On Memorial Day there are several events in the Phoenix area where you can take some time to honor our country’s fallen veterans. They appear in date order. At the end of this list, you’ll also find some Memorial Day Weekend special events that you might want to attend.
The U. S. Department of Veteran Affairs, in its history of Memorial Day, reminds us that even is we can’t get to a memorial service, we can participate in The National Moment of Remembrance. All Americans are encouraged to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
On Memorial Day, state offices are closed. Expect buses and light rail to operate on a holiday schedule.
Technically, Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who have died while serving. Veterans Day is a day to honor those among us who have served or are serving now. No matter — as long as we take the time to be thankful to those who serve or have served for our freedoms.
The City of Chandler invites veterans and residents to attend the dedication of the first phase of Chandler’s Field of Honor Veterans Memorial. The ceremony will include remarks by Mayor Tibshraeny, music by the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department Pipes & Drums Corps, Posting of Colors by the Gila River Pee Posh Veterans Association and Pledge of Allegiance by retired Lt. Colonel David Althoff, a Chandler resident and pilot who served in Korea, Japan and Vietnam, earning 76 medals and decorations. The invocation will be led by local pastor and Air Force veteran Dr. Michael D. Sproul. The memorial’s completed first phase includes a family plaza overlook that replicates the Arizona State Flag and features low walls with inscriptions recognizing six core values significant to veterans and their families: Freedom, Reflection, Recognition, Sacrifice, Family and Memories. The memorial is part of the 113-acre Veterans Oasis Park and is located on the northeast corner of Chandler Heights and Lindsay roads.
In 2016: Monday, May 30 at 8 a.m.
Memorial Day Bike Ride – Riders U.S.A.
Flags for Our Fallen
American Flags and Motorcycles paying tribute. The flag display and salute along with the official Ceremony are free. Phoenix National Cemetary, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix. For $10 donation you can sponsor a flag. Register online. Free.
In 2016: Monday, May 30 from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Memorial Day in Phoenix – City of Phoenix
Memorial Day in Phoenix with Councilman Michael Nowakowski. City of Phoenix
Star Spangled Celebration
Honoring our fallen police officers, firefighters and veterans at Cesar Chavez Park, 7858 S. 35th Ave in Phoenix. There will be a water play area, bounce houses, live music, police and fire demonstrations, fireworks. Family-friendly, free admission. For more information call 602-262-7492. Banners with photos of fallen police officers and firefighters will be on display through July 6 at “Hero Lanes”: Baseline Road between 35th and 47th Avenues and Washington Street between 7th Street and 9th Avenue.
In 2016: Friday, May 27 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Pioneers’ Cemetery Association – Pioneers’ Cemetery Association
Memorial Day Observance in Phoenix
The public is invited to attend the Pioneers’ Cemetary Association’s 33rd annual Memorial Day observance at the Pioneer & Military Memorial Park in Phoenix. This year’s keynote speaker will be Eduardo Pagan, Associate Dean and Professor of History at ASU, author and one of the hosts of the popular PBS series, History Detectives. Several groups of reenactors in historic dress will also take part in the ceremonies. Pioneer & Military Memorial Park, 1317 W. Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ. Parking is available at Wesley Bolin Plaza.
In 2016: Monday, May 30 at 9 a.m. More »
Memorial Day Celebration in Gilbert
The Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts hosts the Memorial Day Celebration at the Campo Verde High School in Gilbert, AZ. The Academy Youth Guard, Phenom SoundSport, and each section of The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps will perform on stage (indoors) presenting the latest Academy offerings and concluding with a full ensemble performance of the 2016 Academy field production. Tickets $5 per person includes lunch (outdoors, shade provided).
In 2016: Monday, May 30 from noon to 3 p.m.
Avondale Sunset Memorial Day Service
A program to commemorate the of those who served. The evening will include musical performances, speeches, tributes and a candlelight vigil. Avondale City Hall Amphitheater, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive (outdoors). Free admission. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
In 2016: Monday, May 30 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Kevin Snow at the ASU Carillon – Arizona State University
Kevin Snow at the Carillon. Arizona State University
Arizona State University’s Symphonic Carillon
The Symphonic Carillon is a lasting tribute to those in the ASU community who gave their lives for their country. Located in the lower level of Old Main, next to the Emeritus College. Speakers located on the Language & Literature Building also allow the concert to be heard in the open area in front of Old Main, Tempe campus.
In 2016: Friday, May 27 from noon to 1 p.m.
As the kick-off to the summer season, there’s plenty to do on Memorial Day Weekend. After you have paid your respects to our country’s fallen soldiers, you might want to check out these activities!
