When Is The 2026 National Memorial Day Concert?
The first National Memorial Day Concert was held in 1989. The program has been an American mainstay ever since, featuring patriotic performances honoring the U.S. Armed Forces.
As the concert’s website explains, it also “unites the country in remembrance and appreciation of those who gave their lives for our nation and serves those who are grieving.”
Thousands of people attend the National Memorial Day Concert each year, which is free and open to the public. It takes place on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol Building.
Those who can’t attend the concert in person can watch it on TV on the PBS channel. The program airs on Sunday, May 24 (the day before Memorial Day) at 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT.
Additionally, the concert can be streamed for free online on the PBS YouTube channel and on PBS.org. It will remain available to watch on demand from May 24 through June 7.
The program typically opens with the National Anthem and ends with a performance of the Armed Forces Medley. This year’s concert will be extra impactful, as the performers and presenters will also celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday.
PBS unveiled the lineup for the National Memorial Day Concert, and it features several fan-favorite country stars.
Who’s Performing During the 2026 National Memorial Day Concert? The Lineup Has Been Revealed…
As for the lineup of performers and participants, it features a mix of musical artists (including three country singers), military bands, and actors:
Noah Wyle
Melissa Leo
Andy Grammer
Jonathan Banks
Mickey Guyton
Jamey Johnson
Alan Jackson
Mary McCormack
Laura Osnes
Blessing Offor
Jack Everly
The National Symphony Orchestra
The Military District of Washington
The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets
The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
The U.S. Army Chorus
The Soldiers’ Chorus of the United States Army Field Band
The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters
The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants
Jackson, Guyton, and Johnson have all performed during past National Memorial Day concerts. Plus, Johnson is a veteran, having served in the Marine Corps for eight years.
Tune in to watch the National Memorial Day Concert on May 24 to watch every meaningful moment. In the meantime, revisit Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, and Mickey Guyton’s performances at past concerts in the videos below.
