As Memorial Day weekend approaches, and communities around Central Florida are preparing to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. From remembrance ceremonies to family-friendly gatherings, there are countless opportunities to reflect, remember, and show gratitude.
Here’s a look at some of the events happening in Central Florida this weekend along with some deals to kick off the celebration:
Commemorative Ceremonies:
Clermont Memorial Day Observance and Traveling Wall: The City of Clermont is hosting the Memorial Vietnam Traveling Wall throughout the weekend at Waterfront Park, Highlander Hut, and Pavilion area. The wall will be escorted to the Highlander building on Saturday, May 24, at 8:30 a.m., and the Patriot Guard Riders will begin to set up the Wall at 9:00 a.m. On Sunday, the Vietnam Memorial Wall and Loach Helicopter display are open for viewing from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The official Memorial Day Observance Program will be held on Monday, May 26, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Orlando’s Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony: The City of Orlando invites the community to a special ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery (1603 Greenwood St., Orlando) on Friday, May 23, at 6:00 p.m. to honor fallen service members.
Woodlawn Memorial Park’s 75th Annual Remembrance Ceremony: Woodlawn Memorial Park (400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha) will hold its 75th Annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on Monday, May 26, at 10:00 a.m. This year’s event will also include the unveiling and dedication of a new Gold Star Family, or families of passed military members, monument.
Apopka Memorial Day Service: The City of Apopka and Veterans of Foreign Wars(VFW) Post 10147 will host their Memorial Day service at the Veterans Memorial at Edgewood/Greenwood Cemetery (141 S. Edgewood Drive, Apopka) on Monday, May 26, at 11:00 a.m.
Cape Canaveral National Cemetery Memorial Day Observance: A solemn observance will take place at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (5525 U.S. Highway 1 North, Mims) at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 26.
Sanford’s Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony: Veterans Memorial Park on the shore of Lake Monroe (110 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford) will host a remembrance ceremony on May 26. Starting at 9:00 a.m., enjoy a patriotic band performance and display of military vehicles, with the ceremony commencing at 10:00 a.m.
Winter Garden Memorial Day Community Celebration: American Legion Post 63 and the city of Winter Garden will present a Memorial Day Community Celebration at Veterans Memorial Park (420 S. Park Ave., Winter Garden) on May 25, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The event will include a roll call of veterans, wreath placements, and patriotic songs.
Orlando VA Healthcare System Ceremony: The Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona will host a Memorial Day ceremony on Friday, May 23, at 10:00 a.m. at the amphitheater at the rear entrance. RSVP request is available.
Oviedo’s Sunset Memorial Day Service: American Legion Post 243 and the City of Oviedo invite the public to a sunset service at Center Lake Park (299 Center Lake Lane, Oviedo) on May 26, from 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. The night will include the playing of Taps in remembrance of those who sacrificed.
Davenport Memorial Day Tribute: Start the holiday with meaning at the Memorial Day Tribute Ceremony at Lake Play Park (502 E. Palm Street, Davenport) on Monday, May 26 at 9:00 a.m., featuring flag-raising and tribute speeches.
Family-Friendly Activities:
Davenport Memorial Day Weekend Festival at Posner Park: The City of Davenport offers a weekend of fun to celebrate those who serve our country with a Memorial Day Weekend Festival. From Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25, from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily, enjoy live performances, inflatable zones, local art, and family contests at Posner Park (50901 US Hwy 27, Davenport). Northeast Regional Park in Davenport will also host fireworks and family fun on Sunday, May 25, starting at 6:00 p.m. with fireworks at 9:00 p.m.
Poinciana Stars, Stripes & Sparkles Celebration: Cap off the weekend with fireworks at Poinciana Community Park (5109 Allegheny Rd.) on Sunday, May 25, starting at 6:00 p.m. with fireworks at 9:00 p.m.
Promenade at Sunset Walk Memorial 4-Day Weekend: From May 23 to 26, enjoy free live music, car shows, an artisan market, and more at Promenade at Sunset Walk. On Friday from 5:00 – 11:30 p.m., enjoy Promenade’s racing car and truck show as well as DJ K1X. From 5:00 – 11:30 p.m. On Saturday, attend another exciting car show, sunset artisan market, and live music from DJ Flatline and Rhythm Me Up. Promenade also offers Latin Sunday with DJ Gabriel from 5:00 – 11:30 p.m. on May 25. To finish the weekend off, Monday will include live music from DJ K1X and local band Blue Stone Circle.
Local Memorial Day Deals:
SeaWorld Orlando is offering a limited-time deal on passes ending on May 26. The sale includes Single-Day tickets as low as $61.99, Two-Day tickets for $50 per day each, and 25% off a 2025 Fun Card with up to 55% savings on all items.
Westgate Resorts are located throughout the Orlando area and are offered at Half the regular rate this Memorial Day Weekend.
Busch Gardens in Orlando also has a huge sale available until May 26. With savings up to 50% on tickets, passes, and funcards, tickets are as low as $65.99.
Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring the people who sacrificed their lives for ours, and although it isn’t the happiest of holidays it is important to celebrate it.