Miami Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is a public holiday celebrated every year on the last Monday in May in honor of the men and women who have died while serving our country.

Federal government offices and schools are closed on Memorial Day.

You can expect the following to be open and closed on Monday:

Closed

Government Offices
Schools
Post Offices
Banks
Public Libraries

Open

Shopping centers and malls
Grocery Stores
Restaurants
Federal, State, Regional Parks
Public Transportation (check for special holiday schedules)

On this day, ceremonies to honor the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces who gave their lives to protect the nation's freedoms are normally held throughout South Florida.

Local Memorial Day ceremonies and parades take place in many of our cities.

Davie Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade - Parade begins at 10:15 a.m. and will proceed east on Orange Drive beginning at the Davie Fire Administration at 6901 Orange Drive ending at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds at 4271 Davie Road. Following the parade, a Memorial Ceremony will take place at the Rodeo Arena at approx 11:00 am
City of Pembroke Pines Memorial Day Ceremony - Donnith Fletcher Park at 7900 Johnson Street at 9:00 am
City of Coral Gables Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center at 405 University Drive at 9:00 am
Town of Surfside Memorial Day Ceremony A commemorative ceremony in honor of all the brave heroes who served to hold our flag high - 10 a.m. at Veterans' Park at 8750 Collins Ave., Surfside
City of Hialeah Memorial Day Ceremony - Veteran's Park (aka Triangle Park) at 290 Palm Avenue at 10:00 am
City of Miami Beach Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and 21-gun Salute at the Miami Beach Police Headquarters at 1100 Washington Avenue - 10:00 am

The highlight celebration for Memorial Day in South Florida is the National Salute to America's Heroes and the stunning Air and Sea Show which takes place on the sands of South Beach over the weekend.

Many of our local attractions also celebrate and pay tribute to our heroes. Memorial Day signals the "unofficial" start of the summer vacation season!

Memorial Day Weekend Highlights

National Salute To America's Heroes: Miami Beach Air & Sea Show - Saturday and Sunday
City of Ft. Lauderdale Memorial Day Great American Beach Party - Saturday
Memorial Day Weekend Honor The Brave Free Admission for Active Military and Veterans at Zoo Miami - over the weekend
Salute To Heroes Week at Miami Seaquarium
Best of the Best Memorial Day Music Fest at Bayfront Park - Sunday
Urban Beach Week - Various events through Memorial Day Weekend

And check close to the weekend as announcements for free admission to all Florida State Parks, Trails and Historic Sites are typical for Memorial Day Weekend.

Memorial Day Weekend Things To Do

Memorial Day Weekend: Miami Beach Air & Sea Show, Music Explosion and Fireworks Extravaganza

Miami Memorial Day National Salute Air Show

There is no better time to pay tribute to our military, first responders and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country than Memorial Day Weekend.

In this spirit, a fantastic event as part of the National Salute to America's Heroes initiative will take place on our sandy shores with all five branches of the military represented: The Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marines and the Coast Guard as well as our police, firefighters and first responder agencies.

This is the highlight event of the weekend and one you should not miss right on the sands of Miami Beach...

When? Saturday and Sunday Memorial Day Weekend
Where? Along the shores of South Beach, main event site and best viewing for the Air and Sea Show is between 11th and 14th Street.
FREE Public viewing areas are from 1st to 10th streets and 13th to 20th Streets. See event site map here.
There will be many Park and Ride locations in and around the City of Miami where you can leave your car and ride a free shuttle to the event. Do not try to park in Miami Beach this weekend! If you do venture, use the Park Me App to find available parking rather than circling around the blocks.
How Much? FREE from the public viewing areas on the beach on the North and South ends of the main event site. Tickets available for hospitality chalets, VIP clubs and hotels packages, see below.

The Air & Sea Show:

Jets will be flying overhead as powerboats zip along the shore. This two-day spectacular event will feature civilian aerobatic acts, offshore powerboat racing demonstrations, extreme water sports and more, all on the beautiful shores of Miami Beach.

Sea Events including Waterski, wakeboard, jetski, stunt kite, hang gliders, hover boards and jet surf board demonstrations, offshore powerboat racing...
Air Events including fly byes, precision exercises and demos including rescue demos, special ops, the U.S. Army Golden Knights and Black Daggers, the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team, Red Devils, and many, many, MANY more.

When? Sea Events: 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Air Events: 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Where? Along the beach, best viewing for the Air and Sea Show is ON THE BEACH between 11th and 13th Street. There are FREE public viewing areas from 1st to 10th streets and 13th to 23rd Streets. See event site map here.
The Air Show landing zone is around 11th - 12th Streets.

Watching from a boat: Allowed but observe the safety zone where No vessel or person will be permitted to enter without obtaining permission from the Captain of the Port Miami or a designated representative. The zone is to be enforced from 8:30 a.m. on Saturday through 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and consists of the 0.5 mile stretch of waters of the Atlantic Ocean from Collins Park to South Pointe.

