​Sunset Parades at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial

Event Overview
The Sunset Parade begins at 7 p.m. at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. This 45-minute ceremony features "The Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps and the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, showcasing Marine Corps precision, discipline, and tradition. Admission is free, and no reservations are required.

Please note that the dates below reflect the 2025 Parade Season dates and will be updated in the spring of 2026. 

June

• June 9, 2026

• June 16, 2026

• June 23, 2026

• June 30, 2026

July

• July 14, 2026

• July 21, 2026

• July 28, 2026

August

• August 4, 2026

• August 11, 2026

Arriving and Seating

• When to Arrive: Guests are encouraged to arrive 30-45 minutes early to secure a viewing spot and have an opportunity to engage with Marines prior to the ceremony.

• Seating Options: We recommend bringing lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the performance from the lawns surrounding the Memorial. Limited seats in the reviewing area may be available to the public after the official party is seated; please wait for a Hosting Marine to direct seating availability.

Location and Directions

• Address:
  U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
  Arlington, VA 22209

• Transportation Options:

  • Public Transportation: The D.C. Metro system, and various micromobility services (bicycles, scooters) offer convenient ways to reach the Memorial.

  • Parking:

    • Parking Options: Several paid parking options are available within walking distance of the Memorial on a first-come, first-served basis.

    • Bus Parking: Designated bus parking is available on the south side of the Memorial.

    • Accessible Parking: To inquire about accessible parking, please call (202) 433-4073.

What to Bring
As an outdoor event held during summer evenings, guests are encouraged to plan accordingly:

• Comfort: Lawn chairs, blankets, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

• Amenities: We strive to provide water stations, but bringing a personal water bottle is advisable due to summer temperatures.

• Photography: Photography is welcome; please remain seated and respectful during the performances.

Event Highlights

• Program: The Sunset Parade includes musical performances, precision drills, and a ceremonial presentation and retirement of the national colors.

• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.

Weather Policy
The Sunset Parade will proceed as scheduled unless severe weather poses a risk to guests or Marines. Any changes will be announced as close to start time as possible. For the latest updates, please check our official Facebook or Instagram pages.

Historical Significance
The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, dedicated on Nov. 10, 1954, commemorates all Marines who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The Sunset Parade tradition began in 1956 as a tribute to the Marines whose “uncommon valor was a common virtue.” Standing in the shadow of the Memorial’s 32-foot-high figures, guests experience a unique ceremony that honors Marine Corps heritage and dedication.

Evening Parades at Marine Barracks Washington

Event Overview
Marine Barracks Washington's Evening Parades are held nearly every Friday from May through August. This unique tradition has been hosted at the "Oldest Post of the Corps" for over 60 years. Beginning at 8:45 p.m., this 75-minute ceremony showcases the pride, professionalism, and esprit de corps of the Marine Corps. Guests experience military excellence with performances by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, "The Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, and the esteemed United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Admission is free, but reservations are required.

Please note that the dates below reflect the 2025 Parade Season dates and will be updated in the spring of 2026. 

APRIL

• April 24, 2026 (Friends and Family Parade)

MAY

• May 1, 2026

• May 8, 2026

• May 15, 2026

• May 22, 2026

• May 29, 2026

June

• June 5, 2026

• June 12, 2026

• June 19, 2026

• June 26, 2026

July

• July 10, 2026

• July 17, 2026

• July 24, 2026

• July 31, 2026

August

• August 7, 2026

• August 14, 2026

• August 21, 2026

• August 28, 2026

​

Arriving and Seating

Parade Timeline

• 7 p.m. Gates open

• 8 p.m. Gates close

• 8:45 p.m. Parade begins

• 10 p.m. Parade concludes

Seating Options: Seating is provided in the bleachers surrounding the parade deck on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited VIP seating may be available for invited guests; please wait for a Hosting Marine to direct access to these areas if applicable.

After the Parade
Following the ceremony, guests have the opportunity to meet Marines who performed throughout the parade and take photos with the Marine Barracks mascot, Chesty XVI. This chance to interact with Marines adds a personal connection to the experience, making it truly memorable.

Location and Directions

• Address:
  Marine Barracks Washington, D.C.
  8th & I Streets SE
  Washington, D.C. 20390

• Transportation Options:

  • Public Transportation: The Eastern Market Metro Station (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines) is just four blocks from the Barracks. For detailed Metrorail information, visit wmata.com

  • Parking:

    • Metered Parking: Limited metered parking is available in the surrounding area.

    • Maritime Plaza Parking: For $12 up to the first 4 hours of parking, guests may park at Maritime Plaza (1201 M Street SE), with a complimentary shuttle service running between Maritime Plaza and Marine Barracks Washington before the parade (6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.) and after the parade (9:45 p.m. to 11 p.m.).

  • Additional Transport Options:

    • Metrobus: Several bus routes serve the area. For up-to-date information, visit Metrobus.

    • Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft are readily available in the D.C. area.

    • Micro-Mobility Services: For short commutes, D.C.’s dockless electric scooters and bicycles, including those from Lime and Capital Bikeshare, offer convenient options.

Security Policies
All guests, bags, clothing, and other items entering Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., are subject to screening and security checks. To ensure a smooth entry, please review the following prohibited items:

• Weapons: No weapons or weapon-like items (e.g., toy or squirt guns) are allowed. Federal law enforcement agents may enter armed with credentials, while non-federal law enforcement officials can turn over side arms to Barracks guards. All confiscated items will be held by guards and returned after the parade.

• Self-Defense Equipment: Knives, pepper spray, stun guns, and similar items are prohibited.

• Other Restricted Items: Restraining devices, suspicious items (e.g., box cutters, duct tape), pets (except trained service animals), disruptive items (e.g., laser pointers, air horns), folding chairs (except for mobility aids), and alcohol or illegal substances.

• Food and Drink: Only water and baby food are permitted, with exceptions for medical dietary needs. Due to hot summer weather, guests are encouraged to bring water. Water refilling stations with cups and ice will be available.

Military working dogs are used to screen guests; service animals should remain leashed or harnessed and under control at all times.

What to Bring
As an outdoor event held in the evening, guests are encouraged to plan accordingly:

• Attire: Dress comfortably and check the evening weather forecast for potential temperature changes.

• Photography: Photography is welcome; however, please remain seated and respectful during the performance.

• Amenities: While water stations are typically provided, bringing a personal water bottle is recommended.

Event Highlights

• Program: The Evening Parade includes musical performances, precision drills, and a ceremonial presentation of the colors, featuring the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and the U.S. Marine Band.

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

• Gift Shop: A mobile gift shop is open on site near the main gate and restrooms featuring cups, mugs, shirts, coins, and other memorabilia. All proceeds are used to support Morale, Welfare and Recreation events at the Barracks, focusing a majority of the funds on reducing the cost for Marines who attend the USMC Birthday Ball. Cash, credit card, and other electronic payment options are available. 

Weather Policy
The Friday Evening Parade is held rain or shine unless severe weather conditions pose a risk to guests or performers. Cancellations or delays due to weather are rare and typically decided close to showtime. For real-time updates, please check our official Facebook or Instagram pages.

Historical Significance
Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., established in 1801, is the oldest active post in the Marine Corps. Since 1957, the Friday Evening Parade has embodied Marine Corps precision, discipline, and heritage. This ceremony offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the dedication and professionalism of the United States Marine Corps in a historic setting that honors the Corps’ legacy.

Large Group Reservations
For information regarding large group reservations of 10 or more, please email smb_mbw_protocol@usmc.mil