But don't fret because there is always a great celebration or two to be found for those wanting to celebrate the day in a big way and we've listed our top picks on how to celebrate this Memorial Day in Middle Tennessee, have fun with our family & friends and honor the memories of those who dedicated their lives to our country.
All-Weekend Memorial Day Fun & Celebrations
- Salute to Freedom
This three day event, hosted by Nashville Shores Water Park, is the largest annual celebration in the Middle Tennessee with the festivities typically beginning on the Saturday before Memorial Day and continuing through Memorial Day Monday.
Some of the highlights include the annual All Veterans reunion dinner, a concert on the beach, hot air balloon rides, and a great fireworks display. Did we mention that entry to the water park is normally free after 5 on Sunday and military veterans, active duty and their families can get discounted tickets to Nashville Shores all weekend too? - Opryland's Memorial Day Weekend Celebration
This is another three-day overnight one-stop celebration of music, concerts, speakers and activities. This event begins on Friday and runs through Sunday. It is a weekend celebration that includes a stay at the Opryland Hotel also with tickets to the Opry, Breakfast and more. Prices start out at around $300.00 and up.
Cheap & Free Things to Do on Memorial Day
- Visit a Local Cemetery:
Many of Nashville's Cemeteries are decorated with thousands of American Flags by local Boy Scout Troops. It is an awesome sight to behold and a great way to honor and pay tribute to our fallen veterans.
Several participating cemeteries include: Stones River National Cemetery, Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, and the Nashville National Cemetery. Please call ahead to your local cemetery to confirm flag placement or if your Boy Scout Troop would like to help with flag placements. - Stones River National Battlefield
Visitors to Stones River National Battlefield are invited to gather at the national cemetery to remember the sacrifices of soldiers, past and present.
The event included patriotic music, a wreath laying ceremony and a reading of the names of veterans who have passed away since last Memorial Day and if you go earlier you can watch as local Middle Tennessee Scouting organizations honor our fallen heroes by placing American flags on more than 7,000 graves.
*Due to recent tornado damage, you can expect parts of this Battlefield to be closed this year. - Go on a Picnic
Take your family on a picnic in one of numerous Nashville's Parks or even one of the Tennessee State Parks for a day of outdoor family fun and celebration.
The weather is great this time of year and some of the state parks are even hosting special events that include boat rides, nature hikes, hay rides, musical entertainment and tons more family activities and fun. Check with your local State Park for more events & information. - 101st Airborne Memorial Day Weekend Cookout
Dale Wayrynen Community Recreation Center, known as the home away from home for many Fort Campbell soldiers and their families, normally host their Memorial Day Weekend Cookout on Sunday.
Activities will usually include water inflatables, horseshoes, and volleyball followed by a cookout that will include hamburgers, hot-dogs, baked beans, potato salad, drinks, and desserts. For Military Members Only.
More Family Fun Things to Do on Memorial Day Weekend
- Take a dip at a the local Water Park
While most of the local Metro Swimming Pools won't be open for another week or two there are several water parks set to open up on Memorial Weekend and they include Wave Country, Nashville Shores, and Tie Breaker - Legends of the Blues Festival
The Annual Legends of the Blues Festival is hosted by Metro Parks and the Music City Blues Society and normally held in Centennial Park (history)beginning at 10:00a.m. and lasting until around 6 p.m.
The day is set around music but also includes various artists and craftsmen exhibiting, demonstrating, and selling their works. Admission is free. - Opry Plaza Parties
One of Nashville’s favorite summertime activities is visiting the annual Opry Plaza Parties (review). The Opry Parties are free and open to the public and run every Saturday night throughout the summer beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Plaza concert stage is located in the area in front of the Opry House, the Acuff Theatre, and the Opry Museum. - Tennessee Renaissance Festival
While the Annual Renaissance Festival really has nothing at all to do with Memorial Day other than it takes place every weekend in May which includes Memorial Day.
Visitors will experience period entertainment and music at the Renaissance Festival, located in Triune with activities that include visiting Castle Gywnn, meeting costumed characters,watching mounted armored knights jousting, and more. Military personnel do get a special discount on their Memorial Day admission prices.
If I've missed a favorite celebration and you would like to see it added to our Nashville Memorial Day Celebrations just e-mail me.
Jan Duke
