The last Monday of May marks Memorial Day, a time of tributes, flags, parades, and wreath-laying ceremonies dedicated to those who gave their lives in service of our nation.
The Unofficial Start of Summer In New Jersey, this day also symbolizes the unofficial kickoff to summer. The Jersey Shore beach communities become full of activities that signify the season's arrival.
The Central Jersey events and activities also offer a variety of experiences ranging from, music festivals and ethnic celebrations to fireworks, auto races, and special events kicking off the summer.
While Memorial Day marks the start of summer festivities, the heart of its observance lies in remembering and honoring the brave who sacrificed their lives for our country.
Note: Sometimes conditions require cancellations or changes of dates, times and location which are not reflected in the original schedule. Before planning a trip to visit one of the listed events, it is suggested that you call the event sponsor to confirm the event schedule or for additional information on the event.
Stay tuned --- we will be updating this list as the event sponsors confirm this year's events.
Listed by date
Edison Memorial Day Parade
Saturday, May 25, 2024; Noon
Visit their site to learn more
The Parade kicks off on Plainfield Avenue and Division Street, concluding at the Father & Son American Legion Post 435 on Oakland Avenue.
Hillsborough
Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2024 @10:30am
Hillsborough, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
The parade will kick off on New Amwell Road to Beekman Lane to the Municipal Building.
Lawrence Township Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
Saturday, May 25th, 2023: 10am - 1PM
Visit their site to learn more
The kicks off at Lawrence High School and proceeds to the Veterans Park.
Princeton Memorial Day Parade
Saturday, May 25, 2024; at 10:00 am
Visit their site to learn more
The parade starts at 10am on the corner of Princeton Ave. and Nassau St. and ends at goes to Princeton Monument Hall, for a short ceremony at Monument Hall at 11am.
Note: The Princeton University's P-rade is the same day and starts at 2 p.m. at Nassau Hall and passes through campus.
Hopewell Borough - Memorial Day Parade
Sunday, May 26th, 2024; 1pm
Visit their site to learn more
Parade kisks-off at Taylor Terrace, marching east on Broad Street, Closing Ceremony at Hopewell Elementary School.
Bound Brook Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27, 2024; @10am
Visit their site to learn more
The parade steps of at 10 am from the Memorial Library starting west on High Street, turning right onto Church St. and then left onto Union Avenue (Route 28) concluding at the War Memorial on Vosseller and Union Avenue where they will conduct the traditional Memorial Day ceremonies.
Califon Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27, 2024:11am
Visit their site to learn more
Parade begins at School Street followed by events at Caifon Island Park incuding a Memorial Servce, Music, Food, Drinks, Antique Cars and More!
Dunellen Memorial Day Parade
May 27th, 2024; 10am.
Visit their site to learn more
Parade kicks-off at the Dunellen Library, and to New Market Road, and will end at Washington Memorial Park.
Farmingdale Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27, 2024; @1PM
Visit their site to learn more
The Parede will begin
Southard Avenue and Academy Street, and will traverse many streets to ensure attendees can view the parade safely. All roads in and leading into Farmingdale will be closed at 12:00pm until the Parade is Completed.
Freehold Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27, 2024; @10am
Visit their site to learn more
The parade kicks off at Brinckerhoff and Main Streets
Groveville-Yardville Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27th, 2024; @ 8:30 a.m. (Rain or Shine)
Visit their site to learn more
The parade kisck off at Sunnybrae Blvd making a left onto South Broad St., continues left at the fork by Ydv-Ham Sq Road (this segment of the road is Route 524/Ydv-Allentown Road), makes a right on Route 156, makes a left on South Broad St., makes a right on Main Street and finishes at Church Street.
Lambertville Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27, 2024: @ 9 am
Lambertville, NJ
Step off is at 9 am sharp beginning at the corner of North Union and Cherry streets, continuing south on Union Street to Mount Hope Street, then north on Main Street to York Street and ending at Mary Sheridan Park.
Matawan Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27, 2024
Matawan, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Parade begins at 11am on Main street, followed by a service at 12pm at Memorial Park
Pennington Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27, 2024: 11am
Visit their site to learn more
The parade will take place along Main St
Plumstead Twp Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27, 2024; 1pm
Visit their site to learn more
The parade will kick off
and proceed along Main St.
Readington Township Parade
Monday, May 27th, 2024: @t 10:30 a.m.
Visit their site to learn more
Parade starts at 10:30 am at King's Plaza Shopping Center to the Municipal Building.
South River Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 27, 2024: @1pm
Visit their site to learn more
Parade begins at Main Street & Hillside Ave, onto Jackson Street, onto Ferry street, back onto Main Street, ending at the War Memorial Building.
Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 25, 26, 2024; from 9am-7pm
on the Bradley Beach Boardwalk
Visit their site to learn more
The festival includes crafters, food, live music,
and Family Fun, long the promenade with entertanment both days.
Parade on Saturday, at 10am and runs along Ocean Ave.
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
May 25 - 27, 2024; 11am-5pm
Monmouth Park Racetrack
175 Oceanport Ave.
Oceanport, NJ 07757
Visit their site to learn more
Parking: Free
Cost: Free Parking, General Admission just $6. Children 12 and under are Free.
This Memorial Day weekend festival features over 30 mouth-watering food trucks. Sample everything from Lobster Rolls to Mac & Cheese to Fried Oreos. Live music all three days on two stages. Family Fun Day events – including clowns, face painters, pony rides and a bounce house, will take place in the picnic area on Saturday and Sunday.
Annual Seaport Craft Show
Sunday, May 26, 2024: 10am - 5pm
Huddy Park
301 Shore Dr.
Highlands, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Admission is free
This event features a juries show with more than 60 crafters and artisans displaying their works, along with live entertainment
Long Branch Art in the Park
May 26, 2024; 10am - 5pm, rain or shine
West End Park (Brighton Avenue)
Long Branch, NJ
Admission is free
This event features up to 50 Juried Artists!