Memorial Day offers an opportunity to celebrate America's fallen heroes — the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. The day typically warrants business closures and a day off of school and work, allowing us to spend some extra time with our loved ones!
The weekend is also considered by many as the unofficial start of summer (and the first acceptable time to wear white pants), so there is plenty to celebrate. We rounded up a few of the best events being held in Columbus this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, ranging from parades and commemorative services to music festivals. Have fun, and make sure to give our service men and women the proper salute they deserve.
When: All weekend
Where: The Westerville Community Center

Photo courtesy of the Westerville Sunrise Rotary
To celebrate Memorial Day and honor our fallen heroes, the Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise will create a display of more than 3,000 American flags across the street from the Westerville Community Center. The fields will open on May 25, and there will be an opening ceremony and concert on Saturday, May 26. It's truly a must-see display for anyone in the area.
When: May 25, 8-9 pm (doors at 6 pm)
Where: The Columbus Zoo
Come get wild at the Columbus Zoo with this fantastic concert! The Charlie Daniels Band, known for memorable hits like "Long Haired Country Boy," "The Legend of Wooley Swamp" and of course, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," will perform as part of the zoo's summer concert series. McGuffey Lane will perform as the opening act. The ticket price includes all-day admission to the zoo, so guests are welcome to come early and explore!
When: May 25-27, times vary
Where: Legend Valley
The seventh annual Dark Star Jubilee will take place at Legend Valley in nearby Thornville! The Grateful Dead played at this historic venue six times, and the multi-day festival aims to bring the spirit of the iconic rock band's music to life. Come enjoy tunes from Dark Star Orchestra (who will headline each of the three nights), Los Lobos, Hot Tuna, the Infamous Stringdusters and so many more.
When: May 26, 9 am
Where: St James Lutheran Church
Come support your current deployed troops at this fun, family-friendly walk! Wear any kind of boots and meet at St. James Lutheran Church for the one-mile walk. Tickets are $25, and all proceeds will directly benefit Operation Buckeye. Keep in mind that this donation will be enough to ship one full box to our troops!
When: May 26, 9 am-noon
Where: McFerson Commons

The Rescue Run is the largest dog-friendly and family-friendly race in Columbus! Bring your four-legged friend to this 1k or 5k walk and run, which winds from McFerson Commons to the Olentangy Trail and back. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit PetPromise and its foster dogs and cats.
When: May 26, 10 am (returning on May 27)
Where: John Bryant State Park
Calling all adventurers! Four String Brewing Company and Trek Bicycle Store will host an overnight bikepacking trip at John Bryant State Park. Meet at the brewery and ride the 55 miles (at a casual pace) to the park, and spend the night there. Food and campsites will be provided, so bring your own gear and prepare for a fun night under the stars! After the ride home, Four String will host a post-ride party complete with discounted brews. $10 covers your food and campsite.
When: May 26, 10 am-noon
Where: First Avenue between Cambridge Boulevard and Oxley Road
This annual parade includes marching bands, floats, service organizations and more, all marching to salute our servicemen and servicewomen! Come join in the fun, and then head over to the Grandview Heights Municipal Pool with your swimsuit for opening day.
When: May 26-27, times vary
Where: The Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Photo courtesy of CSAA Photography via the Columbus Asian Festival
This annual event draws more than 100,000 visitors each year, and is only expected to keep growing! It has been a tremendous success since its inception in 1995, and aims to promote the importance of cultural diversity through games, demonstrations, entertainment, delicious food, live music, an Asian marketplace and more! The event is completely free, so make sure to stop in and see what all the fuss is about.
When: Times vary depending on location
Where: Various locations

As the unofficial first weekend of summer, Memorial Day Weekend in Columbus is also the kickoff for many of our local farmers' markets! Show up at your neighborhood location to shop freshly baked bread, local produce, colorful flowers, artisan products and more! A complete guide to Columbus farmers' markets can be found here.
When: May 27, 8 am
Where: The Westerville Sports Complex
The 6th annual Field of Heroes 5k Run and Walk will take place during Memorial Day weekend, and provides participants with a more active alternative for honoring their heroes. The race will be held on a flat course against a breathtaking backdrop, even winding through Fire Station 111. On the final stretch to the finish line, pass through the Field of Heroes, which features more than 3,000 full-sized American flags.
When: May 28, 11 am
Where: The Shoppes at River Ridge to the Dublin Cemetery
The City of Dublin, in partnership with the Wesley G. Davids Dublin Post 800 of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Dublin Post 10691, will host the annual Memorial Day Ceremonies & Observance on Monday, May 28. The day's events honor veterans who lost their lives in service to our country. Come witness the Bridge Street Bridge wreath throwing ceremony and processional (which will begin at the Shoppes at River Bridge and conclude at the Dublin Cemetery), followed by a commemoration in the cemetery. The ceremony will feature veterans, local students and guest speaker Major General Gregory L. Wayt. Stay afterward for a community picnic in the park hosted by the City of Dublin.
Enjoy your long weekend!