May is here!  And a variety of events that honor veterans and fallen heroes marks Memorial Day in Orange County, California.

Here’s a concise overview of what you can expect for May Memorial Day celebrations in 2025. Some are on recurring events and patterns from previous years.

Memorial Day 2025 falls on Monday, May 26.

Key Events in Orange County

1. Anaheim Cemetery Memorial Day Program
– Description: A solemn ceremony hosted by the Orange County Cemetery District, featuring guest speakers, a wreath presentation, and a Rifle Volley Salute to honor local veterans.
– Location: Anaheim Cemetery, 1400 E. Sycamore St., Anaheim, CA.
– Time: Typically at 11:00 a.m.
– Details: This event is free and open to the public. (Click here for more information!)

2. Field of Honor Newport Beach
– Description: Organized by the Newport Harbor Exchange Club, this event features 1,776 large American flags displayed at Castaways Park to honor veterans. A noon ceremony on Memorial Day includes a keynote speaker, often a military or veterans’ organization representative.
– Location: Castaways Park, 700 Dover Drive, Newport Beach, CA.
– Time: Display runs through Memorial Day; ceremony at 12:00 p.m.
– Details: The flag display starts mid-May, with the culminating event on Memorial Day. Free to attend. (Click here for more information!)

3. San Clemente Memorial Day Observance
– Description: A community ceremony with a guest speaker (e.g., a high-ranking military officer), wreath presentations, color guard, taps, and patriotic music.
– Location: San Clemente Community Center lawn, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, CA.
– Time: Typically at 11:00 a.m.
– Details: Open to the public. (Click here for more information!)

Memorials and Charity Runs

4. Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial Ceremony
– Description: Held at the Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial, this event includes speakers, a color guard, musical performances, and a Gold Star roll call to honor fallen service members.
– Location: Veterans Park, 4756 Valley View Ave., Yorba Linda, CA.
– Time: Typically at 2:00 p.m.
– Details: Free and open to the public. (Click here for more information!)

5. Laguna Hills Memorial Day Run
– Description: A charity run honoring the U.S. Marine Corps DARKHORSE Battalion, offering kids’ runs, 5K, 10K, and half-marathon options. Post-race activities include food trucks, a beer garden, and live music.
– Location: Starts near El Toro Road & I-5 Freeway, 24155 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, CA.
– Time: Typically 8:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
– Details: Registration required; fees vary by race distance. (Click here for more information!)

More Family Outings

6. Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
– Description: A family-friendly festival running May 23–26, 2025, featuring a parade, carnival rides, strawberry shortcake cutting (Friday at 6:00 p.m.), and free entertainment. While not exclusively a Memorial Day event, it’s a major holiday weekend attraction in Orange County.
– Location: Village Green, Euclid Street and Main Street, Garden Grove, CA.
– Time: Friday 1:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Monday 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
– Details: Free admission; costs for rides and food. The parade is a highlight, often including veteran tributes. (Click here for more information!)

7. Mission San Juan Capistrano Field of Honor
– Description: In partnership with Homefront America, this event displays hundreds of 7-foot-tall flags honoring active military, veterans, and first responders. The display runs from mid-May through Memorial Day.
– Location: Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA.
– Time: Open during Mission hours; specific ceremony times vary.
– Details: Free with Mission admission; flag sponsorships available. (Click here for more information!)

Museums and More Ceremonies

8. Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum Ceremony
– Description: A wreath-laying ceremony at 10:15 a.m. followed by a patriotic band concert indoors at 11:00 a.m., honoring military service.
– Location: 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA.
– Time: Starts at 10:15 a.m.
– Details: Free tickets for the ceremony can be reserved online; museum admission is separate. (Click here for more information!)

9. Huntington Beach Ceremony
– Description: Hosted by the city and American Legion Post 133, this event features the Huntington Beach High School Band and tributes to fallen service members.
– Location: Pier Plaza, Huntington Beach, CA.
– Time: Typically at 11:00 a.m.
– Details: Free and open to the public. (Click here for more information!)

10. Irvine Ceremony
– Description: A city-hosted ceremony at Col. Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park. This includes opportunities to write cards for the city’s adopted 211/Marine Battalion.
– Location: 4 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA.
– Time: Typically at 10:00 a.m.
– Details: Free to attend; focuses on community engagement and veteran recognition. (Click here for more information!)

Additional Notes

– Other Activities: Beyond formal ceremonies, Memorial Day weekend in the month of May in Orange County often includes: beach visits, barbecues, and festivals. For example, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are popular for their coastal vibes, though parking fees may apply.(Click here for more information!)