The Arizona Diamondbacks will be at home over Memorial Day Weekend, playing the Padres on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Then the Astros come to town for a Monday day game. Promotional giveaways each day of the weekend. Map to Chase Field.
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Kick back this Memorial Day Weekend at the Hotel Valley Ho in Downtown Scottsdale. Book a room to enjoy live music and DJs all weekend at the OH Pool. Rose Colored Eyes plays Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with local DJs spinning Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wake up to brunch at ZuZu on Saturday or Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., including the build-your-own Bloody Mary + Mimosa Bar starting at 9 a.m. Have a relaxing treatment at VH Spa, like a 90-minute Cool Breeze Mani + Pedi on special for $75. The 10th Anniversary Special, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the hotel reopening, includes 10% off a room, two welcome drinks, $10 in hotel bucks nightly, an arrival amenity, and a $10 room upgrade upon arrival (based on availability). The Sweet Suite Deal offers up to 30% off luxurious suites in The Tower. Reservations for ZuZu, VH Spa, poolside cabanas, and rooms and suites can be made at 480.376.2600.
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Celebrate the beginning of summer by catching a wave at the Kiwanis Recreation Center. Show your military ID on Memorial Day Weekend, May 28 – 30 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and receive free admission to the wave pool. Regular prices: $5 (2-12 years), $7 (13+ years). Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
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Talking Stick Resort’s RELEASE pool party series will feature Skrillex making his debut at The Pool at Talking Stick Resort on Saturday, May 28 and Robin Schulz on Sunday, May 29. 21+ only, ticketed event. For May 29, registered hotel guests will get free entry, up to a total of 4 guests.
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In celebration of the three-year anniversary of its opening, which occurred over Memorial Day weekend in 2013, Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale will be hosting a variety of events and activities May 28th-30th. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, there will be inflatables for children, complimentary face painting, photos with the Butterfly Princess, and food trucks. Live music by Native American Flutist, Aaron White, Progressive Ambient Stylist Scott Schaefer and Mark Bensette Aux Bois performing the Wood Flute, Didgeridoo, Guitar and Harp will also be played in the Conservatory from 11:00am-4:00pm all weekend long. Regular admission rates apply. More about Butterfly Wonderland.
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In honor of Memorial Day, Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort are offering dining specials exclusively for veterans and active-duty military on Monday, May 30. Service members can visit the Player Rewards Club desks at either property and receive a two-for-one lunch voucher for Casino Arizona’s Eagles Buffet or Talking Stick Resort’s Wandering Horse Buffet. They will also take home a complimentary t-shirt to commemorate the occasion. Additionally, on the 11th of the month from May to October, active-duty military and veterans can receive $10 in Power PERC$ (free slot play) at both Players Rewards Club locations.
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Guests who stay at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park on Friday, May 27 will gain access to special activities including life-size games and squirt gun races on Litchfield Lawn, crafts in the Sun Lounge and a Poolside Movie under the stars in the evening. The action continues throughout the weekend, with highlights such as Saturday’s Character Breakfast at Red’s Bar and Grill ($20 for adults and $10 for children 3- 12) and Sunday’s visit from Wildlife World Zoo in the Sun Lounge. DJ Jeff Jones will also entertain the pool area throughout Memorial Day Weekend and through the summer, spinning Fridays from 4 pm – 7 pm, Saturday from 2 pm – 6 pm and Sundays from 11 am – 2 pm.
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On Sunday, May 29, Kelly’s at Southbridge will be offering happy hour all day. Kelly’s will be offering half price appetizers, bruschetta, bottles of wine and champagne. All drafts, house wines and wells will be $4 and the signature cocktails will be $4 off. Kelly’s will also begin its new summer hours on Memorial Day. Beginning Monday, May 30th through September 4th, Kelly’s will be open Monday – Friday 4pm to close and Saturday & Sunday 11 am to close.
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Burger Theory is offering 20% on Memorial Day for active military. The build your own burger restaurant offers unique items like chicken and veggie patties, goat cheese and even coleslaw and grilled vegetables for your toppings. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail or local craft beer during happy hour seven days a week from 4-7 pm.
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Sandbar Chandler and Sandbar Desert Ridge are hosting their annual clam bake on May 28-30, 2016. Both Sandbar locations will be offering a traditional clam bake featuring lobster, mussels, crabs, plus fresh corn and potatoes, all steamed together for a one pot feast. Both locations are featuring $4 Big Wave Kona drafts and specialty Rockstar Mule Cocktails with $1 from every cocktail benefiting the American Cancer Society.
Jeff@arizonasrealty.com
