Legacy Week 2026
Friday, May 22 - Monday, May 25, 2026
This May, please join us for Legacy Week at the USS Midway Museum, the centerpiece of Memorial Day celebrations in San Diego!
Legacy Week is a heartfelt tribute to our military's valor and sacrifices, offering a series of events designed for everyone to experience the spirit of honor, remembrance and celebration.
All Legacy Week events are included (excluding Top Gun Movie Night) with general museum admission. Click here to buy general museum tickets.
Legacy Week Lineup
Remembrance Wall Interactive Exhibit
Friday, May 22- Monday, May 25
Included with the purchase of Museum General Admission
We invite guests to take part in a meaningful Memorial Day tribute. Beginning May 1, visitors can stop by the Information Booth in the Hangar Bay to receive a gold star and write the name of a fallen hero as a personal remembrance. These stars will be collected and displayed on our Remembrance Wall in the Hangar Bay from May 22–25.
Top Gun 40th Celebration
Friday, May 22 & Saturday, May 23
Separate event ticket required
Not included with Museum General Admission
This Memorial Day Weekend, we'll honor the 40th anniversary of the original 1986 Top Gun, the film that launched a generation into the danger zone and forever cemented naval aviation into pop culture history!
For the first time ever, our traditionally sold-out celebration will expand into a full-throttle, back-to-back flight deck experience. On Friday, we’ll rewind to the iconic original Top Gun. On Saturday, we’ll keep the engines hot with Top Gun: Maverick, the high-flying sequel that brought Maverick back to the carrier deck decades later. Two nights. Two iconic films. One legendary aircraft carrier.
Visit our event page for more information.
Meet the Aviators
Sunday, May 24
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. PDT
USS Midway Flight Deck
Included with the purchase of Museum General Admission
Be amazed to hear firsthand accounts from veteran aviators and learn about the aircraft they flew. From high-stakes missions to unforgettable moments in the cockpit, these aviators bring history to life. Get up close and personal as they share the stories behind the aircraft they flew, the challenges they faced, and the camaraderie that defined their service. Curious about military aviator experience? This is your chance to ask!
Memorial Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Monday, May 25
9:00 a.m. PDT
USS Midway Flight Deck & Facebook Live
Free event and open to the public
(Attendees must be on board by 9:20 a.m. to attend for free)
Join us this Memorial Day for a special commemorative wreath-laying ceremony honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. This free event is open to the public. Stay tuned for more information.
Memorial Day Performances
Monday, May 25
USS Midway Flight Deck
Included with the purchase of Museum General Admission
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band
11:00 a.m.
Enjoy an unforgettable musical experience as we welcome back the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band! These talented instrumentalists will bring patriotic favorites to life!
Desert Valley Winds Ensemble
12:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.
Desert Valley Winds is a Phoenix-based ensemble that brings together musicians from across the metro area to perform memorable band music. The group delivers entertaining experiences for audiences of all ages!
Bonita Vista High School’s Music Machine
1:15 p.m.
Enjoy a high-energy, patriotic performance by one of San Diego’s premier advanced mixed show choirs! Known for their dynamic vocals and stage presence, this talented group delivers a performance you won’t want to miss.
National Moment of Remembrance
3:00 p.m.
Join us on the flight deck, or wherever you are, to take a minute of silence to remember members of our Armed Forces who have fallen while serving our country.
Legacy Week 2026 is Sponsored By
