The warm weather and friendly environment of Houston, Texas make the city an essential place to visit during the Memorial Day weekend. It is a city where a lonely trip can be enjoyed as well as travelling with friends or the whole family.
The main idea of Memorial Day is to pay tribute to those who had sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom and peace in the country and the world; so attending ceremonies in honor of those men and women at the Houston National Cemetery at its hemicycle or at the Arlington National Cemetery is one of the top activities in the list. Also, the Houston Peace and Justice Center hosts a memorial in tribute to military and civilians who have died in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
After paying tributes to American soldiers, the enjoyment of performances in the art and culture scenes in Houston are at the disposal of visitors or locals. At the city- owned Wortham Theater Center performances in the area of Ballet or Opera can be enjoyed during the weekend. Futhermore, the Houston’s Hobby Center for the Performing Arts offers the opportunity to see a play, a music concert or, occasionally, a stand-up comic. Live theater can be appreciated at the two stages of the Alley Theater or any of the two locations of the Main Theater.
While in the city for the Memorial Day weekend, a visit to stores around the city has become a tradition for the date. Going to The Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center, gives the opportunity to see several stores, restaurants, video arcades, children´s playground and giant indoor ice skating rink in the 2.4 million square feet of it. For exclusive items, a trip to the Houston Center for Contemporary Art is a stop to acquire wok from the city’s artists.
For a great ending of the weekend, Houston offers a free Dancin’ in the Street Motown Review every Memorial Day Weekend. At this event, music from Etta James and other classic singers and bands famous for their participation with the Motown record label is performed. There are also concerts at the Woodlands accompany with fireworks shows. Besides, other outdoor activities that can be done during the weekend include renting kayaks or model oats at Kinder Lake or have fun with pulsing torrents of water at Gateway Fountain.