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. 

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.

Spice up your weekend

Carmella’s Market has hand rolled cherry peppers stuffed with imported prosciutto, salami, ham and provolone!  Perfect for Memorial Day cookouts and picnics! Go get some!

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!

Memorial Day Observation via East Boston Chamber

Join the East Boston Chamber of Commerce on Monday, May 25, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm for a flag display and ceremony just outside their office.

Hop on a water taxi!

Looking for a fun activity around the neighborhoods? Check out the boat shuttle service that connects you from ReelHouse East Boston to Charlestown’s waterfront and the Seaport. Boston Launch Company runs their boat shuttle service daily from 11 am until 11 pm, making stops at Pier 6, Reel House East Boston, The Tall Ship, and ReelHouse Oyster Bar in the Seaport. The service costs $4 a ticket but is free during Sumner Tunnel closures. It is such a fun, easy, and convenient way to get around the city!  Get all the fun details here! 

Senator Lydia Edwards Veterans Event

State Senator Lydia Edwards hosts a free Annual Memorial Day Brunch for veterans and military families on Friday, May 22, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. It takes place at the Beachmont VFW Post 6712 (150 Bennington St., nearby in Revere). [1, 2]

Cisco Brewers Seaport

Open Daily through October 2026 at 100 Seaport Boulevard. Cisco Brewers opened in April for its ninth season, bringing live music, craft beer, and waterfront energy back to Seaport. New for 2026, guests can reserve themed Beach Shacks and enjoy expanded food offerings and daily entertainment. Learn more: https://www.bostonseaport.xyz/places/cisco-brewers-seaport

¡Viva Chile Boston!

The 12 annual festival ¡Viva Chile Boston! this year, featuring special guests coming directly from Chile! You’re invited to enjoy a one-of-a-kind show presented by the Verónica Robles Cultural Center (VROCC). Local groups El Ballet Folklórico de VROCC and Corazón Chileno will bring you the very best of Chile’s traditional music and dance. You’ll also be able to taste delicious Chilean food, prepared in La Cocina VROCC, bringing you the flavors of Chile. Come and immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Chile, this beautiful South American country—right here in East Boston! This event takes place on Saturday, May 23rd at 5:30 at the VROCC. Get more details here.

Park City

Park City is now open, transforming a former ironworks site into a 30,000-square-foot outdoor hangout with food, drinks, games, and live music. It’s part restaurant, part beer garden, part summer playground—complete with swings, cabanas, a stage, and a dedicated dog area called Bark City. The menu goes beyond typical food truck fare with smash burgers, fish tacos, lomo saltado, and lobster rolls, all made on-site. Expect local beers, canned cocktails, and spritz pouches from the bar, plus weekend events and family-friendly fun like face painting and ice cream!  Make sure to follow them on Instagram for the schedule of activities.