Every summer, the Marine Corps hosts a weekly Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial (also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial).
The tradition began in 1956, two years after the memorial was dedicated, and has continued ever since.
The parade includes musical performances by "The Commandant's Own," the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and precision drill by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.
The 2025 Sunset Parade will take place at the Iwo Jima Memorial. Though past years have included dates at the Lincoln Memorial, the 2025 dates are all at the Iwo Jima Memorial.
Attending the event is free, and guests need not make a reservation. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as ample space is in the grass.
How long is the Sunset Parade? The parade is about 1 hour long.
When: The 2025 Schedule is listed below.
For a full look at the schedule, visit their website.
June
- June 10, 2025
- June 17, 2025
- June 24, 2025
July
- July 1, 2025
- July 15, 2025
- July 22, 2025
- July 29, 2025
August
- August 5, 2025
Where:
All 2025 dates will be at the Iwo Jima Marine Corps War Memorial - read about it here.
The Marine Corps War Memorial and surrounding lawns provide ample room for guests to bring lawn chairs for an informal viewing.
METRO:
There is minimal public parking available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The nearest metro stations to the Iwo Jima Memorial are Arlington National Cemetery Metro Station or Rosslyn Metro Station, both on the Blue Line.
From ANC Metro:
After exiting the station, walk towards the entrance of the cemetery. Within 100 yards, you will note a bike path that veers off to the right. Follow that path as it takes you alongside the highway and ends on the outskirts of the cemetery.
Walk straight over the small grassy hill before you, passing the Netherlands Carillon Bell Tower on your left. The Marine Corps Memorial will be straight ahead. (20 min walk).
Please note that the Arlington Metro Station closes before the parade ends, so you must use Rosslyn Metro after the event.
From Rosslyn Metro:
Head south on Fort Myers Dr. toward Wilson Blvd. Eventually, take a left on Meade Street. The Iwo Jima Memorial is on your left (15-minute walk).
For more detailed instructions, read our Iwo Jima Memorial Guide.
BUS:
If you plan to utilize the hop-on-hop-off bus tour in D.C., then be aware that all companies stop at the Iwo Jima Memorial. However, the event may affect their route and schedule, so do check with individual companies first.
Bike:
Capital BikeShare, a bike share program that is very useful for visitors to the National Mall, has a bike station conveniently located just next to the Iwo Jima Memorial.
We have a post with tips on renting a bike in DC.
Accessibility:
Iwo Jima Memorial is free of charge and is entirely wheelchair accessible.
