In this guide:
- What is Memorial Day?
- When is Memorial Day 2025?
- Best Places to Visit: Memorial Day Weekend
- Eastern States
- Western States
- The Midwest
- The South
- Conclusion
Each year on the last Monday of May, communities across the United States come together to celebrate the brave men and women who gave their lives in military service. One of the most visible and heartfelt tributes is the Memorial Day parade, a tradition that combines patriotism, history, and local pride.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of some of the most notable Memorial Day parades across the country, from historic routes on the East Coast to vibrant community celebrations out West. Whether you’re searching for ‘Memorial Day parade near me’ to attend one in person or simply want to learn more about how America remembers its fallen heroes, this nationwide breakdown will show you the best places to visit this Memorial Day weekend.
What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring and remembering military personnel who have died in the performance of their duties. The holiday is observed annually on the last Monday in May, seeing military displays, funerary events and other displays of respect across the nation.
This is commonly confused with Veteran’s Day, which falls in the month of November and celebrates all veterans. Memorial Day, however, is dedicated specifically to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Memorial Day’s origins trace back to the years following the American Civil War, a conflict that claimed more American lives than any other war in U.S. history. Originally known as Decoration Day, it began as a grassroots movement when communities, particularly in the South, began placing flowers on the graves of soldiers. By the late 1860s this became a more organized and widespread practice. In 1971, Memorial Day was officially recognized as a federal holiday and moved to the last Monday of May as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which grants Americans a three-day weekend to partake in the ceremonial proceedings and festivities.
Here is a guide to some of the most notable Memorial Day parades throughout the US, each with their own unique celebrations and heartfelt history.
When is Memorial Day 2025?
In 2025, the Memorial Day weekend begins on Saturday 24th of May and concludes with Memorial Day on Monday 26th of May.
Best Places to Visit: Memorial Day Weekend
Eastern States
1. New York
New York hosts a range of storied Memorial Day events. Among them, Brooklyn’s Kings County Memorial Day Parade, now in its 158th year in 2025, stands as one of the oldest in the country. Kicking off at 11:00 AM on May 26 from 3rd Avenue and 78th Street in Bay Ridge, the parade travels to John Paul Jones Park, featuring veterans’ organizations, marching bands in a moving memorial service with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.
Over in Queens, the Little Neck–Douglaston Memorial Day Parade ranks among the largest in the U.S., drawing large crowds with its mix of military units, community groups, and marching bands. Fleet Week New York also runs for several with a broader celebration of service. Though not a parade, it brings U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard members to the city for ship tours, live demonstrations, and a Memorial Day ceremony aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
2. Washington, DC
The National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C is considered America’s largest and most famous Memorial Day event. This takes place annually along Constitution Avenue from 2PM, with pre-parade performances starting from noon. Founded in 2005, this enormous event features a spectacular range of participants and entertainment, with various military personnel, patriotic floats and celebrity appearances each year.
3. Boston, Massachusetts
For a state wrapped in military pride and historical significance, look no further than Boston, MA. Just northwest of the city, Somerville hosts an annual Memorial Day parade beginning at the Davis Square Rotary and proceeding up Holland Street to Broadway, ending at North Street. The event concludes with a ceremony at the Somerville Veterans Cemetery. Parade-goers can also head 20 miles west to Sudbury, where the parade has been a tradition for more than a century, with various other ceremonies and programs throughout the town.
Western States
1. California
California is world-famous as a state of performance, and this is beautifully demonstrated in its various parades and ceremonial events to honor the fallen heroes. One such event is the Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade, which will celebrate its 33rd year in 2025. The route runs along Sherman Way to Cozycroft Street, where you can expect to see marching bands, veterans’ organizations, civic groups and equestrian units. This draws thousands of well-deserved spectators annually.
Visitors to California can also see the West Coast Thunder Day Memorial Motorcycle Ride, where thousands of bikers ride from Riverside Harley-Davidson to the Riverside National Cemetery in one powerful tribute. This typically concludes with a concert featuring local artists, which fosters an exciting atmosphere of community spirit and remembrance.
2. Oregon
Although Oregon doesn’t have a ‘central’ Memorial Parade, tradition runs deep in the Beaver State, and several processions can be found around the region. For example, parades can be found in the cities of Seaside, Reedsport, Prineville, Klamath Falls and Wasco along the in the main streets in the morning. These community events are known for their atmosphere, local community spirit and heartfelt appreciation.
