The National Memorial Day Concert is a free, live musical tribute held each year on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and broadcast on PBS the Sunday evening before Memorial Day. It honors America’s fallen service members, their families, and the veterans who came home. It is the nation’s biggest televised night of remembrance.
What the Concert Is
The concert has been held on the Capitol’s West Lawn for more than three decades, and the 2026 broadcast was the 37th annual. It is built around personal stories and tributes woven together with live music, rather than being a typical celebrity show.
It is made for a national audience. It airs on PBS and reaches service members around the world through American Forces Network. In most years, more than half a million people have attended in person.
When and Where It Takes Place
The concert is held the evening before Memorial Day, on the Sunday of the holiday weekend. In 2026, it aired live on Sunday, May 24, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET.
Memorial Day 2027 falls on Monday, May 31, so the concert is expected on Sunday, May 30, 2027. Confirm the date and time on the official PBS National Memorial Day Concert page closer to the event.
The setting is the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, with the Capitol building as the backdrop.
What Happens at the Concert
The format changes slightly from year to year, but a few elements are constant:
- The National Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Jack Everly, the orchestra anchors the sound of the night.
- Military choruses and the Armed Forces Color Guard. They appear alongside the orchestra.
- Guest performers. The lineup mixes Broadway, country, gospel, and pop artists. The 2026 lineup included Mickey Guyton, Jamey Johnson, Alan Jackson, Laura Osnes, and Andy Grammer.
- Actors and hosts. Gary Sinise is a longtime host, and Joe Mantegna has often co-hosted.
- The Armed Forces Medley. The finale begins with the orchestra performing the medley.
The Gold Star Families Tribute
For many viewers, the most moving part is the tribute to Gold Star families, the relatives of service members who died in service. The 2026 segment honored the more than one million Americans who have died defending the nation since its founding 250 years ago, with remembrances from Gold Star families and the traditional playing of Taps.
Special Tributes Each Year
Each year’s program adds themed tributes. The 2026 concert included a tribute to Vietnam War veterans, especially those wounded, ill, or injured, and a remembrance of September 11. It also told the history of 1776 and the citizen soldiers of the thirteen colonies.
Is the National Memorial Day Concert Free?
Yes. Admission is free, and the concert is funded by sponsors and grants rather than ticket sales. Recent supporters include Lockheed Martin, the Horatio Alger Association, the National Park Service, and the Department of the Army.
How to Attend in Person
Attending takes some planning:
- Arrive early. In past years, general admission gates opened at 5:00 p.m., and the public was not admitted to the lawn before then.
- Use the right entrance. The gates have been at the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds.
- Plan for accessibility. There are viewing areas for guests with disabilities.
- Check the rules. Security screening and prohibited items change from year to year, so look at the official concert website before you go.
If you’re planning a trip around the holiday, see our guide to Memorial Day events across the U.S. for other ceremonies and parades.
How to Watch from Home
You don’t need to be in Washington:
- On TV: PBS stations nationwide carry it. Check local listings, since timing can vary by region.
- Online: It streams on YouTube and the PBS website, and is available on demand for about two weeks afterward.
- Overseas: American Forces Network carries it for service members worldwide.
Watching together is also a good way to talk with children about what the day is for.
A Brief Background
The concert has been held since 1989. It was pre-taped in 2020 and held without an in-person audience in 2021, then returned live to the Capitol lawn in 2022.
Why the Concert Matters
Most Memorial Day events are local: a parade, a cemetery ceremony, a flag-planting. The National Memorial Day Concert does the same work on a national scale. It reminds viewers that Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the National Memorial Day Concert live?
Yes. It airs live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, and it is also available to stream on demand for a short period afterward.
What time does it start?
The broadcast has traditionally aired at 8:00 p.m. ET on the Sunday before Memorial Day. Check local PBS listings for your time zone.
Do I need tickets?
No. Entry has been free and open to the public, with general admission gates opening in the afternoon. Verify details for the current year.
Who hosts it?
Gary Sinise is a longtime host, often joined by a co-host who has changed over the years, including Joe Mantegna.
Is it a celebration or a memorial?
It is a memorial. The music is part of the remembrance, and the program centers on the fallen and their families.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re on the lawn with hundreds of thousands of others or watching from your living room, the National Memorial Day Concert gives the holiday a shared moment of reflection. Make it part of your Memorial Day plans, and take the time to remember why we observe the day.