U.S. Marines Sunset Parade
U.S. Marines Sunset Parade
U.S. Marines Sunset Parade
4.8
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.8
225 reviews
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Topsail Beach, NC2,718 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
We love going to the sunset parades in the summer. The Marine Corps Band and the silent drill team put on a amazing performance.
Written March 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DianeER
Falls Church, VA2,477 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
exceptional parade highlighting our Marines. Way to go!! It was very good & well worth your time.
Pros:
wonderful parade with the superb Marine band & the silent drill team.
parade started at 8:45- 10:15pm
bleacher seats with padding.
get tickets in advance by going to the online website but this must be done several weeks in advance. With that you will get free parking & I believe there is a free shuttle.
Or take Metro as parking is not great in the area ( if you didn't get the free tickets & parking) & especially if there's a Nats game going on.
eat before you come as there aren't a lot of restaurants in the area.
If you have a DOD CAC ( you know who you are) you can park in the Navy yard. Parking is ONLY in the white striped parking spots. Just a few blocks walk to Marine base.
go early. I had tickets & we arrived around 7:20 & already there was a ton of people already seated.
IF you don't have tickets, go anyway. You will probably get in but may have to stand or the seat may not be that great.
Be prepared to have your bags checked & you will have to go through a scanner like at the airport
go to the gift shop & buy something as it helps support the Marines directly going into their funds.
Cons:
parade moved very slowly. wish they would speed it up more.
using a football field as an analogy, we were seated near the goal posts. These were not the best seats as we could not see the drill team well. If someone from the Marine Corp is reading this- please have the team turn around to our section also.
we were seated too far away to really see the drill team up close. Please Marines do something about this.
Area is iffy (I know as I work nearby). You will be fine coming & going to the parade though as there are a lot of Marines around. Just don't linger getting home.
Parade started so late & I wish they would have started it early. Maybe move it to 6pm?
Conclusion: go! You will be proud or our Marines when you see the parade
if you like my review, I hope you'll click the 'helpful' button; those of us who write reviews live for those and it motivates us to do more.
Pros:
wonderful parade with the superb Marine band & the silent drill team.
parade started at 8:45- 10:15pm
bleacher seats with padding.
get tickets in advance by going to the online website but this must be done several weeks in advance. With that you will get free parking & I believe there is a free shuttle.
Or take Metro as parking is not great in the area ( if you didn't get the free tickets & parking) & especially if there's a Nats game going on.
eat before you come as there aren't a lot of restaurants in the area.
If you have a DOD CAC ( you know who you are) you can park in the Navy yard. Parking is ONLY in the white striped parking spots. Just a few blocks walk to Marine base.
go early. I had tickets & we arrived around 7:20 & already there was a ton of people already seated.
IF you don't have tickets, go anyway. You will probably get in but may have to stand or the seat may not be that great.
Be prepared to have your bags checked & you will have to go through a scanner like at the airport
go to the gift shop & buy something as it helps support the Marines directly going into their funds.
Cons:
parade moved very slowly. wish they would speed it up more.
using a football field as an analogy, we were seated near the goal posts. These were not the best seats as we could not see the drill team well. If someone from the Marine Corp is reading this- please have the team turn around to our section also.
we were seated too far away to really see the drill team up close. Please Marines do something about this.
Area is iffy (I know as I work nearby). You will be fine coming & going to the parade though as there are a lot of Marines around. Just don't linger getting home.
Parade started so late & I wish they would have started it early. Maybe move it to 6pm?
Conclusion: go! You will be proud or our Marines when you see the parade
if you like my review, I hope you'll click the 'helpful' button; those of us who write reviews live for those and it motivates us to do more.
Written August 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MayflowerTravels
Miami, FL88 contributions
Jun 2016 • Solo
FOR THOSE CONFUSED LIKE I WAS:
The Marines have TWO parades: The Sunset Parade and the Evening Parade.
