For almost three decades, the award-winning National Memorial Day Concert has paid tribute to the U.S. troops and veterans and has become a long-standing American tradition. The free show, which also honors our servicemen and women that have been injured or lost their lives, is held every year on the West Lawn at U.S. Capitol, and has become the place to be during the holiday weekend.
This year’s all-star lineup includes Charles Esten (Nashville), Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning actress and singer Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple); three-time Grammy Award nominee Leona Lewis; Tony-nominee, Megan Hilty, globally renowned tenor and Broadway star Alfie Boe (Les Misérables) and The Voice’s Spensha Baker will perform the National Anthem.
If you’re one of the thousands of people planning to attend the event on Sunday May 27th that’s hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, here’s a few helpful tips.
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 29: Actors and co-hosts Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna onstage at the 27th National Memorial Day Concert on May 29, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capitol Concerts)
— The show begins at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT and is finished at 9:30 p.m. ET. Doors open at 5:00pm
–Blankets and chairs are permitted
–There are no food vendors on site, so bring your own snacks and nonalcoholic beverages. No alcohol and no glass bottles
–No pets allowed, service animals are welcomed
–Trains typically run longer on the day of the show, however, the Washington Post is reporting there will be metro delays due to construction. You can check the schedule here.
–No tickets are necessary. It’s a free show.
–There are two designated viewing areas for guests with disabilities that includes a monitor with closed captioning for the hearing impaired. After you arrive at the grounds of the Capitol, let a park ranger or an event staff member in a yellow shirt know you need access to this area and they will be able to direct you.
Wounded Warriors stand at attention for the national anthem during the 25th annual National Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, May 25, 2014, in Washington, DC.
–There will be several porta potties around the area for concertgoers to use.
–Security is tight, but efficient. It’s one of the most secure areas in D.C. There will be a large police presence and security will be available for any questions you may have.
–No bikes, knives, guns, no sharp objects of any kind, no firearms, no explosives, no posters, no laser pointers, no large boxes, no suitcases or duffle bags, no drones and no mace or pepper spray.
–Be prepared for any type of weather. Plastic ponchos will be handed out if it’s raining.
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 29: Soldiers attend the 27th National Memorial Day Concert on May 29, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capitol Concerts)
–There will be monitors in certain places of the grass area.
–Bring sunscreen. If you arrive early to grab your spot it will be hot and sunny.
**Insider’s Tips
–If you can’t make the show on Sunday don’t worry! You can attend the dress rehearsals on Saturday May 26th.
–The best seats are the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
The concert will also be live-streamed on PBS, YouTube, Facebook and www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert and available as Video on Demand, May 28 to June 10, 2018.