Memorial Day is a time when we remember all of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. military. There are several events in the Richmond area to help you observe Memorial Day as well as other family events to take advantage of a long weekend.
May 26th
Family Camp-Out: A Night Under the Stars
Using stars as our guide, we’ll explore how humans and animals alike have navigated the world during this overnight camping adventure. Learn some map and compass skills while on a scavenger hunt. As the sun sets explore the lives of animals that migrate thousands of miles a year. Afterwards we’ll make s’mores and enjoy stories around the campfire. Following a night in your tent on Maymont’s grounds, enjoy a continental breakfast and take a morning hike. Ages 4 and older; all participants must register.
Hours: May 26 @ 6:00 pm – May 27 @ 9:00 am
Maymont
2201 Shields Lake Drive
Richmond, VA, 23220
James and the Giant Peach Jr.
Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most fantastic stories, Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach Jr. is a brand new take on this “masterpeach” of a tale. When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach which promptly rolls into the ocean and launches him on a journey of enormous proportions. Throughout his adventures, James befriends a collection of singing insects that ride the giant fruit across the ocean, facing hunger, disagreements, and even a shark attack! Featuring a wickedly tuneful score by Academy Award-winning songwriting team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land), this adventurous musical about courage and self-discovery is destined to be a classic.
Hours: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen:
2880 Mountain Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
May 27th
Wild Art Opening Events
Join us for Wild Art: A Journey Off-Canvas opening activities! Make your own “Wild Art” print to take home at Studio Two Three’s mobile print making truck, watch an engaging environmental theater performance from The Tale of Chef Kale and let your creativity go wild at SCRAP RVA: Richmond Creative Reuse Center’s STEAM stations. Explore and engage with a dozen sculptures and installations created by local artists, create your own art at Creation Stations and take part in these and more family-friendly activities.
Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
1800 Lakeside Avenue
Henrico, VA 23228
Autism Society Central Virginia 5k Run/Walk
For over 25 years, the Autism Society Central Virginia, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has served as the region’s premier source of education, advocacy, and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their families and friends, and interested professionals. To fulfill our mission to improve the lives of all affected by autism by maximizing the self- sufficiency, independence, and quality of life for all living with autism, the Autism Society Central Virginia established a 5K walk/run in 2002.
Hours: 8:00 am – noon
Innsbrook Pavilion
4901 Lake Brook Dr
Glen Allen ,VA 23060
Virginia Hot Glass Festival
Virginia Hot Glass Festival will be held Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 27, & Sunday, May 28! We invite dozens of hot glass artists who demonstrate glassblowing and flame working techniques throughout the weekend. We also open our expansive 2nd floor as a vendor area where you can see works from all our visiting artists and enjoy wine tasting by Barren Ridge Vineyards. DON’T MISS a performance from “Pumpkin Bread Band” on the Sunspots Pavilion, Saturday, May 27, 7pm-9pm.
Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunspots Studios
202 S Lewis St
Staunton, VA 24401
Traditional Trades Fair
Plan to attend Stratford Hall’s Traditional Trades Fair on May 27, 2017, which will feature local Montross native and master artisan Bill Jenkins and members of the Fredericksburg Area Woodworkers Guild, who will be demonstrating aspects of furniture making on the Oval. Accompanying these demonstrations will be a series of family-oriented activity tents, as well as on-site refreshments to purchase from Sweet n’ Sassy BBQ of Spotsylvania County, Va. Generous sponsorship is being provided by the Phase Foundation.
Cost: $15 adults, $10 for children 6 -12, under 6 free, Free to Friends of Stratford. Group pricing: 3 or more, $7 per person
Hours: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Stratford Hall
483 Great House Road
Stratford,VA 22558
Henricus Militia Muster
Enjoy a day of 17th century military training, including marching and fighting with body armor and muskets. Powhatan Indian interpreters will also demonstrate how native tactics and weaponry adapted against the colonists. Visitors will be able to train as an English musketeer or Native warrior.