The evening parade occurs at 8th and I street: That is NOT this parade! For some reason, people are leaving reviews here for the evening parade, and the map even points you to the evening parade location; this is horribly misleading.
The SUNSET parade occurs in front of the Iwo Jima statue, at the U.S. Marine Corps. War Memorial next to Arlington Cemetary. The Sunset parade does NOT require reservations; it's a big grassy field, and you just show up and enjoy the fantastic display!
The Evening Parade, on 8th and I streets, is (you guessed it) in the evening. I believe you need tickets for these, but I've never tried. You should call ahead on the day you plan to see it and ask if there are enough open spots available for you to attend!
I hope this clears the air on this horrible confusion. Again, there are 2 separate Marine parades. This is for the Sunset one.
The Marines have TWO parades: The Sunset Parade and the Evening Parade.
The evening parade occurs at 8th and I street: That is NOT this parade! For some reason, people are leaving reviews here for the evening parade, and the map even points you to the evening parade location; this is horribly misleading.
The SUNSET parade occurs in front of the Iwo Jima statue, at the U.S. Marine Corps. War Memorial next to Arlington Cemetary. The Sunset parade does NOT require reservations; it's a big grassy field, and you just show up and enjoy the fantastic display!
The Evening Parade, on 8th and I streets, is (you guessed it) in the evening. I believe you need tickets for these, but I've never tried. You should call ahead on the day you plan to see it and ask if there are enough open spots available for you to attend!
I hope this clears the air on this horrible confusion. Again, there are 2 separate Marine parades. This is for the Sunset one.
Written June 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary J
Phoenix, AZ27 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
Two different parades and locations are listed under this heading causing HUGE confusion!
Sunset Parade is on Tuesday evenings at the (Iwo Jima) US Marine Corps War Memorial (http://www.barracks.marines.mil/Parades/SunsetParade.aspx) and the Evening Parade is on Friday evenings at the Marine Barracks (http://www.barracks.marines.mil/Parades/EveningParade.aspx). They are TWO separate events.
Went to the Marine Sunset Parade tonight (Tuesday) at the Marine Corps War Memorial. Arrived before 6 pm for the 7 pm start. The parade area was already cordoned off, fold-away seats were set up for VIPs, but the area was still pretty much empty. Got a spot under a tree right up front to set up my camera and tripod. The Marines are punctual, show started at exactly 7. Unfortunately, it started dumping on us, but the parade continued on in the downpour. Excellent concert/parade, very patriotic. Be sure to take something to spread on the grass to sit on or take lawn chairs. We also took a picnic dinner and ate while we waited for the parade to start. Will try to catch this one more time while in town, without the thunderstorm!
Sunset Parade is on Tuesday evenings at the (Iwo Jima) US Marine Corps War Memorial (http://www.barracks.marines.mil/Parades/SunsetParade.aspx) and the Evening Parade is on Friday evenings at the Marine Barracks (http://www.barracks.marines.mil/Parades/EveningParade.aspx). They are TWO separate events.
Went to the Marine Sunset Parade tonight (Tuesday) at the Marine Corps War Memorial. Arrived before 6 pm for the 7 pm start. The parade area was already cordoned off, fold-away seats were set up for VIPs, but the area was still pretty much empty. Got a spot under a tree right up front to set up my camera and tripod. The Marines are punctual, show started at exactly 7. Unfortunately, it started dumping on us, but the parade continued on in the downpour. Excellent concert/parade, very patriotic. Be sure to take something to spread on the grass to sit on or take lawn chairs. We also took a picnic dinner and ate while we waited for the parade to start. Will try to catch this one more time while in town, without the thunderstorm!
