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Memorial Day Weekend · May 28–31, 2027
Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego 2027: Events & Things to Do
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of San Diego beach season, and it is also the weekend the city takes most seriously — Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, the USS Midway and Mt. Soledad all hold ceremonies. Below are the dated events on the calendar right now, then the local plan for the rest of the long weekend.
Memorial Day Weekend events, day by day
Dated listings for May 28–31, 2027, pulled from our live San Diego calendar and refreshed daily.
Friday, May 28
👨👩👧 FamilyBayside Bands Brew & BBQ
See website for times
SeaWorld San Diego · Mission Bay
Saturday, May 29
🎵 ConcertRingo Starr and His All Starr Band
See website for times
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay · Shelter Island
Sunday, May 30
- 🎵 Concert
CANN Presents Yacht Rock Revue - PRIMETIME Tour 2026
See website for times
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay · Shelter Island
Monday, May 31
- 🎵 Concert
CANN Presents Yacht Rock Revue - PRIMETIME Tour 2026
See website for times
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay · Shelter Island
How locals plan Memorial Day Weekend
Beach parking fills before 9 AM
Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and Coronado lots are full by mid-morning all three days. Park inland and take the bus, bike the boardwalk, or go to a state beach with a paid lot like Torrey Pines or Silver Strand.
May gray is real
Morning marine layer often hangs on the coast until noon in late May. If you want sun at 10 AM, head inland — Julian, Ramona, or the Safari Park in Escondido.
Ceremonies are free and open
Fort Rosecrans holds its Memorial Day service Monday morning; Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial and the USS Midway hold their own. Arrive 45 minutes early and expect shuttle parking at Fort Rosecrans.
Book Saturday dinner by Wednesday
Little Italy, the Gaslamp and Coronado sell out their prime Saturday tables early on holiday weekends. Resy and OpenTable release most tables 30 days ahead.
Memorial Day Weekend in San Diego: common questions
What is there to do in San Diego on Memorial Day weekend?
Live events on the calendar for the long weekend appear at the top of this page. Beyond dated events, the reliable moves are a beach or bay morning, the Little Italy Mercato on Saturday, a Padres home game if the schedule cooperates, sunset at Sunset Cliffs, and a Monday-morning military ceremony at Fort Rosecrans, Mt. Soledad or the USS Midway.
Is San Diego crowded on Memorial Day weekend?
Yes. It is one of the three busiest weekends of the year alongside July 4th and Labor Day. Coastal traffic on I-5 and I-8 backs up from late morning through evening, beach lots fill before 9 AM, and hotel rates in Mission Bay and Coronado roughly double.
Are beaches and parks open on Memorial Day?
Yes — city beaches, Balboa Park and Mission Bay are all open, and lifeguards are on peak-season staffing. Alcohol is still banned on city beaches and boardwalks. Some museums run holiday hours, so check before you drive.
What is the weather like Memorial Day weekend in San Diego?
Expect highs around 70°F at the coast and mid-to-high 70s inland, with morning marine layer most days that usually burns off between 11 AM and 1 PM. Ocean water is roughly 63–66°F, which is a wetsuit for most people.
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About this guide
Published by the Sandi Spots Editorial team at Sleep Coast LLC. Guides combine local perspective and source research. Check the individual guide for firsthand observations and follow official links to confirm current details.