Memorial Day is a national holiday and a day of remembrance for those who have died while serving in the armed forces of our country.  Originally called Decoration Day, it was a day to visit the cemetery and decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. It’s also the unofficial kickoff of summer. Here are some things to do this weekend in the neighborhood if you’re sticking around!

Visit the Fallen Heroes Memorial in the Seaport

At the northern edge of Seaport Common, surrounded by the ever-changing light of the waterfront, stands a powerful tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for a grateful nation. The first of its kind in the country, the memorial honors the Commonwealth’s brave servicemen and women who lost their lives fighting for our freedoms since September 11, 2001. Over 4000 flags have been planted to commemorate Memorial Day.

The rededication for the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 22, 2026 in the area of 85 Northern Avenue. The ceremony will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will require the closing of Northern Avenue from Fan Pier Boulevard to Harbor Shore Drive. Northern Avenue is expected to be closed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Run to Remember

The 2026 Boston Run To Remember will take place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, in the Seaport.  Boston’s Run To Remember
is a Half Marathon or  5 Mile race (live or virtual) that pays tribute to fallen 1st Responders. “We honor all 1st Responders by celebrating their service and giving back to the community.”  You can get all the details, including registration info, here.

Celebrate Memorial Day at the USS Constitution

USS Constitution will be open for public tours on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You’re invited aboard the ship to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Plus, the USS Constitution will participate in Taps Across America at 3:00 PM on Monday.

Memorial Day Lunch at Prima

Typically only open for lunch/brunch Friday – Sunday, Prima will be open for lunch on Monday for Memorial Day.

Sun, cold drinks, and views harbor at Pier 6

Boston Eater came out with a list of the Best Views in Boston, and Pier 6 was included! This weekend, enjoy cold drinks and delicious food on the sunny patio or inside the restaurant, all with views of the water and city.

Free Admission to ICA + ICA Watershed

The ICA Watershed—a seasonal space in East Boston dedicated to large-scale artist projects—will reopen for the season with Lucy Raven: Rounds. This is a major new exhibition by Lucy Raven (b. 1977 in Tucson, Arizona) includes the United States premieres of Hardpan, a large-scale kinetic sculpture co-commissioned with Barbican Centre, London, and Murderers Bar (2025) a new moving image installation and the final installment of Raven’s series The Drumfire. The Watershed opens on May 21st. On Memorial Day, admission of the ICA including the Watershed is free!  Get the details here.

Memorial Day Flag Garden

The City of Boston’s flag garden is on display through Monday at Boston Common. Each of the 37,000+ American flags planted at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument represents every brave Massachusetts service member who gave his or her life defending our country since the Revolutionary War.

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at the Tall Ship

If eating oysters and drinking rosé on a tall ship sounds like fun, then you’ll love The Tall Ship!  The Tall Ship on the East Boston Waterfront is officially back for the 2026 season.   The ship features three custom-built mahogany bars, built around the grand mast and forward and aft of the ship, while guests enjoy uninterrupted views of the city skyline and harbor. The galley kitchen offers local oysters, shellfish, and charcuterie boards. Alongside the majestic tall ship, Navy Yard Hospitality has activated and built out the pier into a 40,000 sq ft waterfront experience featuring live entertainment, retail, food vendors, food trucks, pop-ups, and more! You can learn more here!