This weekend is the unofficial start of summer!

Many places throughout Philly are celebrating Memorial Day with various events, activities, and exhibitions honoring the members of the military. AL DÍA News has highlighted some of the events for readers to visit in and around Philly:

Memorial Day Weekend at National Constitution Center

May 23-25

In addition to the normal permanent and temporary exhibitions, the National Constitution Center will be offer various special programming in honor of Memorial Day. Throughout the weekend, visitors can participate in flag ceremonies, patriotic karaoke, crafts, a “thank-a-vet” letter station, giant flag folding lessons and more. On Memorial Day (May 25), admission to the Constitution Center will be free. More info.

Memorial Day Weekend at Independence National Historical Park

May 23-25

Independence National Historical Park will be honoring veterans throughout the holiday weekend by offering events like “meeting” soldiers from the American revolution, musical events and a Memorial Day ceremony and flag raising. Guests can also visit famous historic attractions like the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall that are in the area. More info.

Memorial Day Parade and Service at Laurel Hill Cemetery

May 24

Laurel Hill Cemetery will honor the fallen soldiers with a re-dedication ceremony for the Silent Sentry, a bronze statue of a Civil War soldier. The event will start with a parade through the cemetery to the plot of General George Gordon Meade, a war hero from the Battle of Gettysburg. More info.

Spruce Street Harbor Park & Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

Season opening on Friday, May 22

Last summer, the free, pop-up park in Penn’s Landing drew more than a million visitors to enjoy a floating restaurant, beer garden, hammocks, colorful LED lights and more. This year, the park will return with food from Garces Group, Federal Donuts, Franklin Fountain as well as an outdoor roller skating rink at Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. Both will be open daily through the end of September. More info.

Independence After Hours

May 22-23

Visitors can travel back to 1776 with guided evening tours of different landmarks in the city’s Historic District. Guests can also enjoy a three-course meal at the historic City Tavern.

After dinner, visitors can tour Independence Hall after-hours. More info.

10th Anniversary of Once Upon a Nation

May 25–27

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Once Upon A Nation storytelling. Visitors can listen to professional storytellers tell free, five secret minute tales of the history of Philadelphia on various storytelling benches through Historic Philly. More info.

Franklin Flea at Headhouse Plaza

May 23

Popular flea market, Franklin Flea, is opening up shop at Headhouse Square this summer. Shoppers can browse through vintage, and handmade and vintage items from dozens of vendors. More info.

Blue Star Museums

May 25 - September 7

Active military personnel and their families can get free admission to participating museums from Memorial Day (May 25) through Labor Day (September 7). Participating museums in the area include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, National Museum of American Jewish History, Penn Museum, The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia History Museum, and Please Touch Museum. More info.

The Philly Pops at Longwood Gardens

May 23

The Philly POPS will perform a “Memorial Day Salute to Broadway” at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. Guest can listen to Broadway tunes and patriotic songs at while enjoying the horticultural gardens. More info.

Memorial Day Weekend at Dorney Park

May 23-25

Dorney Park, in Allentown, is offering free admission to any active or retired military personnel during Memorial Day weekend (and Fourth of July weekend: July 3-5) as part of their Tribute to the Armed Forces program (with valid ID). Members of the military will be able to purchase discount admission tickets for members of their immediate family at a special military discount price of $26 plus tax. Also, all guests in the park during Memorial Day weekend will be able to take advantage of the Dollar Days promotion that allows them to buy food items like hot dogs, ice cream, Chickie's & Pete's Crabfries, as well merchandise, adn games for $1. Dorney Park will also hold its annual Memorial Day fireworks show on May 25 at 9:00 p.m. More info.

Superhero Weekend at the Please Touch Museum

May 22-25

Kids can meet and dress up as their favorite superhero during Superhero Weekend at the Please Touch Museum. Visitors can meet Captain America and Spiderman (on May 23), write letters to a real-life hero, design their own superhero and participate in various hands-on activities during the weekend celebration. More info.

Banner image: Ingrid Taylar, Flickr Commons