Paid options: There are several Preferred Viewing Areas between 11th and 14th Streets, entrance from the north on 13th Street:

The Beach Club - private front patio area with seating, umbrellas, access to air-conditioned restrooms, and a variety of food and beverage options
The Cabana Club - own private cabana with an extended patio area, access to air-conditioned restrooms, food and beverage service available throughout the day
VIP Club - private, yet open air setting provides a comfortable and upscale atmosphere. Includes food and beverage (beer, wine, soda, water)

And of course from any of the hotels along Ocean Drive which will have front row views and will likely be offering packages for the weekend. Needless to say, you need to book way ahead of time.

Action Zone & Display Village:

Miami Memorial Day National Salute Action Zone

This is where you can see our military technology up close and personal along with a variety of interactive displays, high tech demonstrations, plus merchandise and food vendors. There will be meet-and-greets with servicemen and women.

This year's Action Zone features Motocross Exhibitions, US Army As You Were Band, USAF Max Impact Band and USAF Honor Guard Drill Team performance throughout both days. There is no shortage of engaging activities for fans in the Action Zone.

When? 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Where? Along Ocean Drive Between 11th and 14th Streets at Lummus Park
How Much? FREE
More Info www.usasalute.com/display-village/

The Music Explosion and Fireworks Extravaganza

Miami Memorial Day Music Explosion and Fireworks Extravaganza

Music Explosion features the U.S. Army As You Were Band and the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival Orchestra performing a patriotic concert along Ocean Drive following the Air and Sea Show on a stage set up on Ocean Drive where the iconic Art Deco buildings will be illuminated with 3D mapping projections.

To cap off the evening, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team descends and kicks off the fireworks extravaganza which is launched from a few hundred yards offshore.

When? Saturday after the Air and Sea Show approx. 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Where? Ocean Drive, stage is set up between 12th and 13th Streets
How Much? FREE
More Info:Music Explosion and Fireworks Extravaganza

Practical Tips

Plan ahead, get there early, have an exit plan. The city will be using an evening traffic loop on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights during the holiday weekend. The loop directs eastbound traffic on 5th Street to travel northbound on Collins Avenue to 17th Street. From there, traffic is directed westbound to Washington Avenue, then southbound on Washington Avenue to 5th Street.
Bring sun protection, beach chairs, water, cameras and phones
DO NOT bring glass and styrofoam, straws, drones, lasers, helium balloons, coolers, inflatable devices, tents, tables and similar structures

More Info

Official Site: http://usasalute.com
Live broadcast on NewsRadio 610 WIOD
Livestream via the iHeartRadio App
USA Salute FB Page
Event site map, entrances, lavatories

Where to Stay for Memorial Day? Top Hotel Choices

Ocean Drive Hotels and National Salute Police Car

From the celebrations to pay tribute to our Service Men and Women including a fantastic Air and Sea Show right from the sands of South Beach, live concerts, fireworks and parades, to the Hip Hop whirlwind of Urban Beach Week, this is one busy weekend...

Where the best place to stay in Miami for Memorial Day Weekend will depend much on what your preferences are, from heavy partying to a weekend of relaxation.

Hotels on Ocean Drive will be ground zero with all of the festivities literally in your backyard and front row seats for the fantastic air show. But there are also many options within easy walk and further away from the mayhem. If traveling with family or would like a quieter scene, choose a place away from the melee of South Beach.

Here are some top hotel options for Memorial Day Weekend in Miami

Booking.com

City of Ft. Lauderdale Memorial Day Great American Beach Party

Ft Lauderdale Great American Beach Party

A full day of exciting activities and entertainment for the entire family, this annual event honors our military members who died to keep us free as well as our local citizens who have worked to improve the community of Fort Lauderdale.

The celebrations kick off on the beach with a sand sculpting demonstration and plenty of kids activities and beach games.

A Native Village, face painting, arts & crafts, vendors and art show will be set up at Las Olas Oceanside Park, and a Classic Car Show takes center stage on Las Olas between A1A and Seabreeze Blvd.

The live entertainment starts at noon at the Oceanside Park Stage.

A military tribute then takes place at 2:00 p.m. to honor the men and women who serve our country in the United States Armed Forces. The tribute will be highlighted by a precision free-fall parachute jump and tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces by the SOCOM Para-Commandos. In an extraordinary display of timing, accuracy, and precision maneuvering, the Para-Commandos will skydive from 12,500 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and land on targets positioned in the sand at Las Olas Boulevard and A1A.

Ft Lauderdale Great American Beach Party Event Map

When? Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend - 11:00 am to 6:30 pm
Where? Las Olas Oceanside Park at 3000 East Las Olas Blvd
How Much? FREE

More Info: The Great American Beach Party

Honor The Brave at Zoo Miami

Honor The Brave offers all Veterans and Active Military free admission to Zoo Miami during Memorial Day Weekend.