Admission:
$8 Adults, $6 children aged 3 – 12
FREE admission with military I.D.
FREE for Henricus Patrons – it pays to be a Patron at Henricus — visit Henricus.org to learn more today.
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Henricus Historical Park
251 Henricus Park Rd
Chester, Virginia 23836
Memorial Day Saturday Celebration
Our brand NEW FREE festival celebrates all things Memorial Day and commemorates our heritage and history as a country. Gallmeyer Farms has invited all branches of the United States Military, as our featured guests, to set up static displays of military equipment and to help us remember those who gave it all. Our Gallmeyer Farms Memorial Day Saturday Celebration May 27 is a slice of authentic Americana celebrating all things USA in a family friendly environment. The Gallmeyer Farms Memorial Day Saturday Celebration features FREE parking, FREE admission, FREE live music, FREE hayrides, FREE activities for kids, food vendors and arts and crafts from all over the great state of Virginia and, of course PICK YOUR OWN STRAWBERRIES!
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Gallmeyer Farms – The Berry Patch
3622 Darbytown Court
Richmond,VA 23231
Planter’s Day Festival
Planters Day is an outdoor event that will interpret life on the farm in Chesterfield County in the late 1860s with costumed re-enactors, living history, exhibitors, period music, period demonstrations, crafts, and trades, including a doctor and midwife, carpenter, chair caner, and period children’s activities. Additionally, the beautiful 19th century Magnolia Grange house will be open for tours and all of the items in the Gift Shop will be 50% off! There will be food vendors on the property. Free for all ages and open to all! For details call LeeAnne Ball, 748-1498
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Magnolia Grange
10020 Iron Bridge Road
Chesterfield, Virginia 23832
Memorial Weekend Salute: Honoring our Heroes
We are celebrating Memorial Day all weekend long with extended fireworks shows, live entertainment, special offers and more. Plus – all active and retired military personnel get FREE admission to the park!
Hours: 10:30 am – 10:00 pm
Kings Dominion
16000 Theme Park Way
Doswell,VA 23047
James and the Giant Peach Jr.
Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most fantastic stories, Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach Jr. is a brand new take on this “masterpeach” of a tale. When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach which promptly rolls into the ocean and launches him on a journey of enormous proportions. Throughout his adventures, James befriends a collection of singing insects that ride the giant fruit across the ocean, facing hunger, disagreements, and even a shark attack! Featuring a wickedly tuneful score by Academy Award-winning songwriting team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land), this adventurous musical about courage and self-discovery is destined to be a classic.
Hours: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen:
2880 Mountain Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
May 28th
Virginia Hot Glass Festival
Virginia Hot Glass Festival will be held Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 27, & Sunday, May 28! We invite dozens of hot glass artists who demonstrate glassblowing and flame working techniques throughout the weekend. We also open our expansive 2nd floor as a vendor area where you can see works from all our visiting artists and enjoy wine tasting by Barren Ridge Vineyards.
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunspots Studios
202 S Lewis St
Staunton, VA 24401
Memorial Weekend Salute: Honoring our Heroes
We are celebrating Memorial Day all weekend long with extended fireworks shows, live entertainment, special offers and more. Plus – all active and retired military personnel get FREE admission to the park!
Hours: 10:30 am – 10:00 pm
Kings Dominion
16000 Theme Park Way
Doswell,VA 23047
The Foundry Market
The American Civil War Museum’s Foundry Market is an artisan craft fair with an emphasis on handmade, local products. We’ll have vendors from across the state, demonstrations of craftsman at work, and food trucks. Bring the whole family down for a Sunday at Historic Tredegar and imagine what our bustling ironworks might have been like 150 years ago.
