Sunday, May 24: Washington kicks off the summer season with a Memorial Day weekend packed with events. The annual Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally, which raises awareness about veteran benefits and POW issues, brings thousands of motorcyclists to Washington on May 24. The riders depart from the Pentagon at noon and arrive at the Reflecting Pool at 1:30 for a program with guest speakers and live music. That evening at 8, PBS will broadcast its Memorial Day concert from the west lawn of the Capitol. The concert, hosted by actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, includes appearances by performers including Laurence Fishburne, Denyce Graves, Trace Adkins, and Brian Stokes Mitchell as well as music by the National Symphony Orchestra, military choruses and bands, and more. The parade is the next day, with marching bands, floats, and balloons. It starts at Constitution Avenue and Fifth Street, Northwest, at 2 PM.
Not going away this weekend? Don’t be sad! There’s lots to do around town in our jam-packed, weekend-nightlife guide.
>> Get the full nightlife guide here