– Event Updates: Specific details for 2025 (e.g., exact times, speakers) may not be finalized until closer to the date. Check official websites like orangecounty.net, visitanaheim.org, or city-specific pages (e.g., san-clemente.org, yorbalindaveteransmemorial.com) for updates. (Click here for more information!)

– Closures: County administrative offices and some public facilities will be closed on May 26, 2025, in observance of the holiday. (Click here for more information!

– Free Events: Many ceremonies and tributes are free.  But some festivals (e.g., Garden Grove Strawberry Festival) involve costs for food or activities. (Click here for more information!)

– Memorial Sites: Orange County has several veterans’ memorials worth visiting. Some are the Vietnam War Monument in Westminster, Korean War Memorial in Fullerton, or Northwood Gratitude & Honor Memorial in Irvine. (Click here for more information!)

Recommendations

– Reflective Experiences: Attend the Anaheim Cemetery program or Newport Beach Field of Honor for moving tributes.
– For Families: The Garden Grove Strawberry Festival offers fun for all ages with a patriotic parade.
– Active Participation: Join the Laguna Hills Memorial Day Run to support a military charity.
– Verify Details: Since event schedules can change, visit Eventbrite (eventbrite.com) or local city websites closer to May 2025 for confirmed times and potential new events. (Click here for more information!)

Moreover, the following are notable ceremonies and activities taking place across the county:

🪖 Memorial Day Ceremonies

Anaheim Cemetery Memorial Day Program
📍 1400 E. Sycamore St., Anaheim, CA
🗓️ Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
A solemn ceremony featuring guest speakers, a color guard, and a wreath presentation. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. (Voice of OC, Orange County Cemetery District, Orange County Cemetery District)

El Toro Memorial Park Ceremony
📍 25751 Trabuco Rd., Lake Forest, CA
🗓️ Monday, May 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
>The 34th Annual Memorial Day Program includes a reading of General Logan’s Order, recognition of veterans and Gold Star families, an honor guard firing salute, and musical performances. (Orange County Cemetery District)

Santa Ana Cemetery Ceremony
📍 1919 E. Santa Clara Ave., Santa Ana, CA
🗓️ Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
A traditional ceremony held at the Soldier’s Monument, featuring guest speakers and a moment of reflection. (Orange County Cemetery District)

Laguna Beach Memorial Day Ceremony
📍 Heisler Park, Laguna Beach, CA
🗓️ Monday, May 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
A community gathering to honor fallen soldiers, featuring speeches and a flag ceremony. (ocevents.co, Orange County Cemetery District)

Mission Viejo Memorial Day Ceremony
📍 Mission Viejo Civic Center, Mission Viejo, CA
🗓️ Monday, May 28, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
A morning of remembrance with guest speakers, music, and community participation. (ocevents.co)

🎉 Memorial Day Weekend Events

Newport Dunes: Tunes at the Dunes
📍 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, CA
🗓️ May 24–26, 2025
A family-friendly event featuring live music, food trucks, and water activities along the scenic Upper Newport Bay. (SoCalPulse, Visit Anaheim)

Newport Beach Wine Festival
📍 Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach, CA
🗓️ May 24–26, 2025
A sophisticated celebration offering wine tastings, gourmet dining experiences, and live entertainment in a beautiful waterfront setting. (SoCalPulse, Visit Anaheim)

Scottish Fest USA📍 OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA
🗓️ May 27–28, 2025
Southern California’s largest Scottish and Celtic festival, featuring bagpipes, traditional dancing, Celtic cuisine, and a memorial service honoring military personnel. (SoCalPulse)

Knott’s Berry Farm Military Days and Memorial Sunday Fireworks
📍 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA
🗓️ May 28–30, 2025
Active, veteran, and retired U.S. military personnel receive complimentary admission, with discounted tickets for family and friends. The weekend culminates in a spectacular fireworks show on Sunday at 9:45 p.m. (SoCalPulse)

Laguna Hills Memorial Day Run
📍 El Toro Road & I-5 Freeway, Laguna Hills, CA
🗓️ May 30, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
An annual run honoring the U.S. Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion, offering 5K, 10K, and half-marathon options.  Also enjoy food trucks, a beer garden, and live music. (SoCalPulse)

In conclusion, these events provide meaningful opportunities to honor our military heroes.

Wishing everyone everyone a joyous Memorial Day weekend in Orange County.

Contact us for assistance with event details, directions, or accommodations!