Hours: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Historic Tredegar
500 Tredegar St
Richmond,VA 23219
Liberty or Death Reenactments
We offer free reenactments of the 2nd VA Convention each Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. See Patrick Henry’s famous Liberty or Death Speech. 9 costumed actors portray delegates, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. For all summer reenactments: Doors open at 1:05 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis Music program begins at 1:30 p.m. Reenactment begins at 1:45 p.m. (no admittance after program begins or when church is at capacity) These events are FREE, with a suggested donation of $5.00 per person. Advanced tickets can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com for $5.00. Search reenactment to see the list of show dates. Take photos with the delegates after the show.
Hours: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
St. John’s Church
2401 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23223
James and the Giant Peach Jr.
Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most fantastic stories, Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach Jr. is a brand new take on this “masterpeach” of a tale. When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach which promptly rolls into the ocean and launches him on a journey of enormous proportions. Throughout his adventures, James befriends a collection of singing insects that ride the giant fruit across the ocean, facing hunger, disagreements, and even a shark attack! Featuring a wickedly tuneful score by Academy Award-winning songwriting team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land), this adventurous musical about courage and self-discovery is destined to be a classic.
Hours: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen:
2880 Mountain Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Monday, May 29th
Lewis Ginter – FREE Admission for Military Personnel & First Responders
On Memorial Day (only) the Garden will offer FREE admission for military personnel and first responders and/or their dependents, with valid ID card. Anyone else in the party (non-dependents) can receive half-price admission. Also on this day military personnel and first responders can enjoy a 10% discount in the Garden Shop. Military members, first responders and their dependents can enjoy a 15% discount (excluding alcohol) in the Garden Café.
Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
1800 Lakeside Avenue
Henrico, VA 23228
Memorial Day Commemoration at Pamplin
Join us for the Walk of Honor, a guided tour focusing on specific soldiers who fought and sacrificed in the area of the Breakthrough. Get a taste of what life was really like during the Civil War. See the Park’s Memorial Day ceremony, including an artillery firing, color guard, and the playing of Taps. Music will be provided by the Haversacks and Hardtack String Band. All events and activities included with Park admission.
Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pamplin Historical Park
6125 Boydton Plank Road
Petersburg,VA 23803
61st Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony
Join us as we honor and remember all veterans who gave their lives to preserve our freedoms from the Revolutionary War to today’s conflicts. Guest speaker to be announced. The Galanti Education Center will be open extended hours during the weekend with other special activities. Co-hosted with the 11th District American Legion.
Hours: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Virginia War Memorial
621 South Belvidere Street
Richmond, VA 23220
Memorial Weekend Salute: Honoring our Heroes
We are celebrating Memorial Day all weekend long with extended fireworks shows, live entertainment, special offers and more. Plus – all active and retired military personnel get FREE admission to the park!
Hours: 10:30 am – 10:00 pm
Kings Dominion
16000 Theme Park Way
Doswell,VA 23047
Sandston Memorial Day Parade
Join The American Legion Posts 242 and 144 to honor Navy Veterans. Memorial service will be held at Seven Pines National Cemetery at noon.
- Noon: Veterans Recognition Ceremony at the Seven Pines National Cemetery
Speaker: Doug Middleton, Deputy County Manager - 1pm: Parade starts at Seven Pines Elementary School on Beulah Road and proceeds down
Williamsburg Road through Sandston to Confederate Avenue. - 2pm: Post parade festivities include live music, children’s activities, & exhibitor booths
Hours: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sandston
11 JB Finley Street
Henrico,VA 23250
Historic Cemeteries Bus Tour
Commemorate Memorial Day with a tour of Richmond’s historic 18th and 19th century cemeteries, including St. John’s Church, the African Burial Ground and Shockoe, Hebrew, Oakwood and Woodland cemeteries.
$25 per person
$20 for Valentine Members
Reservations are required. Space is limited.
Reservations: (804) 649-0711 ext. 301
Parking and same-day admission to the Valentine are included.
*Veterans must call (804) 649-0711 ext. 301 to reserve your free spot for this tour.
Free for all veterans!*
Hours: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Valentine
1015 East Clay Street
Richmond,VA 23219
If you see a Memorial Day weekend event not listed below, please contact us at cs@richmondmom.com.
