Which historic Washington, D.C., venue hosts the National Memorial Day Concert each year?

The National Memorial Day Concert is held on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

The outdoor concert takes place in Washington, D.C., on the grounds of the United States Capitol, traditionally on the evening before Memorial Day. Its setting is part of the event’s identity: the U.S. Capitol provides a prominent national backdrop for performances honoring Americans who died in military service.

The program typically features the National Symphony Orchestra, military bands, guest singers, actors, veterans, and military families. It is presented as both a live public event and a nationally televised broadcast, allowing people outside Washington to participate.

The Capitol lawn is sometimes confused with the National Mall because both are large public spaces used for major Washington ceremonies. The National Memorial Day Concert, however, is specifically associated with the west lawn of the Capitol. The concert began in 1989 and has remained a major annual Memorial Day cultural event.