What to KnowMemorial Day 2026 is May 25Look for a waving American flag on the side of the Pacific Wheel, the solar-powered Ferris wheel in Pacific Park at Santa Monica Park, from sunset to around midnight on Memorial DayFree to see in person or via the webcamPacific Park is also marking the kick-off to its 30th anniversary; the Pacific Wheel will display “Happy Birthday” and celebratory displays May 26

If you visited Santa Monica Pier in the summer of 1996, you may have been one of the first people to eat an ice cream cone, ride the roller coaster, and savor the old-school charms of Pacific Park, an ocean-close destination billed as “Los Angeles’ only admission free amusement park.”

You may have merrily coastered and ice-cream’d at the salt-sprayed spot many times since it opened in 1996, of course, relishing in its many nostalgic offerings. Nostalgia has long been one of the central traits of park, so you can count on a milestone to be met with plenty of pomp.

Pacific Park has been sharing some of the major highlights of the last three decades over Memorial Day Weekend 2026, but before the birthday revelries truly rev up, the destination will pause to honor Memorial Day via tens of thousands of LED lights and a host of patriotic symbols, images, and patterns.

Starting around the time the sun sets, the Pacific Wheel, the park’s solar-powered Ferris wheel, will pay patriotic homage to the moving occasion.

Look for a waving flag, one that is several stories high, and other Memorial Day icons that marks the reflective occasion. Beholding these sizable and stirring sights in person, or via the Pacific Wheel’s live cam, is free.

Then on May 26, the enormous attraction moves into anniversary mode. Look for the words “Happy Birthday” to play across its side and a host of celebratory symbols, the sorts of pictures that will shine a spotlight on Pacific Park’s 30th anniversary.

If you want to take a moment to look back at some of the Pacific Park highlights, you’re in some sweet luck: The amusement-packed location has been sharing those on social media throughout Memorial Day Weekend.

Some big moments for the surf-close icon? The Pacific Wheel made its debut in 1998, while Inkie the Octopus, the Pacific Park mascot, was introduced in 1999. And if you’re a putt-putt person? You may recall that Pirates’ Pier Mini Golf took its first swing in 2005.

For all of the milestones, check out the Pacific Park social pages for the big openings and memorable occasions, as well as what’s ahead for the playland’s 30th season.