallen heroes. The day starts off with a service, followed by food and light refreshments. Guests can enjoy live music and entertainment, as well as a “missing man formation” flyover.
Memorial Day Monday Half Marathon
When: Monday, May 27, 2019 (see website for specific expo and race start times)
Where: Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA (see website for specific race start points)
Cost: Prices vary depending on what event you enter
The 21st annual Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon will feature a half marathon, 5K run/walk, 10K run/walk, a half mile Kid’s Run, and a 50-yard Diaper Dash for children three and under. All experience levels are welcome to join in this fun day of exercise and Memorial Day festivities. In addition to the races, there will be an expo on Monday from 7:30-12:00 pm. It will feature live entertainment, over 50 booths, and kid’s bounce houses.
Boots on the Beach: Memorial Day Memories
When: Sunday, May 26, 2019, from 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Where: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 United States
Cost: $20/ person – Kids under ten enter free
Enjoy a weekend full of live music from Garth G Live Garth Brooks Tribute, Neon Circus -Brooks and Dunn Tribute, line dancing, special guests, and food trucks! This all-ages event features country vendors, dance lessons, full bars, and more. Beachfront cottages and RV or tent camping options are available
When: Sunday, May 26, 2019, at 9:30 pm
Where: Knott's Berry Farm
Cost: Tickets start at $49/ person, bring military ID for discount
Celebrate the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom with a Memorial Day firework show. Before the show, enjoy a full day of Knott’s Berry Farm activities, from thrill rides to Knott’s Soak City, you’ll be sure to have a blast.
When: Monday, May 27, 2019, at 11:00 am
Where: Pier Plaza, 1 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free
This event honors our fallen service members with a 21-gun salute, flag raising, and playing of taps. It is an annual gathering attended by local dignitaries and hosted by the American Legion Post 133. The ceremony is open to the community.
Santa Ana Cemetery - Memorial Day Program
When: Monday, May 27, 2019, at 10:00 am
Where: Santa Ana Cemetery, 1919 E Santa Clara Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Cost: Free
This program occurs annually to celebrate our military. This year’s event will feature guest speakers, musical performances, a wreath presentation ceremony, color guards with a parade of flags, and an honor guard rifle salute.
Commemorate Memorial Day POW Tribute at the Nixon Library
When: Monday, May 27, 2019, from 10:00-2:00 pm
Where: Richard Nixon Library & Museum, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886 United States
Cost: Event entry is free, but paid admission is required to tour any other museum exhibits
Pay a special tribute to POW soldiers and their families with this event at the Richard Nixon Library and Museum. The event includes a wreath-laying ceremony, a POW wives panel from the Vietnam War, and a symphonic band concert performing American classics.
City of Dana Point Memorial Day Service
When: Monday, May 27, 2019, at 10 am
Where: Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
Cost: Free
This 90-minute ceremony emphasizes how lucky we are to be Americans and honors the sacrifices made to secure our freedom. Presented by the VFW Post 9934 and the City of Dana Point, this service will feature a Color Guard, and the bugle call taps played on the trumpet. All are welcome to come and pay their respects.
Battleship IOWA Memorial Day Tribute
When: Monday, May 27, 2019, from 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Where: Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship USS Iowa, 250 S Harbor Blvd, Berth 87, San Pedro, California 90731
Cost: Free
The Memorial Day Tribute begins with a ceremony to remember those who have made sacrifices for our nation. It is followed by a variety of activities, including beer tasting, food trucks, free face painting, a Kids’ crafts tent, military vehicles, and more. This free community event is sure to be enjoyed by all ages.
