Memorial Day 2025 in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas, will feature many events, both to commemorate our fallen military personnel, and to just celebrate the beginning of the summer.
Memorial Day is Monday, May 26, 2025, and Memorial Day Weekend starts Friday, May 23.
We are freebies and discounts for military personnel as soon as they’re announced. Also, please scroll down for our full calendar for Memorial Day Weekend 2025 in the Triangle.
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Memorial Day Weekend Highlights
Beats and Eats: Country Music and BBQ
Raleigh Parks is hosting a new series of evenings featuring curated pairings of music genres and delicious cuisines. Dance the night away while savoring yummy bites.
The first Beats and Eats event, Country and BBQ, takes place on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m., at John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Enjoy a night of country music and delicious barbecue.
JAWSFest
Head to the Midway of Chapel Hill to kick off the summer with JAWSFest on Sunday, May 25, 2025. You can expect a flea market, watching Jaws movies, live music, a mechanical shark, a dunk tank and more. Some of the participating businesses are Local 506, The Baxter, and Lapin Bleu.
Big Top Circus Band
Enjoy music from the Big Top Circus Band at Downtown Cary Park on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Step right up and experience the magic of the circus through music! The Big Top Circus Band will transport you back in time with lively marches, “screamers,” “cage cleaners,” and other classic circus tunes from over 100 years ago—rarely heard today! From 1900-1950, these thrilling melodies were traditionally played by a 20-piece circus band, either rolling through town on a parade bandwagon or setting the stage from above the Big Top entrance. Get ready for a nostalgic, toe-tapping journey into the golden age of the circus!
Durham Underground Market
Durham Underground Market takes place at Durham Central Park on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop from unique art vendors and enjoy music and more.
Taste of Soul
Enjoy a wide variety of food, plus music and vendors, at Taste of Soul. It takes place at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 3 to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Just pay for your food and drink.
Sundays at Sundown Concert
On Sunday evenings, Sundays at Sundown Music Series takes place on the Green at Southern Village, 600 Market Street, Chapel Hill. There’s no cover charge. The band on Sunday, May 25, 2025, is The Triangle Jazz Orchestra.
Six Sundays in Spring
Wake Forest’s Six Sundays in Spring features Blackwater Band on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina. Free to attend.
Carolina Indie Fest
Hugger Mugger, 229 Wicker Street, Sanford, NC, is hosting Carolina Indie Fest, a FREE two-day, outdoor music festival, on May 23 and 24, 2025.
Carolina Indie Fest features 10 diverse performances.
Food trucks and local arts and crafts vendors will be on site as well.
The festival takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, and from 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday. Families, babies and pets are welcome. Bring your lawn chair.
Hiking
Please check out our list of some of the best hikes in the Triangle, our photo guide to hiking eight N.C. State parks, and our photo guide to North Carolina waterfalls.
NC Sugar Rush Dessert Market
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., head to City Plaza in Downtown Raleigh to satisfy your sweet tooth. NC Sugar Rush is a dessert-only food market. Look for ice cream, Italian Ice, cupcakes, funnel cakes, candy apples and more.
Memorial Day Ceremonies
Memorial Day Themed Guided Tours at Bennett Place
Bennett Place Historic Site, at 4409 Bennett Memorial Road, Durham, NC, is offering Memorial Day Themed Guided Tours on May 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2025, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. The tour is $2 for ages 13-64, and $1 for children and seniors.
Following the end of the American Civil War, grieving families and friends across the nation mourned their loved ones by decorating their graves in remembrance. The tradition took root and became Memorial Day.
Experience a guided tour of Bennett Place grounds to learn more about the history of the holiday and several Americans who died in military service. The grounds tour includes a guided walk along our Memorial Line, a temporary rope installation designed to visualize and commemorate the human cost of war.
Visitors are welcome to contribute to the Memorial Line by adding notes, artwork, or names of loved ones who died in military service.
Historic Oakwood Cemetery
Honor fallen service men and women at a Memorial Day Service at Historic Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina. It takes place Monday, May 26, 2025, from 4 to 5 p.m.
Follow the event signs to Field of Honor and park along the road. Chairs will be provided.
Durham County
Durham County Veteran Services is presenting a Memorial Day Remembrance event on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 9 a.m., at Administration II Building, 201 E Main Street, Durham, North Carolina. It will take place in Conference Room 126.
It’s free and open to everyone.
