How to spend Memorial Day weekend in Philly

We’ve all agreed that Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial kick-off to the season. That means grilled food, warm weather, live music, and fireworks are all on the agenda until Labor Day. This Memorial Day weekend, you can hit a mix of all of these things, whether you’re flying solo or bringing the family.

Who said the Shore gets to have all the summer fun? Here are the best ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend in Philadelphia. Remember to stay hydrated and be generous with your sunscreen as you soak up the long weekend sun.

Looking for events down the Shore? Check out our Memorial Day events calendar for the Shore.

(Museum / in-person / kid-friendly) From story time to live performances and art gallery visits, the Museum of the American Revolution offers plenty of ways to honor those who serve. Pop into the special exhibit Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War to learn about compelling stories of colonial veterans. Veterans, military, and Blue Star Families can enjoy free admission to the museum all weekend. (May 27-30, 101 S. Third St., amrevmuseum.org)

(Music / in-person / kid-friendly) Kick-off your summer with the Philly POPS as they put on a free concert to honor Americans who serve. This year’s concert features guest conductor Byron Stripling, vocalist Sydney McSweeney, and violinist Jennifer Orchard. The night will end with a fireworks show high above the Mann Center. (Free, May 27, 7 p.m., 5201 Parkside Ave., phillypops.org)

(Museum / in-person / kid-friendly) Bring the whole family to honor American service members while deepening your knowledge of the holiday. Visit the flag show to learn more about the stars and stripes, then head to the Thank A Vet station to write messages to Americans who’ve served. (May 27-29, 525 Arch St., constitutioncenter.org)

(Food and drink / in-person) Head to the winery and raise a glass to the start of summer. Sip on the summer hits wine flight or opt for something a bit stronger like the sangria spritz or sangria slushie. Common Good Pizza will be serving up slices while live music acts rotate in all weekend. (May 28-30, 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, chaddsford.com)

(Seasonal / in-person / music / kid-friendly) Nothing says summer on the Delaware River like a brilliant fireworks show with a great soundtrack. This year, Visit Philadelphia hosts a free fireworks show over the river, which can be viewed from Race Street Pier, RiverRink Summerfest, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and more points along the Delaware River near Old City. Head to the Garden at Cherry Street Pier for a great view of the show, followed by a free concert by Liberty Vibes, the 78th Army’s band. (Free, May 28, 9:30 p.m., 121 N. Columbus Blvd., cherrystreetpier.com)

(Food and drink / in-person) Take in the fireworks show from the water while you cruise down the Delaware River. This three-hour cruise includes a buffet dinner, drinks, stunning views of the city, and onboard entertainment. ($119.47-$144.37, May 28, 7-9:30 p.m., 401 S. Columbus Blvd., cityexperiences.com)

(Food and drink / in-person / kid-friendly) If summer for you is synonymous with grill lines on burgers and live music, then you won’t want to miss this BBQ. Grab lunch from one, or both, food trucks and enjoy two special sangrias inspired by summer from Bellview Winery. Tables are available first-come, first-served but you can bring your own tables and chairs and grab a space under the tent. (May 28, noon-5 p.m., 150 Atlantic St., Landisville, NJ, visitsouthjersey.com)

(Community / in-person) Laurel Hill Cemetery was the site of the first Memorial Day observance in Philadelphia. This year, the community gathers and performs a traditional service honoring veterans who lost their lives in service. The event is free to attend, but a $5 donation is appreciated. (Free, May 29, 12 p.m., 3822 Ridge Ave., thelaurelhillcemetery.org)

(Seasonal / in-person) Join hosts Legendary Parry P and Ms. Patty Jackson from WDAS as they kick off the summer at an evening party at Rivers Casino. There will be DJ sets and live music performances from musicians including Sam The Beast and DJ Too Tuff. If you’re feeling festive, come dressed in red, white and blue. Veterans and service members can get 50 percent off with ID. ($30, May 29, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., 1001 N. Delaware Ave., eventbrite.com)

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