Memorial Day has been recognized since 1868 as a holiday to honor deceased soldiers after the Civil War, and became a federal holiday in 1971.
AAA projects a record-breaking 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period — 87% of Memorial Day travelers are expected to take road trips.
For those not driving, Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses and light-rail will be operating on Sunday schedules in observance of Memorial Day.
If road-tripping to Pittsburgh, or staycationing, here are some celebrations worth considering:
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum offers free admission on Memorial Day. They will host family-friendly activities, entertainment, and contests as well as an all-day tribute to Fallen Post 9-11 Pennsylvania Veterans.
The annual Lawrenceville Memorial Day Parade will be happening from 10a.m.-3p.m.. The parade starts at 36th and Butler and will end at Allegheny Cemetery for a military memorial service. There will be marching bands, classic cars, and more.
South Hills will have the 91st annual Memorial Day Parade on May 26. The parade starts at 10:00 a.m. on Brookline Boulevard and continues to Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.
Pittsburgh Zoo will be hosting Red, Wild & Blue Day as the kick off to their summer season with special enrichment for the animals and giveaways. Admission to the zoo will be free for active duty, reservists, and veterans from May 17 through May 26.
The 6th annual Veteran Memorial Bike Tour will happen on May 24th at 9:00am. The ride starts and ends at Helicon Brewing, and goes for 20 miles on the Panhandle Trail to view veteran memorials.
Kennywood Park will be reopening the Steel Curtain roller coaster on May 24. They will also be holding the Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival.
Pittsburgh Chalk Fest will be happening on May 25 and 26. There will be 21 artists creating chalk murals at Isabella Street and Allegheny Landing.
The Hookstown Grange Annual Memorial Day Car Cruise will be on May 26 from noon-3p.m. at the Hookstown Fair Grounds. There will be free admission and free parking.
