When Is Memorial Day
US Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. Find when it falls this year.
Next occurrence of Memorial Day
Monday, 25 May 2026
Memorial Day in 2026: Monday, 25 May 2026
What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May in the United States. It is a federal holiday dedicated to honouring and mourning those who died while serving in the US armed forces. Memorial Day is a time for parades, ceremonies, and solemn remembrance at cemeteries and monuments. Many Americans use the long weekend to travel or spend time with family, marking the unofficial beginning of summer.
Traditions
- •Visiting cemeteries and war memorials
- •Placing flags and flowers on graves of veterans
- •Attending parades and memorial services
- •Observing a moment of silence at 3 PM
- •Flying the American flag at half mast until noon
- •Family gatherings and outdoor activities
- •Picnics and barbecues
- •Attending military ceremonies and events
Fun Facts
- ✨Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May
- ✨The holiday originated after the Civil War
- ✨Memorial Day is distinct from Veterans Day, which honours all veterans
- ✨Originally called Decoration Day, the name changed after World War I
- ✨It is a federal holiday in all 50 US states
When is Memorial Day each year?
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 25 May 2026 | Monday |
| 2027 | 31 May 2027 | Monday |
| 2028 | 29 May 2028 | Monday |
| 2029 | 28 May 2029 | Monday |
| 2030 | 27 May 2030 | Monday |
| 2031 | 26 May 2031 | Monday |
| 2032 | 31 May 2032 | Monday |
| 2033 | 30 May 2033 | Monday |
| 2034 | 29 May 2034 | Monday |
| 2035 | 28 May 2035 | Monday |
Related Tools
When is Memorial Day?
Last Monday in May. American federal holiday honouring fallen US military personnel. 2025: 26 May. 2026: 25 May. 2027: 31 May. The date is fixed as the last Monday rather than a fixed calendar date, ensuring a 3-day weekend. Historically known as 'Decoration Day' from the late 1860s; renamed Memorial Day in 1967 and given fixed-Monday status by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act 1971.
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of US summer. Common observances: military and veterans' ceremonies, visits to military cemeteries, BBQs and family gatherings, beach trips, sales weekends (mattress, car, furniture sales). Federal employees and most schools have the day off. UK has no equivalent observance.
Memorial Day Future Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 27 May |
| 2025 | 26 May |
| 2026 | 25 May |
| 2027 | 31 May |
| 2028 | 29 May |
| 2029 | 28 May |
| 2030 | 27 May |
Frequently Asked Questions
Memorial Day vs Veterans Day - what's the difference?
Memorial Day (last Monday in May) honours fallen military. Veterans Day (11 November, fixed) honours all veterans living and dead. Different focus, different date, different meaning. Both federal holidays in the US.
Why is Memorial Day weekend such a big shopping event?
Combined factors: 3-day weekend gives time to shop, retailers position spring/summer transition (mattresses, BBQ supplies, summer clothing), and the deal mentality has built up over decades of marketing campaigns. Memorial Day weekend is the third-biggest US retail weekend behind Black Friday and Christmas.
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