Written July 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JasKalBrn
Washington, D.C.58 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
There are actually two Marine Corps Parades -- one is at Sunset at the Iwo Jima memorial in Arlington (sit on the grass, bring your own chairs and blankets) and the other is the Evening Parade at the Marine Corps Barracks. There wasn't a separate entry for the Evening Parade so I'm posting it here. The Evening Parade is very popular so request tickets on-line in advance. The gates open at 7:00 so I would start standing in line at 6:00. Seats are on a first-come first served basis, so the earlier you arrive, the better the seat. The parade doesn't start until 8:45 though so be sure to eat something beforehand as no food or drink are allowed in. They do have water though and umbrellas in case it rains. The parade is over by 10:30. If you have your tickets, you must arrive by 7:45 or else your seats will be given away. You can also just show us and take a chance that there will be some empty seats but I wouldn't recommend it. It was very crowded the other night and they were trying to squeeze as many people as possible into the bleachers. We were lucky and got actual folding seats (there are only 3 rows) right on the grass so we had front row seats. The bleachers are padded so no need to bring cushions. I don't think you'd even be able to bring cushions. They check your bags and you have to go through a metal detector before entering. Most people beeped so they were wanding most everyone. As for parking, there's a lot they recommend with a free shuttle, but the shuttle bus doesn't start running until 7:00. Since we arrived early, we managed to find free street parking but be careful -- most of the spaces are for 2 or 3 hours only and go to 9:30. There was also an open air lot which cost $15. The parade itself was very organized with several different bands (the drum and fife? band, the marching band, the silent band, etc). I would recommend watching it on YouTube to get an idea of what it's all about. There's a lot of history that's explained as well. Be sure to get a program. They run out quickly though so get there early and get a program.The marines who sat people down and who gave the introductions were very nice and unfailingly polite. They give the Marines a great name! I'm not sure this would be good for young children as you have to wait almost 2 hours for the parade to start and it ends rather late. There are restaurants and shops across the street too in case you arrive early and need to eat dinner beforehand. If it rains, I would suggest bringing your own umbrella. They do have a few umbrellas to pass out but again, it's on a first come, first served basis and there aren't enough to go around for the hundreds or people there. If it's a sunny day, I would also recommend a hat to avoid getting burned. A lot of people dressed up because they were there to watch their Marine family members perform.
Written August 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
momofkinsandbean
Okinawa City, Japan18 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
As you read the comments in this thread, please keep in mind that there are two different events being discussed here: Sunset Parade and Evening Parade. Both are fantastic. Sunset Parade is held every Tuesday night in the summer at 7pm at the Iwo Jima memorial in Arlington. (Except for August 4 & 11, when it's beginning at 6:30 this year.) It's free, open to the public, and you do not need tickets. You just show up with a blanket (and a picnic if you want.) There is some seating, but it's reserved for official USMC guests. Evening Parade is the Friday night event at Marine Barracks 8th & I, starting at 8:45. Evening Parade is also free and open to the public, but for this one you must have tickets. You can request them in advance from the USMC from this web link: https://www.mbw.usmc.mil/RequestReservation.aspx. If you don't get advance tickets, you can still line up to try and get unclaimed seats at 8th and I, but you might not get in. They are both wonderful events and a must-do if you are in the area.
Written May 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cew08
Washington DC, DC99 contributions
Jun 2014
I was wondering if there is any difference between the show on Tuesday night and Friday night besides the time?
Written June 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea O
New Bern, NC8 contributions
Nov 2013 • Family
I wanted to see this very badly but it only runs during the spring and summer months. I don't know exact months but was bummed to pay taxi fare to get there just to find out it wasn't happening :(
Written November 13, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cfir
arlington texa110 contributions
Jul 2012 • Solo
Second time seeing it and was even better than the first time.
great dedication to duty!!!!!
fanatstic to see the bands and the marching and the rifle drill team
best to set in the bleachers facing the field!!, and if you are by yourself or one other, and they give you a south seat, just non chalantly walk to where the seat face the field, just do not set in the middle section kind of VIP!!!
you can catch the metro to esatern station and about a block and half walk.
there are some small resaturants if you go early, to eat at
go online and request tickets ahead of time, as soon as you know you are going, they are free
they provide water to drink
great dedication to duty!!!!!
