Exploring San Diego: Things to do May 25-29, Memorial Day weekend
May 26, 2023
Photo by: Visit Big BearSAN DIEGO — Memorial Day is a holiday to remember those who died while serving in the U.S. military, and there are many events planned across San Diego County over the weekend, along with many other fun activities.
Check out some events and activities happening this long weekend:
All Weekend Long
Where: Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Del Mar
May 26th - May 29th enjoy 20% off all food and beverage with a Military ID
FRIDAY
Legacy Week
Where: USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum will host Legacy Week with a lineup of activities from a wreath-laying to the showing of Top Gun: Maverick to a band performance and mixed choir. The museum will also have interactive exhibits available celebrating military heroes and heritage.
4th Annual National Burger Day Competition
Where: Solana Beach: Cost: Varies
This year’s “Burger King” gets crowned during the 4th Annual National Burger Day Competition. The talented chefs of Ranch 45 have battled it out through multiple rounds until only three remain. On Friday, May 26, guests can try any of the top three creations at Ranch 45 before the winner is crowned later that day, with their creations featured as the daily special through the weekend.
SATURDAY
Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival
Where: Riverview Parkway and Town Center; Cost: Free
Visitors will get to enjoy more than 300 food and craft vendor booths, craft beer from local breweries, local art, a kids zone, live entertainment, a beer garden, and more.
San Diego River Cleanup
Where: Forester Creek Park; Cost: Free
Come lend a hand to keep our local river clean while supporting local veterans. Bags, gloves, buckets, and hand sanitizer will be provided. Recycle For Veterans and The San Diego River Foundation are spearheading this event.
North Park Music Fest
Where: North Park: Cost: $45-$60
(Saturday-Sunday) The 2nd Annual North Park Music Fest is Saturday and Sunday at the neighborhood’s North Park Mini Park and surrounding streets. The all-ages festival has three performance stages with 40 musical acts overall, featuring a variety of genres including indie, pop rock, hip hop, world music, blues, spoken word, and DJs. More than 15 local food vendors will be a part of the festival, as well as local craft breweries. Family-friendly interactive experiences include stilt walkers, magicians, circus-type performers, and a photo booth.
SUNDAY
National Burger Day Specials at Bun & Patti
Where: Little Italy; Costs: Varies
Sunday, May 28 is National Burger Day, and Bun & Patti will be offering 15% off all their burgers (dine-in only). The menu includes the Smoke Show featuring a Flannery Farm 14-day dry-aged beef patty, truffle aioli, and a salt & pepper brioche bun; the Notorious B&P made with two ⅓-pound all-natural beef patties, lettuce, tomato, sautéed onions, cheddar cheese, and housemade secret sauce on a toasted brioche bun.
Coronado Summer Concert Series
Where: Spreckels Park; Cost: Free
The 2022 series will feature 15 concerts at the historic Spreckels Park making it the perfect summer activity for music lovers. The opening show will feature local favorites the Coronado Concert Band and Side Traxx.
Miramar National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony
Where: Miramar National Cemetery
This will be the first in-person Memorial Day Ceremony since 2019 and around 300-500 people are expected to attend. Honored guests will speak and hold services commemorating service members who gave their lives and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Women in Naval Aviation with keynote speaker, CAPT Tamara Graham. CAPT Graham, a U.S. Navy combat helicopter pilot who has served over 30 years in various positions including command, will share some of her experiences as a naval aviator and help pay tribute to the brave women whose shoulders we stand upon.
MONDAY (Memorial Day)
Oak Hill Memorial Park Memorial Day Event
Where: 2640 Glenridge Road, Escondido
The Oak Hill Memorial Day Park Ceremony will begin at 9 a.m.
Fallbrook Memorial Day Celebration
Where: 1177 Santa Margarita Drive
Community members in the East County will mark a Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Masonic Cemetery followed by lunch at noon at Fallbrook Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1924.
The Veterans Association of North County
Where: VANC Resource Center, 1617 Mission Ave.
The group will host a ceremony featuring guest speaker Colonel Daniel M. Whitley - Assistant Chief of Staff G-7 Government & External Affairs, MCI-West-MCB Camp Pendleton. A complimentary lunch will be served after the program.