3. Washington
Not to be confused with Washington D.C.’s annual spectacle, the state of Washington has its own Memorial Day tributes that are just as worthy. Bellingham will host the Whatcom Memorial Day Parade on the Saturday, where you’ll find a vibrant parade from Cornwall and Alabama to York and State Street, supported by a great mix of community members, veterans, and musicians.
The Midwest
1. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade stands as one of the nation’s most famous commemorations, and for good reason. At 11AM, the day begins with a wreath-laying ceremony at Daley Plaza’s eternal flame, where gold-star families are honored with symbolic lapel pins. This is followed at 12PM by a grand procession from State Street to Lake Street and Van Buren Street. This unified display of patriotism brings together veterans, active-duty personnel and citizens to pay tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes.
2. New Castle, Indiana
In the city of New Castle, the Memorial Day observance is a longstanding and deeply rooted tradition. On Monday, May 26, the day begins with a ceremony at 9:00 AM on the Henry County Courthouse lawn, saluting the sacrifices of military personnel. Following the ceremony, the parade steps off at 10:00 AM, featuring local veterans, marching bands, and community organizations.
3. Rochester, Wisconsin
For those wanting a close-knit, small-town atmosphere, Rochester’s Memorial Day Parade is ideal. A testament to the town’s enduring respect for its heroes, this parade has run annually for the past 159 years. The parade will commence at 1:30 PM on Monday 26th, starting from the Rochester Fire Department. The event features a procession of veterans, local organizations, and community members in a ceremony that reflects the town’s endless respect for those who gave their lives in service.
The South
1. Texas
The patriotic heartland of Texas is home to many Memorial Day tributes and festivities Across the state.
Famous for its re-enactments and known as the ‘Cowboy Capital of the World,’ Bandera will hold the annual ‘Stompede Parade’ on Saturday the 24th, where Main Street will spring to life with a stirring procession of decorated floats, horseback riders and marching bands. This unique setting hosts processions throughout the weekend, with arts, crafts and other local goods to see during their dedicated market days.
On the other side of the state, Denison honors Memorial Day with a community parade on Monday, May 26, 2025, starting at 10AM. The parade kicks off at the intersection of Main & Armstrong and proceeds east down Main Street to showcase local veterans, civic groups, and school bands. The parade is famously well-attended, with residents lining the streets to pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed.
2. South Carolina
South Carolina remains one of the best places to visit for Memorial Day. Surfside Beach is famous for its distinctive twist on Memorial Day traditions with the Memorial Day Golf Cart Parade. Scheduled for Monday 26th at 11AM, participants will decorate their golf carts in patriotic themes and parade along Ocean Boulevard. The event is very family-friendly, with candy for children and prizes for the best carts.
Myrtle Beach will also host a Military Appreciation Days Parade on Saturday 24th at 10AM. Spectators can line the sunny streets of Pampas, Howard, and Farrow to see all watch. Afterwards, attendees can join the Family Picnic at Grand Park in Market Common, featuring live music, military exhibits, and displays. Many concerts and events are also scheduled for the Monday, with something for everyone.
The coast is not the only place to go, however. Organised by the Aiken County Veteran’s Council, Aiken’s Memorial Day Parade has always stood out for its community involvement and charitable spirit. This is set to place on Saturday 24th at 10AM on Park Avenue and Laurens Street downtown, to be followed by a Veteran Resource Fair from 11:30AM on Newberry Street.
3. Portsmouth, Virginia
Portsmouth proudly hosts the one of nation’s longest-running memorial parades, a tradition in its streets since 1884. This year, the 141st Annual Memorial Day Parade is set for Monday, May 26th and features a selection of marching bands, military units, and community groups. The parade route runs along High Street, with a reviewing stand at the corner of High and Court Streets.
Conclusion
From small-town ceremonies to major city spectacles, Memorial Day parades are powerful expressions of national gratitude. Every marching band, veteran group and waving flag reminds us that freedom comes at a cost, and that the stories and sacrifice of those who served deserve to be remembered.
Whether you find yourself on a sunlit stretch of Myrtle Beach, standing in silence at a wreath-laying in Chicago or watching riders thunder through Riverside in tribute, Memorial Day is a time to reflect and come together as a community.
If you’re looking for more great ideas then check out Things to Do on Memorial Day: 9 Last Minute Ideas and The Best Places to Travel for Memorial Day Weekend. And if you’re traveling city to city, be sure to pre book your airport parking.
Let this Memorial Day be a moment of shared remembrance and renewed appreciation for the courage that shaped our nation’s past, present and future.
Main photo: Memorial Day Procession Gary Meulemans – Unsplash
