More than 37,000 American flags placed at the Boston Common every year for Memorial Day weekend. Photo via iStock/Mark Zhu

Art

How to Make the Most of Memorial Day Weekend in Boston

Check out the flag garden in the Boston Common, watch a parade in Somerville, and enjoy the Boston Calling Music Festival

The temperatures have begun to climb into the high 70s and 80s, which can only mean one thing: summer is right around the corner. Memorial Day is known as the unofficial start to summer, and BU Today has you covered on the best ways to spend the long weekend in Boston. From concerts and free museum days to events and parades honoring those who have fallen in the line of duty, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season. 

Memorial Day Flag Garden

Every year, over 37,000 American flags engulf the Boston Common to honor the men and women of Massachusetts who have died since the Revolutionary War while serving their country. The flags are planted on the Wednesday before Memorial Day weekend, with a name-reading ceremony on Thursday. You can even volunteer to watch the flags or help retire them on Monday evening. Stop by for a powerful display representing the meaning of the holiday.

Through May 27 in the Boston Common. Find more information here.

Boston Calling Music Festival

It would not be Memorial Day weekend in Boston without the annual three-day Boston Calling Music Festival. From Friday through Sunday, some of the world’s most popular recording artists will perform across three stages. This year, the festival is headlined by Ed Sheeran, Leon Bridges, Tyler Childers, Hozier, The Killers, and Megan Thee Stallion. Expect great music, great food, and even a Ferris wheel.

Friday, May 24, to Sunday, May 26, Harvard Athletic Complex, 65 N. Harvard St., Allston. Tickets are $196 for a single day or $392 for a weekend pass. Check out the full lineup and purchase tickets here. 

Boston Modern Orchestra Project Memorial Day Concert

If you are looking for free music, there’s no better place than the New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall on Saturday night. Boston Modern Orchestra Project, which is dedicated exclusively to commissioning, performing, and recording new orchestral music, is hosting a free concert to conclude its season. Led by Grammy Award winner Gil Rose, the concert will include the work of four composers, including Yu-Hui Chang (CFA’96), who received a graduate degree from Boston University. 

Saturday, May 25, 8 pm, New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St., Boston. Tickets are free, but must be reserved here. 

Somerville Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

It wouldn’t be Memorial Day without a parade. Luckily, Somerville has you covered: the parade route begins at the Davis Square rotary, and will progress up Holland Street, ending on Broadway. More than 80 local groups will march in the parade, which can be streamed here if you can’t make it in person. There is also a remembrance ceremony on Monday at Somerville Veterans Cemetery. While you are near Davis Square, check out BU Today’s recommendations for restaurants and shops. 

Sunday, May 26, 11 am, beginning at the Davis Square rotary. Find more information here. 

Free Admission to the MFA

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is hosting a free open house all day on Memorial Day for those with a valid Massachusetts zip code. This includes free admission to their exhibition Hallyu! The Korean Wave. Other activities include light-up neon art, a photobooth, free guided tours, and a tae kwon do demonstration. 

Monday, May 27, 10 am to 5 pm, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. Free entry is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Find more information here.