Whether you attend in person or stay home and watch the show on television, the National Memorial Day Concert is a special way to pay tribute to America's men and women in uniform for their service and sacrifice. The event is broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, before an audience of hundreds of thousands and can also be seen overseas by U.S. military personnel in more than 175 countries.

The National Memorial Day Concert serves as the nation's memorial service, offering viewers a time to remember, heal and bring our country together. The FREE concert will feature a mix of dramatic readings, documentary footage and live musical performances, along with an all-star line-up of dignitaries, actors and musical artists. See photos of the lineup of 2012 performers in the National Memorial Day Concert

_{Photo © Capital Concerts}

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Memorial Day in Washington, DC

Monuments and Memorials in Washington, DC

Military Bands - Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Bands

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On May 21, 2012, the National Medical Museum is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at its new location in Silver Spring, Maryland. The museum was required to relocate from the Walter Reed campus in NW Washington, DC when the facility closed last year. The Grand Opening Open House will feature hands-on activities for all ages from 2-8 p.m. Objects on display will include familiar artifacts and specimens: the bullet that killed Lincoln and a leg showing the effects of elephantiasis, as well as recent finds in the collection. Read more about the National Medical Museum.

Photo: The bullet that killed Lincoln
© National Museum of Health and Medicine

Military band performances honor those who have served our country and seek to inspire American citizens to heightened patriotism and service. Members of the bands often come from prestigious conservatories and schools of music. Military bands perform free concerts at various locations throughout the country including many historic landmarks in Washington DC. They also participate in annual parades and special events. Learn about the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Bands.

© U.S. Air Force Band

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See a guide to the top events going on this weekend in the Washington, DC area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Wow! What a lineup!

• Bike to Work Day - May 18, 2012. Join thousands of Washington, DC area commuters by bicycling to work as a fun and healthy way to get to work.
  
  
• Artomatic - May 18-June 23, 2012. Crystal City, VA. The free Washington DC art extravaganza is well-known for transforming empty spaces into vibrant arts communities that celebrate creativity and create a unique and exciting event.
  
  
• DC Dragon Boat Festival - May 19-20, 2012. Thompson's Boathouse Center, 2900 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington DC. Sponsored by the Chinese Women's League of Washington, DC, the event features dragon boat races on the Potomac River, cultural performances and hands-on activities.
  
  
• Andrews AFB Air Show - May 19-20, 2012. Andrews Air Force Base, MD. See Blue Angels pilots demonstrate their flight skills with aerial maneuvers.
  
  
• Gaithersburg Book Festival - May 19, 2012, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The festival includes both national and local acclaim that will address and interact with readers at a free all-day, outdoor event set on the grounds of Gaithersburg's City Hall. The festival will also include writing workshops, exhibitors, book sales, book signings, children's entertainment and activities, food vendors, and a Coffee House featuring poetry readings and musical entertainment.
  
  
• National Asian Heritage Festival - May 19, 2012, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with an Asian street fair in the heart of DC. Enjoy live entertainment and interactive displays.
  
  
• GI Film Festival - Through May 20, 2012. See classic and premier films celebrating the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces including a variety of films presented by award-winning Hollywood actors and directors. Participate in panel discussions with soldiers, journalists, authors, and filmmakers.
  
  
• Taste of Arlington - May 20, 2012, noon-5 pm. Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA. Enjoy a lively street festival, complete with local entertainment, children's activities and, of course, lots of food!
  
  
• Taste of Wheaton - May 20, 2012, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Grandview Ave. and Reedie Dr. More than 25 participating restaurants will offer samples of their dishes for $1 a taste. Musical entertainment and children's activities included.
  
  
• Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival - May 18-20, 2012. Reston Town Center, Reston, VA. See artwork by more than 200 painters, sculptors, fine-crafters and jewelers. Also enjoy musical performances, festive foods, beer garden, and artist demonstrations.
  
  
• Mount Vernon Wine Festival & Sunset Tour - May 18-20, 2012. An elegant evening of wine, live entertainment, reenactments, and tours of the rarely open cellar vaults of George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate. Advance tickets are required.
  
  
• Passport DC - Open Houses at Washington, DC Embassies - Through May 19, 2012. The multi-cultural event, sponsored by Cultural Tourism DC, features a wide range of performances, talks, and exhibits at DC's foreign embassies.
  
  
• DC Yoga Week - Through May 20, 2012. Try a free or $5 yoga class this week at one of DC's yoga studios.
  
  
• Strawberry Jubilee Weekend at Great Country Farms - May 19 & 20, 2012. 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA. The event includes music, strawberries, food, the annual Diaper Derby, hayrides, pedal cart track, multiple rope swings, the giant jumping pillow, and more. Hayrides take visitors to the strawberry fields and guests are welcome to bring their gear for catch and release fishing in the stocked pond.

More Upcoming Washington, DC Events

May Festivals and Events in the DC Area

Memorial Day Weekend in Washington DC