Memorial Weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and we’re ready to ring in the summer with you! This Memorial Day, let’s remember those who have served our country and the reason we celebrate in the first place. Let’s remember those who have given their lives in service to our country as we celebrate the long weekend.
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Memorial Day Recognition Service
Veterans Memorial Park The traditional public Memorial Day program will be held at Veterans Memorial Park on Monday, May 30, 2022 at 11 a.m. Flags will line the entry sidewalk leading to the park’s flag pavilion, they’ll have a speaker, and then the Marine Corps League Rifle Detail will fire a 3-volley rifle salute followed by the playing of Taps. Because seating is very limited, you should bring your own chair if you do not want to stand for the 45-minute service.
Taps Across America In addition to the local service, you can participate in a national moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day. This effort is organized by Taps Across America.
Memorial Day closures and special hours
In observance of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, City of Wichita facilities will be closed and/or have special hours:
Closed Saturday, May 28: CityArts and Mid-American All-Indian Museum.
Closed Sunday, May 29: Wichita Public Library locations, CityArts and Mid-American All-Indian Museum.
Closed Monday, May 30: City Hall, neighborhood resource centers, Transit administrative offices, Wichita Public Library locations, Park & Recreation centers, CityArts, Wichita Art Museum, Great Plains Nature Center, Environmental Health office, WATER Center, Brooks Landfill and the Animal Shelter.
There will be no Wichita Transit or Paratransit service on Monday, May 30.
Special Hours:
- O.J. Watson Park will be open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Shelters and rides close at 5 p.m., no fireworks are allowed at the park;
- Wichita Public Golf Courses will be open regular hours;
- Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center will be open regular hours;
- From Memorial Day to Labor Day, all branch libraries will be closed on Sundays. The Advanced Learning Library will remain open on Sundays 1-5 p.m.
Memorial Day weekend events
Delano Wind Ensemble Memorial Day Concert at Botanica
Included with regular admission to Botanica, enjoy the Delano Wind Ensemble’s special Memorial Day concert on the Grand Lawn at 2 p.m. on Memorial Day Monday. Also joining will be Riverfest’s Admiral Windwagon Smith Barry Schwan and the McConnell Air Force Base Color Guard. Food and beverages will be available to purchase. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
National Memorial Day concert
The evening before Memorial Day, PBS will air its award-winning National Memorial Day concert at 8 p.m. on local stations and streaming live here.
Pool’s open!
Most city pools, water playgrounds, and water parks in the Wichita metro area open Memorial Day weekend. Find out Where to Swim in Wichita.
Splash Parks also open
Although some opened early, most Wichita-area splash parks open on or around Memorial Day weekend and nearly all of them are FREEEEEE. (We love this.)
Summer entertainment
Kick off the unofficial start to summer by watching movies outdoors. The Starlite Drive-In will be open with new movies on the big screens.
Memorial Day weekend deals
Wayman Oil Enjoy this deal before Memorial Day weekend! Although the price went up significantly, we hear this is still a deal that will help you get your grill ready for Memorial Day brats and burgers. Wayman oil is having a sale on refills of 20-lb propane grill cylinders the three days preceeding the weekend.
Walgreens Military and veterans (and their families) receive 20% off eligible regular-priced items — from May 27 to 30. The offer is only valid in-store with myWalgreens membership and proof of service.
Memorial Day restaurant deals in Wichita
Some of these restaurant deals are for servicemembers only to recognize the significance of Memorial Day and some of these restaurant deals are for everyone over this fun holiday weekend that traditionally kicks off summer.
Sonic has buy-one, get-one-free hot dogs for everyone over Memorial Day weekend! The free hot dog deal is only good via the app or online ordering from May 27-30, 2022.
Marcos Pizza has a deal for everyone over the holiday weekend. Enjoy 20% off any pizza with code MEM20 between May 26-29, 2022. Mmm mmm! Because you need to use the promo code, be sure to order via the app or online to get the deal.
Wendy’s happens to have a deal for National Hamburger Day, which appropriately falls over Memorial Day weekend. If you aren’t doing your own grilling this weekend, pick up a free Junior Bacon Cheeseburger with any purchase. (See details)
LaMars is offering a FREE donut & coffee for all active, retired, and veteran service men and women on Monday, May 31.