fanatstic to see the bands and the marching and the rifle drill team
best to set in the bleachers facing the field!!, and if you are by yourself or one other, and they give you a south seat, just non chalantly walk to where the seat face the field, just do not set in the middle section kind of VIP!!!
you can catch the metro to esatern station and about a block and half walk.
there are some small resaturants if you go early, to eat at
go online and request tickets ahead of time, as soon as you know you are going, they are free
they provide water to drink
Written July 15, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1310Traveller
Melbourne, Australia14 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
Well worth seeing and easy to get to on the Metro. For Australians, I wrote to the US Marine Corp, Washington DC address on the website to get a ticket (by post). I included my email address and the ticket was emailed to me for a Friday Evening Parade. I wrote about 2 months before I left Aus. While the ticket says be there by 7.45pm or risk losing your seat, people started queuing around 7pm ( and possibly earlier). Be aware that gates 1 and 2 are pretty close together so the lines were a bit mixed up. Gate 1 seemed to have less people, so if you are a Gate 1 ticket holder, it might be worth going to the gate and checking whether you can walk in ( it will be crowded but many of the people are for Gate 2). It takes a pretty long time to actually get into the Barracks. You will have to go through a metal detector and hand over all of your belongings including jackets and handbags which will be checked ( inside and out) and then there is a group safety message - they talk to about 25 people at a time before escorting you to your seat. The Marines were all very pleasant and have clearly done their PR courses - lots of "yes sir" and "this way maam". I was escorted to the chairs on the grass ( even though I didn't have a chair ticket - might have been a benefit of being a single). While they are more comfortable, I'm not sure it is the best view unless you are in the front row. The first few rows of the bleachers (ie. stand ) might be better. There is a lengthy introduction by Marines who divide the "audience" so they each talk to groups. Some of them were funny and entertaining, others not so. The performance itself was fantastic and entertaining. The Bands were great and the marines spinning guns including sabers were awe inspiring. Be prepared to stand and sit each time they recognise various people - visiting dignitaries; former marines; deceased marines; currently serving marines and the Star-Spangled Banner. The only one that was a bit tricky was for the Star-Spangled Banner - suspect I was one of not many who didn't put their hand on their heart while it was played Still even as a non-American, the tributes were very moving and like all armed forces deserved the respect they received. If you get the chance, I would definitely recommend going to the performance.
Written May 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Once on the Marine Barracks property are there any bathroom facilities?
Written June 28, 2019
Yes. Just ask the Marine at the gate when you are seated. It’s by the Marine Band Hall.
Written July 12, 2019
Where will the Sunset Parade be held on Tuesday, July 2nd?
Written June 16, 2019
The Sunset Parade is on their schedule for July 2. If you are planning on going, I recommend reserving your tickets. We’ve been there before when there was no room for walk-ups.
Written June 17, 2019
Is this parade at the Lincoln Memorial at 6:30 or 7:00 August 14th?
Written August 14, 2018
Check the Corps's website. I think they r all done after first week in Aug. That is y we went when we went.
Written August 16, 2018
Yes. There are Marines posted around the event area before and after the parade and they are happy to speak with you, answer questions, and pose for pictures.
Written July 17, 2018
Yes. Marines stationed in Washington DC march on the Mall this summer. The Commandant’s Own Drum and Bugle Corps perform as well as the Silent Drill Platoon. Performances are Tuesday nights through the summer.
Written July 17, 2018
Can someone offer how to secure advanced tickets for this event? There were no answers provided on TripAdvisor and the website page does not explain how to make reservations. Thank you!
Written March 8, 2017
Go to the website provided on the TripAdvisor page...says no tickets required....free to the public! Hope that helps :)
Written March 28, 2017
Is there a certain attire to wear? I'm a former Marine and wouldn't want to disrespect by not being dressed appropriately. I was stationed at Quantico but never got to see this ceremony. Thank you
Written June 7, 2016
It ranged from dresses and blazers to shorts and sneakers.
It was great, though.
Written June 8, 2016
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