Here's where to honor veterans on Memorial Day 2025 in metro Phoenix
Meredith G. White- Cities across metro Phoenix are holding Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday, May 26, 2025.
- Events include remembrances, musical tributes, exhibits and family activities.
- Locations include Avondale Civic Center, Heard Museum, Gilbert Civic Center, Prescott National Cemetery and the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
Memorial Day is nearly here and if you’re looking for a way to commemorate fallen soldiers, metro Phoenix and beyond have plenty of remembrance ceremonies for you to attend.
Memorial Day is always observed on the final Monday in May and was created to honor military members who lost their lives serving and protecting the country.
This year, Memorial Day falls on May 26, 2025, and Phoenix, Avondale, Prescott and Gilbert are just a few of the cities holding ceremonies and observances.
No matter if you choose to spend the day placing flags on veterans’ graves or spending the day with family-friendly activities honoring fallen veterans, here’s how you can observe Memorial Day 2025.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Avondale Civic Center
The Avondale Parks and Recreation Department will host a Memorial Day ceremony with exhibits, a musical tribute and a flag ceremony at the Civic Center Amphitheater.
Details: 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 26. Avondale Civic Center, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive. Free. 623-333-2400, avondaleaz.gov.
Memorial Day Gathering at the Heard Museum in Phoenix
The Heard Museum in Phoenix is hosting a Memorial Day event where guests can explore the American Indian Veterans National Memorial and other exhibitions before heading to Steele Auditorium to enjoy live music, a film screening, activities for the family and a showcase by veteran artists.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, May 26. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. $26, $21 for age 65 and older, $10 for ages 6-17 and students with college ID, free for veterans and active duty service members and their families, American Indians with tribal ID or CIB, Heard Museum members and children age 5 and under. 602-252-88840, www.heard.org.
Memorial Day Ceremony at the Gilbert Civic Center
The Gilbert Historical Museum will sponsor a Memorial Day ceremony at the Gilbert Civic Center. It will include a flag ceremony, wreath placing and remarks from Gilbert dignitaries including Mayor Scott Anderson.
Details: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Monday, May 26. Gilbert Civic Center Event Site, 50 E. Civic Center Drive. Free. 480-926-1577, www.hdsouth.org.
Remembrance Ceremony at Prescott National Cemetery
If you're heading out of town for the long holiday weekend, the Prescott Veterans Administration is hosting a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Prescott National Cemetery that will include guest speakers, a color guard presentation and a wreath laying.
There's no parking at the cemetery or VA Hospital; free parking will be available at Yavapai College with complimentary shuttle service. Shuttles will begin at 9 a.m.; the last shuttle from the college to the cemetery is at 10:30 a.m.
Details: 11 a.m.-noon Monday, May 26. Prescott National Cemetery, 500 State Route 89. Free. 928-717-7569, www.va.gov.
Memorial Day Ceremony in Phoenix
The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona will host a Memorial Day ceremony where people can gather to pay tribute to fallen soldiers and veterans, share stories and celebrate their legacies.
Details: 8 a.m. Monday, May 26. National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix. Free. cem.va.gov.
Meredith G. White covers entertainment, art and culture for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. She writes the latest news about video games, television and best things to do in metro Phoenix.