Orange County (Chapel Hill)
Orange County will honor the sacrifices of America’s servicemen and women during the annual Orange County Veterans Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 26, 2025, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Site, 2501 Homestead Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Town of Cary
The Town of Cary is holding a Memorial Day Remembrance on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., at Veterans Freedom Park, 1517 N. Harrison Avenue, Cary, North Carolina. The ceremony will feature remarks from Cary Town Council, special guest speaker Paul Berry, and patriotic music from Cary Town Band. Attendees are invited to visit the Freedom Tower Monument at the park and partake in complimentary refreshments before and after the ceremony.
Limited seating will be available, but you’re encouraged to bring your own lawn chair.
American Legion Post 67, Cary
American Legion Post 67 is presenting a Memorial Day ceremony on May 26, 2025, at 10 a.m., at Hillcrest Cemetery, 608 Page Street, Cary, North Carolina.
This event will honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and their families who live with the loss.
Town of Garner
The Town of Garner’s Memorial Day Observance will take place Monday, May 26, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., at the Garner Veterans Memorial in Lake Benson Park, 921 Buffaloe Road, Garner.
Town of Apex
Apex’s Memorial Day Ceremony takes place Monday, May 26, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., at the Downtown Service Memorial, 220 N Salem Street, Apex, North Carolina.
Montlawn Memorial Park
Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is hosting a Memorial Day tribute on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11 a.m.
Gather with family and friends to honor and remember those who gave their lives for our country.
Knightdale
The Town of Knightdale will hold a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11 a.m., at the Knightdale Veterans Memorial at Knightdale Station Park, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, North Carolina.
Free Flags
Ace Hardware is giving away American Flags for Memorial Day on Saturday, May 24, 2025. No purchase required. While supplies last. These are 8″x12″ stick flags, suitable for placing on a grave, field, or garden as a tribute to a fallen serviceman or servicewomen.
Memorial Day Weekend Freebies and Discounts
Some of these deals are for everyone and some might be announced that are specifically for military veterans or personnel.
We’ll be adding these deals as soon as they’re announced.
Bonefish Grill: Vets are honored every day at Bonefish Grill. The restaurant’s Heroes Discount is offered all year long — 10% off for all service members, veterans and first responders.
Brewers at 4001 Yancey: Veterans get their first beer for free on Monday, May 26.
Firehouse Subs: From May 23 to 26, 2025, Firehouse Rewards members receive a buy-one-get-one 50% off medium or large sub deal. One offer per person, per day.
Olive Garden: If you take the whole family to Olive Garden, enjoy an extra take-home entrée for just $6. Pick up enough extra meals to enjoy over the holiday weekend. Choose from Fettuccine Alfredo, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.
Outback Steakhouse: Vets are honored every day at Outback Steakhouse. The restaurant’s Heroes Discount is offered all year long — 10% off for all service members, veterans and first responders.
Popeyes: From May 14 to 29, 2025, Popeyes is giving away a free buttermilk biscuit with every order of $5 or more at participating locations. The offer is only available for Popeyes Rewards members via the restaurant’s site or app. Join Popeyes Rewards here. The giveaway must be redeemed from the “Offers” tab in the loyalty account.
Shake Shack: Free Avocado Bacon Burger from May 19 to 25, 2025, with $10 purchase. The offer is only valid for purchases placed at a kiosk in-restaurant or for delivery or pick-up via the Shake Shack app or at shakeshack.com. Use promo code BURGERMONTH at checkout. (Note: Promo code must be entered in ALL CAPS.)
Sonic Drive-In: From May 19 to June 29, 2025, Sonic Drive-In is offering 50% off Classic and Master Shakes at participating locations — after 5 p.m. Any add-ons are extra. No promo code or digital coupon needed. The deal automatically applies at checkout — in-restaurant and online.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Sullivan’s Steakhouse is offering two Sullivan’s Signature Angus Burger & Fries for only $26. Valid May 23 to 26, 2025, for Memorial Day weekend. Only available for online orders at sullivanssteakhouse.com.
Checkers & Rally’s: Available on an ongoing basis, Checkers & Rally’s is offering a combo for $4 that includes choice of a cheese double or spicy chicken sandwich, a side of fries, a 12-oz. drink and a cinnamon apple pie.
