Memorial Day is important for all Americans: it’s when we honor the brave men and women who served in our armed forces. It also marks the unofficial start of summer, when we can get together, kick back, and spend a long weekend in the sun. Here are a few ideas for spending the weekend in and around Anaheim this May! 

A Time For Remembrance: Anaheim Memorial Day

Anaheim Cemetery Memorial Day Program | May 25

The most important part of Memorial Day lies in paying tribute to those who have served and fallen. There are various opportunities to participate in commemorative events; on Memorial Day itself, the Anaheim Cemetery will host an in-person Memorial Day Program in front of the Community Mausoleum starting at 11:00 a.m.  

Beyond this specific event, Anaheim offers a year-round tribute at the Anaheim Veterans Monument, situated next to the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center. Dedicated in 1999, this nine-foot-high monument, crafted by local artist Richard Turner, depicts all branches of the military from the many 20th-century wars.  

Strawberry Festival in Garden Grove + Anaheim Memorial Day Weekend 

Garden Grove Strawberry Festival | May 22–25 

Celebrate Memorial Day with something sweet at the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival! Running May 22–25, this longtime Orange County tradition includes one of the area’s best-known parades, plus the beloved strawberry shortcake cutting ceremony to kick off the festivities. Add in dozens of carnival rides, games, and live entertainment, and you’ve got an easy, family-friendly outing with free admission (...to sweeten the deal!) 

Spend Memorial Day at Disneyland® Resort

Traditions like Memorial Day are always a good reminder to slow down and make the most of the long weekend — so why not spend part of it at Anaheim’s world-famous Disneyland® Resort? Spring 2026 is an especially fun time to go, with the Disneyland® Resort 70th Celebration continuing through August 9, 2026, plus returning entertainment like Paint the Night, Wondrous Journeys, and World of Color Happiness.  

Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Anaheim

What better way to spend the long weekend than in the beautiful landscape our servicemen and women protect? If you’re feeling adventurous, late May is prime time for water sports at Orange County’s beaches (after all, SoCal and beaches go together like PB&J). You might even spot some massive gray whales on a whale-watching tour from Dana Point or Newport Beach!

Beyond the beach, Orange County has tons of stunning parks and hiking trails. Crystal Cove State Park has breathtaking ocean views and tide pools to explore. For an easy hike, head up to Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea to see a grove of redwood trees.  

For more hikes and outdoor ideas near Anaheim, check out these pages: 

• Spring Trails with Stunning Views 
• Best Hiking Trails Around Anaheim 

Newport Beach Wine and Spirits Festival | May 22-23

Memorial Day weekend doesn’t have to be all crowds and packed schedules. The Newport Beach Wine and Spirits Festival is a more relaxed way to spend it, with wine and spritz tastings, champagne brunch, live music, workshops with winemakers and sommeliers, and plenty of reasons to linger by the water. Head to the Balboa Bay Resort for this two-day showcase! 

Newport Dunes: Tunes at the Dunes | May 22-24

This year, Newport Dunes will once again host Tunes at the Dunes, its beachfront live entertainment series along the calm waters of the Upper Newport Back Bay. Expect live music, food trucks, full bars, and a family-friendly atmosphere all weekend long, with water sports rentals and the inflatable aquatic park open during the day for anyone who wants to turn it into a full outing. Visitors are encouraged to bring beach chairs or floats and settle in for the evening as music starts at 5:00 p.m. each night. 
 

This year’s Memorial Day lineup includes Redneck Rodeo (country) on May 22, Upstream (reggae/Caribbean) on May 23, and ShowBiz Guys (classic rock) on May 24. 

Visit the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

Located just a quick drive from Downtown Anaheim, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda is a great place to learn about our country’s history and honor those who served. They boast all sports of artifacts and materials that highlight the bravery and sacrifice of servicemembers. The current show, “America 250” celebrates 250 since the founding of the United States, highlighting some of the most transformative events like the Boston Tea Party, the California Gold Rush, and both World Wars. 

Mission San Juan Capistrano: “Homefront America’s Field of Honor” | May 19–25 

As part of the Mission San Juan Capistrano’s Memorial Day programming, Homefront America’s Field of Honor will be on view from May 19 through May 25, honoring military service members, veterans, and first responders. During the exhibit, the mission courtyard will be transformed into a moving display of seven-foot American flags arranged in solemn formation, creating a space for reflection and remembrance. Members of the Mission Preservation Society, along with active-duty military personnel, veterans, and first responders, will receive free admission during the run of the installation. 

Visit Military Memorials & Monuments In Orange County, CA

As you explore the area, you are sure to find plenty of memorials and monuments honoring those who took the ultimate sacrifice for this country. 

• Vietnam War Monument—14199 All American Way, Westminster, CA 92683
• Korean War Memorial—1321 N Brea Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92835
• Brea War Memorial—1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA 92821
• Marine War Memorial—700 Dover Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
• Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial—4766 Valley View Ave, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
• Veterans Memorial Park—Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point Harbor, CA 92629
• World War II Submarine Memorial—842-1010 Seal Beach Blvd, Seal Beach, CA 90740
• Northwood Gratitude & Honor Memorial—4531 Bryan Ave, Irvine, CA 92620
• Veterans Memorial at Depot Park—100 N Atchison St, Orange, CA 92866
• Patriot Point—Bluff Top Park, 2201 CA-1 (Pacific Coast Hwy), Huntington Beach, CA 92648
• Heroes Hall Museum – OC Fair & Event Center: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your Memorial Day weekend, keep these things in mind: 

As with other long weekends, expect some traffic, so head out early and give yourself enough time. It’s also smart to book your accommodations and theme park tickets in advance. We also recommend checking schedules for specific events you plan to attend and be aware of potential road closures, particularly for parades like the one at the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival. 

For other events and activity ideas in the OC, check out our event calendar and stay tuned for more Memorial Day announcements as the date approaches!