With Fort Bragg nearby, Memorial Day is an important holiday to recognize in Fayetteville. Almost everyone has a close connection to the military and takes the opportunity to honor their sacrifices with a series of events around the city. 

There are various memorials and activities devoted strictly to Memorial Day. There are also a few fun activities that day that make up our list of the best things to do in Fayetteville! 

Fayetteville Memorial Day Ceremony 

Freedom Memorial Park is the sight of Fayetteville's official Memorial Day ceremony. The city will pay tribute to veterans who have lost their lives in the line of duty at this free event beginning at 10 a.m. 

There is only seating for 300 people at the park, so it's recommended you bring a lawn chair. Parking is available at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum and the Medical Arts building. 

Related content: Museums in Fayetteville to Learn All The Local History

Wear Blue: Run to Remember 

An active way to honor those who have served is to take part in the Wear Blue: Run to Remember. The special walk/run begins at 8:30 a.m. with a circle of remembrance at the Jordan Soccer Complex

Race participants will then head out on the Cape Fear River Trail where photos of veterans who passed away defending the country will line the path. It provides a great opportunity to reflect on those who have left us while serving. 

Memorial Day at the ASOM 

The Airborne & Special Operations Museum is open on Memorial Day, giving visitors a great opportunity to pay tribute to this valued part of our military forces. The ASOM also pays tribute to Special Operations Forces' canines and handlers who have lost their lives. 

The K9 Memorial takes place from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. beginning with a flag-raising and wreath laying. The museum itself is open all day on Memorial Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Cape Fear Botanical Garden

The Cape Fear Botanical Garden is an 80-acre property packed with beauty just two miles from Downtown Fayetteville. There are over 2,000 plant varieties that you can check out on the grounds. 

The Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers guided tours, but you can also stroll at your leisure. They are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day and general admission tickets for adults are $10. 

WWE Live

World Wrestling Entertainment just happens to be in Fayetteville on Memorial Day and they have a very special Smackdown event planned. A.J. Styles will take on Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship, and the Smackdown Women's Championship will also be contested between Charlotte Flair and Camelia. 

This is the only time that WWE Live will be in Fayetteville this year, so it's a great opportunity for wrestling fans to see their favorite WWE superstars. The event begins at 7:30 at the Crown Coliseum, and tickets start at $18. 

No matter which activity you choose, there are plenty of things to do on Memorial Day in Fayetteville. Spend with family and remember the lives of those lost in the line of battle. 

To find out about more upcoming events in Fayetteville, register with 910area and connect to everything in the Fayetteville and Wilmington area for free.

 

Cover photo courtesy of PxHere