GrubHub has a number of special deals for Memorial Day Weekend:
GrubHub from May 19 to 25, 2025:
- Wendy’s Free Medium Frosty Fusion with $20+
- Burger King BOGO Double Cheeseburger on $15+
- PetSmart 30% off $40+
- 7-Eleven 30% off $25+
- Sweetgreen $5 off orders $25+
GrubHub from May 26 to June 1:
- BOGO wings at Buffalo Wild Wings (up to $15), $20 for GH+ Diner
- CVS 30% off $35+ (max $12)
- Dunkin 25% OFF $20 (up to $7) for GH+
- SONIC 25% off $20 (max $6)
- Arby’s 20% off $25+, (max $7)
Memorial Day Gift Card Offers
Relax over the Memorial Day weekend by putting away the outdoor grill. Let one of these restaurants do all the work over the holiday weekend with a gift card bonus or discount. Buy the gift card as a way to celebrate the start of summer or a way to save when you take the whole family out to dinner.
Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza & Wings
Slice into a bonus at Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza & Wings. For every $100 spent on gift cards, receive a $40 Bonus Card — from April 29 to July 16, 2025. The bonus can be redeemed from July 17 to Aug. 25, 2025. Gift cards are available for purchase in-restaurant, online or via the Anthony’s app.
Applebee’s
Buy a $50 gift card and Applebee’s will throw in a $10 Bonus Card — from April 14 to June 28, 2025. The bonus card expires Aug. 3, 2025.
Auntie Anne’s
Buy $25 in gift cards at Auntie Anne’s and enjoy a $5 Reward Code. The bonus is available from April 28 to June 15, 2025. Each purchase of gift cards in increments of $25 (in one transaction) will receive a $5 Rewards Code. The reward expires July 15, 2025.
Bonefish Grill
Buy a $50 gift card at Bonefish Grill and get a $10 Bonus Card — from April 21 to June 22, 2025. The bonus card can be redeemed from June 23 to Aug. 24, 2025.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Gather the family and enjoy a meal at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. For every $50 spent in gift cards, receive a $10 Bonus Card — from April 13 to June 15, 2025. The bonus card can be redeemed from June 23 to Aug. 24, 2025.
Cinnabon
Spring is so sweet! For every $25 gift card purchased at Cinnabon, get a $5 Reward — from April 28 to June 15, 2025. The bonus must be unlocked in the Cinnabon loyalty program and is valid June 16 to July 31, 2025.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Need bargain bagels for a celebratory brunch? All Einstein Bros. Bagels gift cards purchased online are 20% off — from April 23 to June 24, 2025.
Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão can make springtime sizzle. For every $125 in gift cards purchased online, get a $25 Bonus eCard — from April 15 to June 15, 2025. The bonus card is valid June 16 to Aug. 24, 2025.
IHOP
Hop over to IHOP for breakfast for any holiday or celebration. From April 1 to June 30, 2025, buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 Bonus Card. The bonus card expires Aug. 25, 2025.
Jamba
Get fresh and fruity for spring at Jamba. From May 2 to June 15, 2025, buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 Reward Code. Each purchase of gift cards in increments of $25 (in one transaction) will receive a $5 Rewards Code. The reward card is valid June 16 to Aug. 16, 2025.
McAlister’s Deli
Slather on the savings at McAlister’s Deli. Receive a $5 Reward Card with the purchase of a $25 gift card — from April 20 to June 15, 2025. The reward is valid June 16 to Aug. 16, 2025.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Enjoy burritos and more at Moe’s Southwest Grill. For every $25 in gift cards purchased online or in-restaurant, receive $5 eReward Code — from April 28 to June 15, 2025. Get two bonuses with the purchase of a $30 gift card. The reward code can be redeemed April 28 to Aug. 31, 2025 by unlocking it through the Moe Rewards program.
Outback Steakhouse
Take a spring break “down under”. Buy a $50 gift card at Outback Steakhouse and enjoy a $10 Bonus Card — from April 13 to June 15, 2025. The bonus card is valid June 23 to Aug. 24, 2025.
Red Robin
Get a juicy deal at Red Robin. Buy a $50 gift card and get $10 Bonus Buck Reward. The bonus offer is available April 21 to June 15, 2025. The bonus is valid June 16 to Aug. 10, 2025.
Smashburger
Enjoy a burger and shake at Smashburger! From May 1 to June 18, 2025, get $5 Smash Cash with the purchase of a $25 gift card. The bonus “cash” is valid July 1 to 31, 2025. Find participating locations here.
Subway
Stop at Subway for a great deal! Get a $5 eBonus Card with the purchase of a $25 gift card — from April 30 to June 30, 2025. The complimentary sub voucher is valid through July 31, 2025.
Village Inn
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Village Inn. From April 21 to June 15, 2025, buy a $25 gift card and receive a $5 Bonus Card. The bonus card is valid May 5 to July 27, 2025 — excluding May 11 and June 15.
