Memorial Day Weekend in the Triangle: Ceremonies, Events & Can’t-Miss Deals (May 23–27, 2025)
This Memorial Day Weekend, the Triangle is bursting with ways to remember, celebrate, and enjoy. From solemn ceremonies honoring fallen heroes to live music, street festivals, food markets, and exclusive discounts — here’s your ultimate guide to Memorial Day Weekend 2025 in Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding towns.
FEATURED EVENTS
JAWSFest – Sunday, May 25 | Midway Alley, Chapel Hill
Kick off the summer with a quirky community celebration featuring Jaws movie screenings, a flea market, live music, a dunk tank, and yes — a mechanical shark. Hosted by Midway favorites like Local 506 and The Baxter.
Taste of Soul – Saturday, May 24 | Durham Central Park
Bring your appetite to this free street festival filled with soul food, music, and local vendors. From 3–8 p.m., it’s all about flavor and community.
NC Sugar Rush Dessert Market – Sunday, May 25 | City Plaza, Raleigh
A dessert-only food truck rodeo? Yes, please. Expect ice cream, cupcakes, candy apples, funnel cakes and more from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Beats and Eats: Country & BBQ – Friday, May 23 | John Chavis Memorial Park, Raleigh
Kick off the weekend with live country music, savory BBQ, and community fun. Event starts at 6 p.m. and is free for all ages.
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES – MONDAY, MAY 26
Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh – 4 to 5 p.m. Veterans Freedom Park, Cary – 2:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Site, Chapel Hill – 8:45 to 10:15 a.m. Hillcrest Cemetery, Cary (Post 67) – 10 a.m. Garner Veterans Memorial – 9:30 a.m. Downtown Apex Service Memorial – 9:30 a.m. Knightdale Station Park – 11 a.m.
These solemn events include special speakers, patriotic music, and community reflection. Many sites provide seating or encourage bringing your own lawn chair.
WEEKEND CONCERTS & LIVE MUSIC
Sundays at Sundown: Triangle Jazz Orchestra – Chapel Hill Six Sundays in Spring: Blackwater Band – Wake Forest Fridays on the Front Porch – Chapel Hill Freight Train Blues Series – Carrboro Live DJ sets, open mic nights, karaoke and more across breweries and parks in Cary, Durham, and Raleigh.
FAMILY FUN & COMMUNITY MARKETS
Downtown Cary Park Movie Night – Moana 2 (Friday) Night Market at North Hills (Saturday) Durham Underground Market (Sunday) Splash Pad Bash in Knightdale (Saturday) African American Walking Tours – Raleigh’s Third Ward (All Weekend) Carolina Indie Fest – Live Music in Sanford (Friday & Saturday)
FREEBIES & DEALS TO KNOW
Ace Hardware – Free 8”x12” flags on Saturday, May 24 (while supplies last)
Dining & Retail Deals:
Popeyes – Free biscuit with $5+ order (May 14–29) Shake Shack – Free Avocado Bacon Burger w/ $10+ (May 19–25) Sonic Drive-In – 50% off shakes after 5 p.m. (May 19–June 29) Sullivan’s Steakhouse – 2 burgers + fries for $26 (May 23–26) GrubHub Memorial Day Deals – Discounts on Wendy’s, Burger King, CVS, Dunkin, Buffalo Wild Wings & more
HISTORY & CULTURE
Memorial-Themed Tours at Bennett Place (Durham) – Learn about the origins of Memorial Day with guided tours May 24 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Historic Trolley Tours at Mordecai Park – Raleigh Historic Yates Mill Open House – All weekend Calvin Jones House Tours, Wake Forest North Carolina State Capitol – Free Guided Tours
DON’T MISS
Free paper shredding (Garner, Friday) Pet-a-Cow in Chapel Hill, adoption events, mindful nature walks, DJ parties, wine tastings, and free yoga across the region.
Whatever your mood — remembrance, relaxation, or celebration — Memorial Day Weekend in the Triangle offers something for everyone.
Follow DoRaleigh.com for updates on Raleigh and Triangle-area happenings, festivals, and city events.
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