Central Valley and statewide Memorial Day Events: Find out when and where
Events throughout the Central Valley, including at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, will honor fallen military members this Memorial Day. Here are events this weekend and Monday.
Modesto
Modesto’s annual celebration will take place Monday at 11 a.m. at Acacia Memorial Park, 801 Scenic Drive. City leaders including City Council member Jeremiah Williams and police chief Brandon Gillespie will preside over the event. The Musicadet Alumni Band will play and VFW Post 3199 will present a gun salute.
The Delta Vets Center will raise funds with its Modesto Memorial Classic at East La Loma Park, 2001 Edgebrook Drive. The event will include an all-ages, one-mile run/walk at 8 a.m., a 5K run/walk at 8:45 and a kids fun run at 10:15. Online registration is closed, but participants can register the day of the event starting at 7 a.m. Paid entries will include a pancake breakfast from the Delta Vets Center and there will be an awards ceremony following the race. For more information, visit www.runsignup.com/Race/CA/Modesto/ModestoMemorialClassic
Hughson
Hughson will have its annual event on Monday at 1 p.m. at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Ave. After the event, hamburgers and hot dogs will be served at VFW Post 3199, 2801 W. Hatch Road, Modesto.
Oakdale
Oakdale will honor veterans with the help of Troop 43 Scouts with over 900 flags placed at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery, 701 E. J St., on Monday. The event will be from 9 a.m. to noon.
Riverbank
City leaders will host their event at the Riverbank Community Center on Monday at 3600 Santa Fe St. The event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Turlock
The American Legion Rex Ish Post 88 will host the 63rd anniversary celebration of the Avenue of Flags on Monday at Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Road. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. For more information, go to www.rexishpost88.org
Patterson
Veterans groups will present their annual event Monday at the Patterson Cemetery, at 10800 State Route 33. The event begins at 10 a.m. and will feature speakers and placement of flags.
Santa Nella
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will host its annual event on Sunday at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 McCabe Road. The event starts at 9 a.m.
Statewide
California State Parks will be offering free admission for veterans, active and reserve military members to 147 state parks on Monday. A military identification card will be required for entry. For a list of participating parks, visit parks.ca.gov/MemorialDay2026
This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 5:14 PM.
