What’s there to do Memorial Day Weekend in Charlotte? A lot! Memorial Day in Charlotte will feature events celebrating the beginning of summer, as well as events to honor our fallen military personnel. You can jump right to the list of Memorial Day ceremonies.
Memorial Day is Monday, May 26, 2025, and Memorial Day Weekend starts Friday, May 23.
We are also sharing information on Memorial Day freebies and discounts when they’re announced. And we also have a schedule below of everything on our event calendar for Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.
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Memorial Day Weekend 2025 Events
Memorial Day Celebration at U.S. National Whitewater Center
The Whitewater Center’s Memorial Day Celebration is back! It will take place Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, 2025, with the main celebration being Sunday. The festival includes a trail race, yoga and live music. Admission is free, and parking is $12. Regular prices apply to the activities at the Whitewater Center like rafting, climbing and zip-lining, and competitions require fees as well.
Carowinds
Carowinds is thanking U.S. military members and veterans on Memorial Day weekend by granting them free admission to the park, as well as discount tickets for their guests.
From May 23 to 26, 2025, all military members can receive a free ticket to Carowinds, valid for a single day. Check out the details of Carowinds’ Military Days here.
Memorial Day at Museum of the Waxhaws
Museum of the Waxhaws, 8215 Waxhaw Hwy, Waxhaw, North Carolina, will have special Memorial Day activities on Monday, May 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be displays from several wars, as well as a Memorial Day crafts for kids. Admission is $10. $8 for seniors, and free (on Memorial Day) for all military members and all kids.
Shucked Cookout
To celebrate the musical comedy, Shucked, which is coming to Belk Theater from May 27 to June 1, Blumenthal Arts is hosting a FREE cookout and afternoon of fun at Blume Studios, 904 Post Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 4 p.m.
Shucked Cookout, although free, is ticketed, so don’t delay reserving your spot here. At the time of this update, tickets were available.
Freaquency Family Reunion
The Freaquency Family Reunion is a free event where everyone that shows up is family. It takes place Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 2 to 6:30 p.m., at Starlight on 22nd, 422 E 22nd Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Admission is free. Get a fish place for $10. RSVP here.
Enjoy all kinds of family reunion fun, including line dancing, Spades, Uno, hula hoops, board games.
Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware is giving away 1 million American flags for Memorial Day on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
These are 8″x12″ stick flags, suitable for placing on a grave, field, or garden as a tribute to a fallen serviceman or servicewomen. No purchase required. While supplies last.
Outdoor concerts
Check out a very big list of outdoor concerts taking place all over the Charlotte region! Most on the list are free to attend.
Swim and Splash
Many area pools and spraygrounds open this weekend! Check out the details of the places to swim in the Charlotte area, including lakes and a quarry!
Free Double Bacon Cheeseburgers at Keith Clinic
Keith Clinic Estramonte Chiropractic is sharing food on Memorial Day. Stop by its location at 4016 Triangle Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until supplies are gone) for a free Double Bacon Cheeseburger, chips and cookies.
Boileryard Brunch at Camp North End
Enjoy Boileryard Brunch at Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 12 to 4 p.m. Enjoy a DJ, live music, photo booths, living painting, and lots of good things to eat and drink. Free to attend. Pay for food and drink.
Camden Commons
Camden Road, in the South End, will be transformed into an outdoor living room on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will close to traffic between Tremont and East/West Boulevard, and be open for fun and relaxation, including music, games, shopping, eating, drinking and more. Enjoy Camden Commons several times this spring and summer.
Drive-In Movie
Two drive-in theaters in our region are operating this spring: Badin Road Drive-In in Albemarle and Belmont Drive-In in Belmont.
Hiking
Please check out our huge list of 50+ hikes and walks in and near Charlotte. You’ll find plenty of interesting hikes on greenways and nature preserves right in Charlotte, as well as hikes to spectacular waterfalls, mountain views and more, just a short drive away.
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.
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 Ceremonies
Huntersville Memorial Day Ceremony
The Town of Huntersville is holding its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville, NC. Enjoy pre-ceremony patriotic music at 10:45 a.m., followed by a ceremony at 11 a.m.
Indian Trail Memorial Day Ceremony
The Town of Indian Trail is holding a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11 a.m., at VFW Post 2423, 100 VFW Lane, Indian Trail, North Carolina.
Kings Mountain Memorial Day Ceremony
The City of Kings Mountain is holding a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10 a.m., at Patriots Park, 220 S Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC.
Waxhaw Memorial Day Ceremony
The Town of Waxhaw is holding a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10 a.m., at Military Wall of Honor, 109 E North Main Street, Waxhaw, NC.
Memorial Day service at Sharon Memorial Park
McEwen Funeral Service is hosting a Memorial Day service at Sharon Memorial Park. Sharon Memorial Park is at 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC, on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. After the service, food and refreshments will be provided.
Memorial Day program in Cornelius
The Town of Cornelius and Legion Post 86’s Memorial Day program will take place Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10 a.m., at Cain Center for the Arts, 21348 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC.
Kannapolis Memorial Day Ceremony
The City of Kannapolis’ Memorial Day Ceremony takes place Monday, May 26, 2025, at 12 p.m., at Veterans Park, 119 N Main Street, Kannapolis, NC.
Fort Mill Memorial Day Ceremony
The Town of Fort Mill, South Carolina, is holding a Memorial Day Ceremony at Unity Cemetery, 303 Tom Hall Street, Fort Mill, South Carolina, on Monday, May 27, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Gethsemane Cemetery
A Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at Gethsemane Cemetery and Memorial Gardens, 1504 W Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, NC, on Monday, May 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. It includes a speaker, Caisson procession, CMDP Honor Guard presentation, dove release and lunch.
VFW Mecklenburg Post 1160
VFW Mecklenburg Post 1160, at 2831 The Plaza, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting a Memorial Day program on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 1 p.m.
This will be a small ceremony commemorating our fallen heroes, followed by a lunch with grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.
Memorial Day Ceremony in Matthews
Town of Matthews is holding a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Matthews Veterans Memorial Park, 120 S Trade Street, Matthews, North Carolina. Matthews Veterans Memorial Park is within Stumptown Park. The Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 will be presenting the ceremony to honor those who have fallen in all wars. The Matthews Concert Band will play before the ceremony, at 10:30 a.m.
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.
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