San Diego's deep and strong military connection means there's no shortage of places to visit that will bring a special meaning to Memorial Day weekend.
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery – There is probably no other location in San Diego where the scope of America's military sacrifice hits home quite as much. While Fort Rosecrans is closed on Federal holidays, Memorial Day is the one holiday during which the cemetery remains open. Visitation hours are daily from sunrise to sunset. The Memorial Day ceremony is San Diego's largest and most celebrated memorial dedicated to our fighting men and women. Memorial Day, May 27th from 10am until 2pm. The location is 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive. More info here.
There will also be a sunrise service at Fort Rosecrans, Monday, Memorial Day beginning at 5:30am.
Another iconic San Diego location and one that will give you a beautiful view of San Diego as well, is the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South in La Jolla. This Sunday, there's a special plaque presentation honoring Doris "Dori" Miller, the first Africa-American Navy Cross recipient. Awarded for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The ceremony will also feature a special tribute to America's "Gold Star" families. Be at the Memorial from 2:00pm to 3:00pm Sunday, May 26 for the presentation. Or any time during the weekend to enjoy the view and reflect on those heroes to whom we owe so much.
The USS Midway Museum Remembrance Ceremony will happen Saturday, May 25 beginning at 9:00am and will include guest speakers, a wreath presentation and fly-overs. Admission is free for this event.
Miramar National Cemetery will host a memorial service on Sunday, May 26 starting at 1:00pm. Location is 5795 Nobel Drive and admission is free. More info here.
Other remembrance/observance locations around the county:
- Coronado, VFW Post 2422, 557 Orange Ave., May 27, 10am
- Del Mar, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 335 14th St., May 27, 11am
- Encinitas, San Dieguito American Legion Post 416, 210 W. F St., May 27, 10:30am
- Escondido, Oak Hill Memorial Park, 2640 Glenridge Road, May 27, 10am
- Julian, Julian Pioneer Cemetery, A Street and Farmer Rd., May 27, 11am
- Lakeside, VFW Post 5867, 12650 Lindo Lane, May 27, 11am
- National City, La Vista Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3191 Orange St., May 27, 1pm
- Oceanside, Veterans Association of North County, 1617 Mission Ave., May 27, 10am
- Oceanside, Mission San Luis Rey Parish, 4050 Mission Ave., May 27, 8am
- Rancho Bernardo, Webb Park off Bernardo Center Drive, May 27, 10:30am
- San Diego, Greenwood Memorial Park, 4300 Imperial Avenue, May 27, 1:30pm
San Diego's military history is also proudly displayed at several of our best-known museums. Here's a few to check out:
USS Midway Museum – This has become one of the most recognizable landmarks along San Diego's Big Bay. The ship is a floating tribute to the thousands of men who served on her decks for more than 50 years. More info and tickets here.
San Diego Air and Space Museum – The whole family will enjoy this huge collection of military aircraft that covers the very earliest history in WWI all the way to the jet age. The Aerospace Hall of Fame honors those who pioneered the world of flight design. Info and tickets here.
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum – As the name implies, you'll find this fascinating installation at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and is the only Marine Corps Aviation Museum in the nation. The volunteer staff are extremely knowledgeable and served as military pilots or ground crew. Free admission, more info here.
Veterans Museum and Memorial Center – Located in Balboa Park, the center honors the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Coast Guard and Wartime Merchant Marine. Among many exhibits, you'll find a memorial listing all of those from San Diego who were killed or listed as MIA during the Vietnam War. More information here.
CAF Air Group One World War II Museum and Hangar – Did you know that El Cajon has its own military aviation museum? It's located at Gillespie Field and honors those who served in WWII. Admission is free. More info here on the web site.
Port of San Diego's "Greatest Generation Collection" – If you've strolled along the embarcadero, you've probably seen some of the Port of San Diego's "Greatest Generation Collection" art works. "The Homecoming" sculpture, the "Aircraft Carrier Memorial," "The Military Tribute to Bob Hope" and the iconic, 25-ft sculpture, "Unconditional Surrender" are all a part of this walking tour. This document will tell you more and serves as a great guide.
----------------
Unfortunately, no local baseball this weekend. Our San Diego Padres are on the road. They'll play a 3-game series at the Blue Jays before moving on to three with the NY Yankees. You can catch all the action with The Fan, on the radio, at 97.3FM.
Here are a few other music, outdoor and family events that are going on around San Diego this weekend.
EOD Warrior Foundation 5K Run-Walk
Monday, May 27, 7:00am, Liberty Station's NTC Park in Point Loma
Run-Walk benefits the EOD Warrior Foundation which helps the families of service members who specialize in explosives ordnance.
Info and registration here.
Maritime Museum Festival of the Sea
Saturday, May 25, 10:00am, (all weekend) San Diego's Maritime Museum
Maritime Museum of San Diego, home to one of the world's finest collections of historic vessels, exhibits, and on-the-water adventure guest experiences, will host the region's first annual Port of San Diego Festival of the Sea on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, May 25-27, 2019.
More information here.
Coast to Cactus in California
Daily, 10am to 5pm (through January 2020), San Diego Natural History Museum
The coastline, mountains, deserts, and more—it's all here, ready to be explored. See it in Coast to Cactus in Southern California, a brand-new, permanent exhibition on view at the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Info and tickets here.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
May 24, 25, 26 at 8:00pm, OB Playhouse
OB Playhouse brings this deliciously dark tale to life on its intimate stage under the masterful direction of Manny Bejarano and musical direction of Will Ah Sing, with a cast of local theatre favorites.
Info and tickets here.
15th Annual Freedom Fest at the USS Midway Museum: Featuring Daughtry
Friday, May 24th at 8:00pm, USS Midway Museum
Daughtry performs on the deck of the USS Midway Museum.
Get info and tickets here.
Little Feat in Concert (Classic Rock, Pop)
Friday, May 24 at 8:00pm, Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay
Info and tickets here
The Damned in Concert
Friday, May 24 at 7:00pm at House of Blues
A little goth punk rock for your weekend? The Damned are at House of Blues.
Info and tickets here
Lee Dewyze in Concert
Saturday, May 25 at 8:30pm, Humphrey's Backstage Live
Leon James "Lee" DeWyze, Jr. is an American singer-songwriter from Mount Prospect, Illinois, and the winner of the ninth season of American Idol.
Info and tickets here
Matisyahu (Reggae/Hip Hop/Rock)
Saturday, May 25 at 9:00pm at Music Box, San Diego
Info and tickets here
The Lemonheads with Restless Age (Alternative Rock)
Saturday, May 25 at 9:30pm at The Casbah
Info and tickets here
Jenny Lewis - On The Line Tour 2019
Sunday, May 26th at 7:00pm, House of Blues
Singer/songwriter Jenny Lewis is one of indie rock's most popular ingénues. Lewis performs at the House of Blues, Sunday, May 26th.
More info and tickets here.
San Diego Co-Ed 4v4 Beach Volleyball
Sunday, May 26, 10am to 12pm at South Mission Beach
Join us for some great volleyball fun. Whether you are new to town or just want to play on a team and meet new people, playing beach volleyball is a great way to stay fit and be active.
Info and registration details
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 1
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 2
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 3
© MCTWhat's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 4
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 5
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 6
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 7
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 8
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 9
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 10
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 11
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 12
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 13
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 14
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 15
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 16
What's Happening: Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 17