A valid photo I.D. is required and must be presented at the ticket counter.

Accompanying guests receive 50% off (up to 6 people). Not valid with any other discount or promotion. Offer not valid online. Tickets must be purchased onsite at the ticket counter.

When? Memorial Day Weekend IMPORTANT: Confirm this year's program for any changes
Where? Zoo Miami
How Much? Regular park admission Adults $22.95, Children (3-12) $18.95, plus taxes

More Info: Honor The Brave at Zoo Miami

Salute To Heroes Week at Miami Seaquarium

Salute to Heroes Week offers all Veterans, Military, Police, Fire and EMT personnel free admission to Miami Seaquarium during Memorial Day Week and 50% off for up to 6 guests. Ticket offer available at the Gate.

A valid military or first responder photo I.D. is required and must be presented at the ticket counter.

Miami Seaquarium will admit first responders, including sworn officers, civilian employees and support staff from all city and county fire and law enforcement organizations, plus the following: Florida Highway Patrol; Broward County Sheriff Office; District Attorney; correctional facilities (prisons); U.S. Marshals; ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco ∓ Firearms); the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); International Border Patrol; Immigration Naturalization Service (INS); Homeland Security which includes: International Border Patrol, Citizenship & Immigration, Immigration Customs Enforcement, Secret Service, FEMA,TSA; ambulance company EMTs; and reserve or volunteer fire, and law enforcement members with valid ID.

When? Memorial Day Weekend IMPORTANT: Confirm this year's program for any changes
Where? Miami Seaquarium
How Much? Regular park admission weekday Adults $49.99, Children (3-9) $39.99, plus taxes. Save 15% enter code SAVE15

More Info: Salute To Heroes at Miami Seaquarium

Best of the Best Memorial Day Music Fest

This is the largest reggae/caribbean music festival in North America which returns to the striking landscapes of Bayfront Park and the Miami Beach skyline on Memorial Day Weekend.

Best of the Best has been built to legendary status by bringing crowds to their feet with classic artist performances from Beres Hammond, Cham, Chris Martin, Mr. Vegas, Yaksta, 10 Tik, Patrice Roberts, Lyrikal, Ricardo Drue, Pressure... just to name a few.

No outside food, beverages, or alcohol will be allowed. However, it is suggested that attendees bring blankets or folding chairs to sit on. Be advised, there is no re-entry into the concert so be sure that you don't leave anything in your vehicle that you may need during the concert.

When? Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend
Where? Bayfront Park, Downtown Miami
How Much? Discounts for early online purchases. General Admission $85, 13 and under FREE. VIP $225+ for separate entry, lounge seating, front stage access, open bar and bottle service

More Info and tickets: http://bestofthebestconcert.com/

Urban Beach Week

Urban Beach Week which is also known as Black Beach Week started back in the 1990's as a small urban fashion show. It was actually called Urban Fashion Week in the beginning.

Since then, the event has gradually grown to this massive outdoor party event in South Beach over Memorial Day Weekend.

This is the ultimate beach party for the Hip Hop culture that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. Yes, that's right, hundreds of thousands over the long weekend.

What is it? This is not an officially sponsored event by the city, instead, it's a series of events... concerts, parties, pool parties, contests, fashion shows, celebrity pool parties... all organized by various private venues throughout South Beach, many just pop up and spread out on social media.

As you can expect, streets are overflowing and plenty of alcohol is consumed. Expect street closures and re-routed traffic patterns. Needless to say, this is NOT a family event. If you are heading over please act responsibly and observe the special regulations in effect as there will be zero tolerance for violations. This year certain items are banned on the beach including large flotation devices, coolers and tents and amplified music.

When? Memorial Day Weekend
Where? Throughout South Beach
How Much? This is an outdoor event, no "admission" per se.
More Info: www.blackbeachweek.com

A Cruise On The Bay...

This Memorial Day Weekend, enjoy a fantastic outing in the sun, enjoying the breeze and beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay and our magical skyline.

There are many options for cruises, check our Biscayne Bay Cruise options page.

Most Popular Bay Cruises and Excursions

Book with confidence! Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Get Out Of Town...

This IS a three-day weekend! Why not spend some time exploring our surroundings? The Florida Keys are at our doorstep and you can be there within an hour from Miami. Get out your snorkel or dive gear and head south! John Pennekamp Park in Key Largo is a fantastic destination for all sorts of water sports and outdoor activities, snorkeling, diving, kayaking... And of course, Key West, as far south as you can go, famous for wonderful sunsets, its street art scene, shops, outdoor cafes, restaurants and historic sites has also much to offer. The Bahamas are equally accesible... Check out these fantastic day trips!