Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Memorial Day Weekend is almost upon us, which means the unofficial start to the summer is finally here!

As we spend quality time with our family and friends, this weekend is also an opportunity to remember the dedicated men and women who bravely served our country.
Still figuring out what to do? Well we’ve got your back! Check out the list below for a variety of activities going on across Massachusetts this weekend.

STATEWIDE

Photo credit: Fruitlands Museum 

Blue Star Museums – All the museums on the Blue Stars list offer FREE admission to active duty military personnel and their families starting Saturday, May 18, Armed Forces Day until Labor Day.

GREATER BOSTON

Photo credit: Museum of Fine Arts

Museum of Fine Arts Memorial Day Open House – The MFA hosts a special Memorial Day Open House this weekend with FREE admission for all from 10 am – 5 pm. Escape the heat, stroll through the world-renowned galleries, and enjoy the exclusive Memorial Day shows.

NORTH of BOSTON

Photo credit: Wicked Local

Newburyport Spring Festival – For over 30 years, the City of Newburyport has held the Newburyport Spring Fest on Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. Enjoy fun, family-friendly activities, and be a part of this quaint, coastal city’s annual tradition!

SOUTH of BOSTON

Photo credit: Battleship Cove

Battleship Cove Memorial Day Ceremony – Celebrate American history this weekend by visiting Battleship Cove, the largest collection of U.S. Navy ships in the world. The Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27^th, begins at 12 pm with the raising of the American flag from half-staff, accompanied by a 21-gun salute. The event is FREE and open to the public.

CAPE COD and THE ISLANDS

Photo credit: Cape Cod Central Railroad

Cape Cod Central Railroad – Relish in beautiful Cape Cod sights only accessible by rail this Memorial Day Weekend. Open from May through October every year, the Cape Cod Central Railroad offers scenic passenger train rides that inform and entertain. Passengers can choose between coastal excursion and dinner trains on Saturday and select Sundays through the summer.

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS

Photo credit: MOTT

AIS 51st Annual Memorial Powwow – As per tradition, the American Indianist Society (AIS) holds a huge powwow every Memorial Day Weekend. Activities will be held on both Saturday, May 25^th, and Sunday, May 26^th. Visitors can partake in dance sessions, singing, craft shows, and much more. Don’t miss out on this rich cultural event!

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Photo credit: Mass Live

Paradise City Arts Festival – Expand your knowledge of art culture this weekend at the Paradise City Arts Festival in Northampton! Ranked as the 3rd best arts fair in the entire nation, this festival is one of the country’s finest collections of craft, painting, and sculpture. The fair starts on Saturday, May 25^th, and ends on Monday, May 27^th.
Want more options? Take a look at this list of parades and other events going on around the state this weekend. Whatever you decide to do this Memorial Day Weekend, have fun and stay safe!

TOPICS: Festivals, Holidays, Outdoors, Summer, Things to Do