Memorial Day weekend is finally upon us and that means it’s time to kick-off the summer season. From trips to the shore, to firing up the grill, honoring fallen veterans, and then of course, partying like there’s no work on Monday -the city is sizzling with things to do. Check out our guide to Memorial Day weekend in Philly.
1. ‘No Toll Friday’ returns to AC Expressway for rush hour
One of the busiest travel weekends is upon us! Chickie’s and Pete’s will again team up with South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) and the Atlantic City Expressway. Chickie’s and Pete’s picks up the toll tab on May 24th from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. Earlier that afternoon, Chickie’s and Pete’s countdown with family fun from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Farley Plaza – including complimentary orders of their world famous Crabfries®.
🇺🇸 Where: Atlantic City Expressway mile marker 20
2. Learn about Memorial Day all weekend at the National Constitution Center
From May 25-May 27, enjoy free admission to the National Constitution Center in honor of Memorial Day. Next, learn about the meaning of the holiday with special programming all weekend long. From presentations highlighting famous memorials, to crafts & workshops, as well as daily flag raising, this family-friendly weekend is both entertaining and educational.
🇺🇸 Where: 525 Arch St.
3. Visit the site of Philadelphia’s first Memorial Day celebration in 1868
Sunday May 26th, from 12pm -2pm, Laurel Hill Cemetery will host a special program including patriotic music, wreath-laying ceremonies, honor guards, and refreshments. Markedly, Laurel Hill Cemetery is the site of the very first Memorial Day commemoration in Philadelphia in 1868.
🇺🇸 Where: 3822 Ridge Ave.
4. Enjoy a memorial day party upon Philly’s premier rooftop
Join One Group for DUSK during Memorial Day Weekend on Sunday, May 26th from 10pm-2am. Get ready to kickoff summer with One Group at everyone’s favorite rooftop for an unforgettable night! Enjoy carefully-crafted cocktails, a live DJ, sophisticated vibes, and the open air as your backdrop.. Get your tickets here.
🇺🇸 Where: 433 Chestnut St.
5. Get a taste of Nashville, TN with this one-day only pop-up party
This Memorial Day the music city meets the city of brotherly love. Monday, May 27 from 7:00 PM-12:00 PM, The Ranstead Room is hosting a one-day only pop-up party featuring Nashville’s The Fox Bar. This event features elevated cocktails, mixed by Ranstead’s Nico Diaz and Margarito Munive and Fox Bar’s Storm Sheler and Brandon Archilla, and live jazz music. There is no cover for the event and walk-ins are always welcome.
🇺🇸 Where: 2013 Ranstead St.
6. Forsythia unveils new summer bar menu
Just in time for Memorial Day, “Philly French” culinary destination Forsythia will debut their new summer bar menu. Chef Christopher Kearse and his team will present an array of bites from land and sea including the Soft-Shell Crab BLT with heirloom tomato, double smoked bacon, and sauce gribiche; Parisian gnocchi with blue crab, summer squash, and crab fat butter; and the Royale with Cheese, Forsythia’s iconic burger featuring a double smash patty, comeback sauce, comté, onion jam, and house pickles. The new menu is available from 7 p.m. to closing.
🇺🇸 Where: 233 Chestnut St.
7. Memorial Day celebration upon a historical ship
Monday May 27th at 10 a.m., head down to the waterfront for a Memorial Day event upon the ship, the Cruiser Olympia. This free, family-friendly event includes a presentation, entertainment, and a speech from naval admiral Karen Flaherty-Oxler. Head down to the Independent Seaport Museum to enjoy this special programming.
🇺🇸 Where: 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
8. Memorial Day Celebration at the Museum of the American Revolution
Join the Museum over Memorial Day Weekend from May 25-27 to pay tribute to the men and women who lost their lives in service to their country during the Revolutionary War and celebrate the freedoms they fought to secure for future generations. Admission is free for veterans, military, and Blue Star families courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal.
🇺🇸 Where: 101 S. 3rd St.