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Travel — May 15, 2012 5:51 pm

6 Things to Do on Memorial Day Weekend 2012

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As the weather warms and the days grow longer, Memorial Day weekend is a time to honor the U.S. fallen soldiers and spend time with friends and family. As the unofficial mark of the beginning of summer, the activities for Memorial Day weekend are endless. Stuck on what to do on your well-deserved day off? We’ve compiled a list of the 6 best ways to spend your weekend. From grilling up gourmet burgers at your backyard barbecue to soaking up the sun and fun in Las Vegas, we’ve got you covered on the hippest things to do during the weekend we’re sure you’ll be talking about all year.

Denver Day of Rock
When: Saturday, May 26, 2012
Where: 1616 Seventeenth Street, Suite 462 | Denver, CO 80202

Attention Denver residents and visitors: it’s time to get your rock on! This year, the 3rd annual Denver Day of Rock will be featuring five stages of live music with a unique line-up in Downtown Denver. The concert is benefiting Food Bank of the Rockies, an organization whose mission is to fight hunger and feed hope. Concert-goers are urged to bring cans of non-perishable food that will be collected for the Food Bank of the Rockies. Rock on!
Chicago Memorial Day Parade
When: Saturday, May 26, 2012
Where: State St. from Lake St. to Van Buren State St. & Lake St.
Hours: Wreath Laying Ceremony begins @ 11 am; Parade begins @ 12 Noon

Chicagoans rejoice! If you’re looking to honor the men and women who served in the army, then the Chicago Memorial Day Parade is for you. Since 1870, the parade, which will grace State Street, Lake Street, and Van Buren Street, has been named the largest Memorial Day parade in the country. Admission to this event is free, so grab some flags and your patriotism and enjoy the parade!

Fiesta Hermosa

When: Saturday, May 26 – Monday, May 28
Where: 1007 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Hours: 10 am – 6 pm

Featuring over 270 artists and crafters, Fiesta Hermosa is the largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California. Fairgoers can enjoy the breezy, warm temperatures Hermosa Beach has to offer while jamming out to live music and taking a culinary trip around the world at the Food Court. Don’t forget to bring the kids and the dogs! The fiesta will feature a Kiddie Carnival with a 30-foot slide, rides, and bungee jumping.

Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas during Memorial Day weekend has its up and … well, ups. With warm weather and a seemingly never-ending strip to walk down, the fun is as bottomless as the margaritas. To sweeten the deal, many of the city’s hotels are offering deals for travelers. Whether you’re hitting up the hottest Vegas nightclubs or indulging in one of their world-class buffets, Las Vegas won’t let you down. Worried about leaving Fido while you’re busy hitting the strip? We’ve got a ton of dog sitters who are willing to give your pooch a vacay of his own on Memorial Day weekend!

San Francisco Carnaval 

When: Sunday, May 26 – Monday, May 27
Where: Harrison Street between 23rd Street & 16th Street in the Mission District
Hours: All-day

Striving to introduce people to a multi-cultural community, the San Francisco Cultural Arts Traditions brings people together to appreciate diverse music, food, artistry, and dance. Make your way to the festival this Memorial Day weekend and join the community in celebrating different cultures and traditions!

Backyard Barbecue

Love hosting get-togethers? Then get ready to fire up the grill and flip some burgers and hot dogs in your very own yard. Invite some neighborhood friends, sip on some chilled libations, and channel your inner chef (don’t forget to feed Fido some tasty treats in the process!) Kick-off the beginning of barbecue season with a dip in the pool, fun friends, and delicious food. If you want some killer dishes for the special day, check out these mouth-watering recipes.

No matter what your plans are this Memorial Day weekend, take a few minutes to remember our fallen soldiers. Planning on going out of town? Don’t leave your pooch alone! Take advantage of the amazing hosts on DogVacay who are ready to make the long weekend a memorable one for your four-legged friend.

Forget the kennel! Board your dog in a real home with DogVacay.com. Search trusted and insured pet sitters near you starting at $15/night.