From the sprawling horizon of Los Angeles, to the bustling beaches of Miami, many travelers plan to take full advantage of the long-anticipated three-day Memorial Day weekend. And this year, you won’t have to go too far or spend too much to make it a blissful and rewarding vacation when you make it a staycation.
According to AAA, 34.8 million Americans are expected to travel during the Memorial Day holiday weekend with 31.2 million planning to drive 50 miles or more to get to their destination. But you may not have to go that far to have a great time. A staycation allows you to enjoy your local festivities as though you are a tourist, without the costs and hassles of travelling.
From coast to coast and from sea to shining sea, we’ve complied your personal guide to some of the most fascinating and easily-accessible Memorial Day celebrations going on all around the country, with some destinations below likely within a stone’s throw of your home. These last-minute Memorial Day staycation options will have you spending more time enjoying your long weekend and less time on the road trying to get there.
Start your summer off right! Get into a staycation state of mind to save money, enjoy historic patriotic celebrations, check out unique jazz and blues festivals, and take in star-studded musical concerts — just a short drive away.
North (Mid-State)
St. Louis, MO: Blues + BBQ = A blissful weekend
– Perfect for Staycation travelers between Chicago and Memphis –
It’s Bluesweek in St. Louis and there’s nothing like the Bluesweek Festival, a series of free live concerts that will melt your blues away. Right in the heart of Soldiers Memorial, expect stunning performances by some of best blues artist around including the legendary Mavis Staples and St. Louis’s own resident diva Kim Massie. Did I mention it’s FREE? In a matter of time, all that good music may have you wondering who has “The Best Q in the Lou?” If so, then be sure to stick around the venue for the Bunge BBQ Battle Royale, where home cooks, restaurants, bars and renowned BBQ grill masters put their cooking skills to the taste.
Chicago, IL – A ‘Chi-Town’-style extravaganza
– Perfect for Staycation travelers between St. Louis and Memphis –
Support the troops and be a part of one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation. From State Street to Van Buren Street, join the people of Chicago as they honor the men and women of the Armed Forces at the Chicago Memorial Day Parade. Once you’ve basked in all that festive glory, be sure to make your way to The Randolph Street Market Festival. From furnishings to vintage apparels, jewelry and classic collectibles, there’s nothing like this indoor/outdoor urban antique market hosted in the historic West Loop neighborhood.
South
Atlanta, GA: Jazz festival and fireworks unite
– Perfect for Staycation travelers between New Orleans and Charlotte –
If jazz music just warms your soul, you need to make your way to Atlanta this Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy an incredible lineup of electrifying artists performing at the Atlanta Jazz Festival. And it’s FREE! Previous artists included Miles Davis and Nina Simone. This year, the festival is sure to ‘wow’ jazz lovers of every generation with performances by the fearsome bassist and prolific songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello and the critically acclaimed Cuban pianist and award-winning composer Aruán Ortiz. After you have satiated your appetite for great music, don’t miss the a state-of-the-art laser light show that sparkles in the sky at the Salute to the Troops Lasershow Spectacular at Stone Mountain Park. It’s perfect for the entire family.
Miami, FL: A Memorial Day concert that sizzles
– Perfect for Staycation travelers between Key West and Charlotte –
If by chance you just love reggae music — and that’s love with a capital “L” — then the Best of the Best Concert is where you want to be this Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy a 10-hour long music extravaganza right in the heart of downtown Miami’s Bicentennial Park. Expect exhilarating performances by the legendary Beres Hammond and the Grammy Award-winning King of Dancehall, Beenie Man. Once the music starts to fizzle out, be sure to make your way to the Memorial Day Ceremony in Triangle Park to witness the spectacular Presentation of Colors parade.
More staycation ideas!
East
New York City, NY: Parks, Parades and a free concert for good times
– Perfect for Staycation travelers between Boston and Baltimore –
Much like the diversity of the Big Apple, you can expect a wide array of unique events happening around town for the Memorial Day holiday. The Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade has been a neighborhood tradition since the 1800s, with many veterans often in attendance. The parade runs along Third Avenue towards Marine Avenue and continues to Fourth Avenue before making its way to John Paul Jones Park. Queens and Manhattan also have their own spectacular parades, so depending on which is closer, check them out. If you’re looking to have your three-day weekend vacation soar to even higher heights, then be sure to visit the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. Enjoy several free Memorial Day weekend events, including a flight deck screening of the award-winning 1980s film Top Gun, exclusive musical performances, a commemoration ceremony Monday morning, and a discussion about African-Americans who served in WWII. Last but not least, you can also enjoy a free concert by The New York Philharmonic at Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine.
Washington, D.C.: Unique commemorations
– Perfect for Staycation travelers between Hartford and Virginia –
How great would it be to be in the heart of the D.C. during the Memorial Day weekend? Everyone in town anticipates the National Memorial Day Parade, not to be missed if you are in the region. This timeless event will be filled with floats and marching bands along with musical performers and celebrity veterans making their way along Constitution Avenue. If you prefer getting your wheels in motion, over standing and watching, the annual Rolling Thunder bike rally boasts more than 250, 000 motorcyclists, who will be making their way from the Pentagon to the U.S. Capitol. Be sure to squeeze in some free time for a free concert by the National Symphony Orchestra on the West Lawn of the Capitol.
West
Los Angeles, CA: Festivals, more festivals and block Parties galore
– Perfect for Staycation travelers between San Francisco and Las Vegas –
You are sure to get your fill of festival fever in Los Angeles for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Aside from the booming backyard barbecues that will be happening, music festivals and entertaining block parties of all kinds will be taking Los Angeles by storm. Join the tens of thousands of L.A. residents at the Silver Lake Jubilee Music and Arts Festival where there will be great music, local art, and plenty of food. If you prefer a little jazz in your reggae, be sure to make it to the JazzReggae Festival, where reggae artists Ziggy Marley and Barrington Levy will perform on the same stage with songstress Santigold and Chicago-born hip-hop artist Common. If you still have more room for excitement that adds a Cajun twist, make your way to the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival with sizzling performances by Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners, and the refreshingly talented The Mannish Boys. With three stages — the Cajun/Zydeco stage, the Blues Stage, and the Kids Stage — the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival will feature two days of music, fun and sun with something for everyone to enjoy!
Make this Memorial Day holiday weekend the best yet by making it a staycation. Not only will your family thank you, but your pockets will, too.
Wanjira Banfield writes about travel and entertainment for theGrio. You can find her at www.wanjirasworld.com and follow her on Twitter @wanjirasworld.