Traditionally, many Americans celebrate Memorial Day each year by attending a local parade and firing up the grill. This year, take a break from barbequing and spend the unofficial start to summer trying something new. From a “blues and brews” festival with dozens of different regional craft brews to fishing a private pond for your own meal, there are plenty of one-of-a-kind events and activities to check out all across the U.S. Below are a few alternative ways to celebrate Memorial Day in some of our favorite destinations:
Albuquerque, NM
- The Albuquerque Wine Festival will take place all weekend at Balloon Fiesta Park. The festival will feature 20 of New Mexico’s top wineries, vendors from across the Southwest, live music and art displays.
- Albuquerque Blues and Brews will take place on Sunday, May 24th as part of ABQ Beer Week, a ten-day series of community events celebrating local bars, breweries and restaurants. Attendees can sample dozens of regional craft brews, listen to live music and enjoy homebrew demonstrations, food vendors, raffles, games and more.
Estes Park, CO
- Check out the Memorial Day Weekend Art Market at Bond Park in the center of downtown. More than 90 local, statewide and national artisans will showcase their talents. Live music and food are also available throughout the weekend.
- Simultaneously celebrate Memorial Day and Rocky Mountain National Park’s Centennial anniversary with the new "Climb On!” exhibit at Estes Park Museum. This free, limited-time exhibit allows guests to experience the vertical side of Estes Park, home to some of the nation's most spectacular rock climbing. Participants will learn about ascending rocky terrain and how individuals pioneered local routes that pushed the limits of gravity.
Cheyenne, WY
- Help Wyoming celebrate 125 years of statehood at Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne, which has created a special exhibit to chronicle significant events in the state’s history year by year. The exhibit officially opened in April, and has continued to install a new decade each week leading up to the official anniversary on July 10th.
- Catch your own meal at Terry Bison Ranch, which allows guests to fish for rainbow trout in a private lake and bring their day’s catch to Senator’s Steakhouse to be prepared. The chefs at Senator's Steakhouse will cook and clean the fish and add a selection of sides. Stick around after the meal and visit with a variety of animals including bison, camels, ostriches, oxen and more.
Tell us, how are you planning to celebrate Memorial Day this year?