2026 National Memorial Day Concert
On Sunday, May 24, at 8:00 p.m., the National Memorial Day Concert will be broadcast live from the West Front of the United States Capitol on public television stations nationwide (check local listings) and streaming online to honor our servicemen and women, their families, and all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
There is also a dress rehearsal at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, that is open to the public. Gates open at 5:00 p.m.
Weather, Security, & Prohibited Items
The U.S. Capitol Police and concert staff closely monitor the weather. If severe weather occurs, changes to the concert schedule will be announced to the public. If there is an evacuation, please follow U.S. Capitol Police direction.
Anyone who attends events on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol must go through security screening before entering the event area. This includes an administrative search of all bags, coolers, backpacks, and closed containers.
For this event, food items and beach/camp chairs that sit low to the ground are allowed. Guests are encouraged to bring their own water.
The following items are prohibited.
- Weapons of any kind
- Alcoholic beverages
- Glass bottles
- Animals (other than service animals)
- Aerosol containers
- Balloons
- Ballistic items (ballistic body armor, tactical helmets)
- Bicycles, scooters, and motorized scooters of any kind (devices required for accessibility (ADA) will be accommodated)
- Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear substances
- Chemicals or damaging liquids
- Disabling chemicals (bear spray, tear gas, poisonous chemicals or gases, or other chemicals designed for self-defense)
- Drones, model rockets, remote or manually-controlled model gliders, model airplanes or unmanned aircrafts, model boats and/or cars, and other unmanned ground or aircraft systems
- Firearms and ammunitions (either real or simulated)
- Explosives of any kind, including fireworks
- Handcuffs, flex cuffs, or items that can be used as restraints
- Impact weapons (batons, blackjack, clubs, slingshot, etc.)
- Knives, blades or sharp objects of any length
- Laser pointers, signs, posters
- Mace, pepper spray
- Noise amplification devices (bullhorns and other sound amplifying devices)
- Structures of support for any signs and placards
- Realistic replicas of explosives, firearms, or other weapons to include toy weapons
- Sticks, poles
- Tasers and stun guns
- Umbrellas larger 36” in diameter (those smaller than 36” will be allowed)
- Pocket or hand tools, such as a “Leatherman”
- Sealed packages, large boxes, duffle bags, and suitcases
- Other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the USCP
Road Closures & Parking Impacts
To ensure everyone’s safety, the following road closures and parking restrictions will be in place around U.S. Capitol Grounds through Monday, May 25.
Thursday, May 21, at 8:00 p.m. – Monday, May 25, at 4:00 a.m.
Road Closures & Parking Restrictions
- First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Independence Avenue, SW
- Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd Street, NW, and First Street, NW
- Maryland Avenue between 3rd Street, SW, and First Street, SW
Tour Bus Traffic Restriction
- Tour buses will be relocated to Union Station for passenger loading and unloading
Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, between 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
ADA Parking
- Both sides of Louisiana Avenue between Constitution Avenue, NW, and First Street, NW
- Both sides of First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Louisiana Avenue, NW
All road closures and parking restrictions are expected to be lifted on Monday, May 25 at 4:00 a.m.
