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Hello, summer! We hope this long weekend is packed with fun and opportunities to relax and recharge.
Early summer means strawberry picking! Pickyourown.org has extensive guides for Northern Virginia and nearby Maryland.
Monday highlights
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World's Largest Bounce House
The “world’s largest bounce house” is back in Fort Washington for the next three weekends. Adults-only jump sessions are on the menu!
Pool season begins
D.C.’s public pools jumped into swim season this weekend. You can find locations and hours for pools and spray parks here.
Northern Virginia’s waterparks also opened up (except for Volcano Island, which will open later because of mechanical issues), as did Montgomery County's outdoor pools and Prince George’s County's pools and splash parks.
DC Black Pride
DC Black Pride is a long weekend packed with events through to Monday, including Pride in the Park at Fort Dupont Park. See Monday's schedule here.
Honoring Memorial Day
Place flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider or see a moving tribute with 600,000 poppies on the National Mall to mark Memorial Day.
Some special observances include:
- National Memorial Day Parade (Mon., 2 p.m., Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets NW, free): Line up anywhere along the parade route to watch marching bands and more in the Memorial Day parade hosted by Anthony Anderson and Drew Carey.
- National Memorial Day Observance (Mon., 11 a. m., Arlington National Cemetery, free): Arlington National Cemetery is a moving place to recognize fallen servicemembers. Seating will be available first come, first served. “Scheduled public events include performances by the United States Air Force Band’s Singing Sergeants and the U.S. Coast Guard Band, followed by a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries,” the website says. If you’re visiting Arlington National Cemetery, brush up on the parking and security rules. All visitors over the age of 16 should be prepared to show a photo ID.
- National Mall ceremonies (Mon., free): The National Park Service will host wreath-laying ceremonies at the major war memorials on the National Mall. At 5 p.m., "Taps" will be played at 11 sites across the Mall to honor fallen servicemembers. Visitors are invited to "pause at this time and reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day."
Event in Maryland
Red Hot Blues & BBQ
Through Mon., Glen Echo Park, $20-$30
Events in Virginia
Memorial Day at the National Army Museum
Through Mon., Fort Belvoir, free (reservations encouraged)
Viva! Vienna!
Through Mon., Vienna, Virginia, unlimited ride wristband starts at $45
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival
Mon., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., free
Parade on Park Avenue
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