Firebirds will be honoring veterans, active duty service members, and Gold Star families by treating them to a free meal on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2022. Read the details of the promotion and be sure to bring your ID.
Bonefish Grill extends a 10% discount to military members and first responders. (This is actually a year-round military discount.)
Carrabbas, too, has a year-round 10% HEROES discount, along with a Memorial Day weekend special on gift cards: purchase $50 in gift cards now through 6/19 and receive a bonus $10 card to use on your next Carrabbas visit between 6/21-8/21. more info
What else is going on around Wichita this Memorial Day weekend?
Friday, May 27, 2022
Saturday, May 28, 2022
Sunday, May 29, 2022
Monday, May 30, 2022
Sports & Outdoors
Nothing says Memorial Day weekend more than chilling, grilling, and fishing at the lake or splashing in the pool. Here are some ideas for spending Memorial Day weekend outdoors.
(Some of these are recommendations from past years when we couldn’t do events, but you know what? They’re still good ideas.)
Jump in the lake
Kansas state parks, fishing lakes and wildlife areas are open. Find more information at Kansas Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism.
Want to make more than a day of it? Check out our guide to camping in the Wichita area. I will warn you though – Memorial weekend is one of the busiest camping weekends of the year. If that doesn’t deter you, then find a walkup spot and have fun!
Take a hike
Go for a walk at any one of Wichita’s parks. We have a list of where to walk in Wichita. I highly recommend this awesome Nature Trail at Cheney lake!
Take a drive
Oh my gosh, this is one of my favorites. Pack a lunch, fill up the tank with the cheapest gas you can find, and head out for an adventure on a Kansas Scenic Drive. You will want to bring your camera because you WILL find something beautiful, interesting, or breathtaking. Um, also bring a roll of t.p. just in case and all your other essential road trip supplies because a lot of our state is rural, rugged, and natural. This isn’t NYC.
Fly a kite
Buy and fly a kite If you already have the kite, this is free. If you need to buy a kite, go see my friends at Wings of the Wind kite shop. See their recommendations on the Best Places to Fly Kites in Wichita.
Play yard games
Remember those? They require no equipment whatsoever, and almost any number of kids can play. Hide-n-Seek or Simon Says could actually be played inside, but Red Light, Green Light and Mother May I need a little more space.
Ride a bike
Friday, May 22, Boats and Bikes opens! Boats and Bikes rents out a variety of outdoor equipment including kayaks and stand up paddle boards. Find more info here.
Ride a pony
…or ride a train, pedal a boat, paddle a kayak, or play some mini golf. O.J. Watson Park rides are open all day Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.
Indoor Activities & Ideas
What if the weather is bad and we’re all stuck inside with nothing to do? After last year, we’re all experts at this, but here are a few fun ideas anyway:
Make your own fun
- Make an easy and fun craft like a rubber-band powered boat!
- Spread some positivity and kindness by painting your very own kindness rocks.
- Make your own play-dough on the cheap!
- Homemade chocolate sauce on top of an ice cream sundae makes memorial weekend even sweeter.
- For more home ideas check out Activities for kids & families at home (fun, free, and cheap)
This Memorial Day, let’s remember those who sacrificed everything and let’s go out of our way to thank those who serve with that willingness.
Don’t want to miss out on all the free deals? We don’t want you to either. Join our subscribers-only Facebook group and subscribe to our FREE newsletter for the latest daily deals. Don’t forget to share this post with your friends!
Related: Military discounts in Wichita Also check out our Weekend on the Cheap events guide.
Past events:
Live music at El Dorado Lake
Heading to the lake on Memorial Day weekend is just what you do! When you’re there, enjoy some Music in the Park at the Walnut Hollow Amphitheater.
Free American flags
Ace Hardware has pledged to give out free flags for Memorial day again this year!
Twin River Club, 2248 Sweetbriar. is open until 6pm today and ready for you to come swim! Sorry for the delay but today we are ready come swim for free try us out we have a membership sale if you can’t make it this weekend come next Saturday or Sunday give us a try mentioned Wichita on the cheap and I will honor the sale prices for new members once you come I warn you you’re going to want to join we are that cool. Questions call Brenda 316.409.0069