Memorial Day is Monday, May 31, 2027. Schools close, trash runs a day late, and the Naval Base Memorial at Riverfront Park is open to visitors.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Facts come from the City of North Charleston, Charleston County and each school district’s own pages, linked below. Memorial Day ceremonies for 2027 are added when organizers post them.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 31, 2027. Both school districts that serve North Charleston are closed, city garbage pickup is expected to run a day late, and the summer season starts at Wannamaker County Park’s waterpark. As of Oct. 12, 2026, no Memorial Day ceremony in North Charleston had been announced for 2027.

Who to call

  • Trash pickup: North Charleston Public Works, 843-745-1026
  • Recycling (Charleston County part of the city): 843-720-7111
  • Riverfront Park office: 843-308-4746

Ceremonies and places to remember

Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial, Riverfront Park. The memorial honors the history of the former Charleston Naval Base and the thousands of men and women who served there. It is an open pavilion whose wall curves overhead like the side of a ship, with a stream running through it, according to Visit North Charleston. A Lone Sailor statue stands at the memorial (pictured above). The park, at 1001 Everglades Drive, is open to the public year-round, the city says.

Ceremonies. We list public Memorial Day ceremonies, wreath layings and parades in and around North Charleston once the city, a veterans group or another organizer posts the time and place. Send yours through our contact page. The city’s own large veterans ceremony is held on Veterans Day in November; see our free things to do page.

What is open and closed

Service Memorial Day
City garbage, yard waste and bulk In 2026: no collection on Memorial Day; one day late through Friday, through Saturday in Dorchester County (city schedule). 2027 dates not yet published.
Charleston County recycling Delayed one day for Memorial Day, the county says
Charleston County schools Closed Monday, May 31, 2027; last day for students Thursday, May 27 (calendar)
Dorchester School District Two Closed May 31, 2027; last day May 27 (calendar)

Pickup days and holiday rules are on our trash and recycling page.

Start of summer

  • Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark at Wannamaker County Park, 8888 University Blvd., opened weekends from May 16 through Memorial Day in 2026, then daily from May 30, according to Charleston County Parks.
  • City outdoor pools at Felix Pinckney, Northwoods and Collins parks are seasonal; the city says to check back for 2027 dates.
  • Camps, pool fees and splash pads are on our summer camps and pools page.

What this means for you

  • Put the cart out a day late in Memorial Day week unless the city announces otherwise.
  • The school year ends Thursday, May 27, so the long weekend starts early for families.
  • The Naval Base Memorial is free to visit any day.

More: Fourth of July fireworks, summer camps and pools and Father’s Day.

Frequently asked questions

Is there trash pickup on Memorial Day in North Charleston?

In 2026 the city had no collection on Memorial Day and ran pickup one day late through Friday, and through Saturday in Dorchester County. The 2027 schedule had not been published when we checked; Charleston County delays recycling one day for Memorial Day.

Are schools open on Memorial Day 2027?

No. Charleston County School District and Dorchester School District Two are both closed Monday, May 31, 2027. The last day for students in both districts is Thursday, May 27.

When does Whirlin’ Waters open for the summer?

In 2026 the Wannamaker County Park waterpark opened on weekends from May 16 through Memorial Day and daily from May 30. The 2027 schedule had not been posted when we checked.

Where can I pay respects on Memorial Day in North Charleston?

The Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial at Riverfront Park honors the men and women who served at the former Navy base. The park is open to the public year-round.