6 Fun Ideas for Memorial Day Weekend in the SF Bay Area, 2017
Whenever we hear about Memorial Day, the 3 day long weekend comes to mind straightaway. We start making our plans for the long break and are so happy and excited that we often forget the reason behind celebrating Memorial Day.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who died in military service for the United States of America. It was traditionally observed on May 30; but changed in 1968 to the last Monday in May. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. However Waterloo N.Y. has the backing of Congress and President Lyndon Johnson for their claim!
If you happen to stay in the bay area during the long weekend, we have handpicked six fun activities that will keep you busy!
1. BottleRock Napa Valley
This is Napa’s very own music festival, BottleRock. It runs from May 26 to 28, 2017. Doors open 11.30 am to 10.30pm. Bus services are available from San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fairfield, Mill Valley, Palo Alto, and Santa Rosa. For tickets and details, go BottleRocker!
2. San Ramon Art and Wind Festival
For families in Tri Valley, don’t miss the San Ramon Art and Wind Festival in Central Park, San Ramon. It runs May 29 and 30th 2017 from 11 am to 6 pm. Free admission and plenty of fun for the kids, with attractions like stalls by local arts and crafts vendors, amphitheater stage with performances by kids, food stalls, kite flying competitions and much more.
3. Carnaval San Francisco
The 39th annual carnival is on May 27 and 28, 2017. The grand parade will be held on May 28th at 9.30 am. The two-day festival will be on Harrison Street between 16th and 24th Street. Come and experience the fun which includes international music, dance, arts, and much more. Join the Carnaval!
4. SF Bay Twilight and Sunset Cruise
If you are looking for a relaxing sunset cruise then you must check this out. The two hour cruise passes famous SFO landmarks like the Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz Island, and Angel Island. You even sail under Golden Gate Bridge twice. Sailings are on Friday to Monday at 7 pm.
5. Giants game
If you are a fan of the Giants then reserve the date on Memorial Day weekend because SFO Giants will be home during this long weekend in 2017.
6. Memorial Day Sale
Shopaholics (or smart buyers) don’t forget the big sales during Memorial Day weekend. In addition to the usual department stores, Gilroy Premium Outlets and San Francisco Premium Outlets (formerly Livermore Premium Outlets near Pleasanton) offer additional discounts on Memorial Day weekend. Get there at opening time for easy parking.
In case you have already made plans to fly or travel on vacation, try to leave early and avoid the mad traffic during the weekend. If you need flight assistance, TripCompanion is here to help match you and your family with a fellow traveler.
Enjoy the sun and have fun during the long weekend. Happy Memorial Day Weekend & Fly Confident!