Memorial Day 2025: Ultimate Guide to Best Travel Hacks, Mega Sales & Meaningful Ways to Honor Heroes

KEY DATE Memorial Day 2025 falls on Monday, May 26, marking the last Monday of May as set by federal law. WHY THE DAY MATTERS First observed after the Civil War, Memorial Day honors U.S. military personnel who died in service. At 3 p.m. local time, Americans are encouraged to pause for the National Moment of Remembrance, a tradition established by Congress in 2000. WHAT’S OPEN AND CLOSED • Federal, state, and local government offices, courts, and post offices will be closed. • The New York Stock Exchange and most banks suspend trading and lobby service for the day. • Major national retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Home Depot plan regular hours, while warehouse clubs like Costco will close, following past holiday schedules. • Public transit systems generally run on Sunday or holiday timetables—check local agency websites for exact frequency. TRAVEL OUTLOOK AAA projects one of the busiest holiday weekends in a decade, as lower fuel prices and an early start to summer vacations push road trips higher than 2024 levels. Peak congestion is expected Friday afternoon and Monday evening on major corridors such as I-95 in the Northeast and I-5 on the West Coast. Travelers should build in extra time or depart before 11 a.m. to avoid gridlock. AIRPORT SURGE The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen more than 3 million passengers on the Friday before Memorial Day, warning flyers to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights. Extra TSA lanes and canine teams will be deployed at Atlanta, Denver, and Dallas–Fort Worth, the three busiest hubs this year. BIG EVENTS TO WATCH • 2025 Jones Beach Air Show, NY – U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headline the two-day spectacle over the Atlantic. • National Memorial Day Concert – Broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on PBS, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra. • Indianapolis 500 – The 109th running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” anchors Sunday’s sports calendar. COMMUNITY REMEMBRANCE IDEAS – Attend a local cemetery flag-placing ceremony. – Volunteer with Gold Star family support groups. – Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. and share a tribute on social media using #MemorialDay2025. SAFETY TIPS FOR THE LONG WEEKEND Fire officials urge caution with backyard grills; keep propane tanks upright and never leave flames unattended. Lifeguards remind swimmers that water temperatures in northern lakes and oceans remain below 70 °F—wear a life jacket if boating or paddle-boarding. LOOKING AHEAD Because Memorial Day 2026 arrives on May 25, families who rely on the holiday to kick off summer should book rentals early; beachfront accommodations in popular destinations like Myrtle Beach and Destin were 90 percent full by mid-April this year, according to tourism boards. BOTTOM LINE Whether you plan to pay respects at a veterans’ cemetery, catch the afternoon air show, or simply fire up the grill, Memorial Day 2025 offers a moment to honor sacrifice while unofficially launching summer. Plan around closures, expect crowded roads, and pause at 3 p.m. to remember those who gave all.