When Is Memorial Day?
Next Memorial Day (2027)
Monday, May 31, 2027
Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May. It is a US federal holiday.
About Memorial Day
Memorial Day is held on the last Monday in May to honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States armed forces. It began after the Civil War as Decoration Day, when families laid flowers on soldiers' graves.
Since 1971 the holiday has fallen on a Monday, which creates a long weekend that many people treat as the unofficial start of summer. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time. Federal offices, banks and schools close, and many towns hold parades and cemetery ceremonies.
How the Date Is Set
Memorial Day is held on the last Monday in May. Because the rule is based on a weekday, the calendar date changes from year to year.
Plan Around Memorial Day
Print the month so the date is in front of you, or see every holiday for the year.