The Ultimate Guide to New Jersey's Memorial Day Weekend Ceremonies, Parades, And Events: 2026 Edition
Some of the most powerful Memorial Day weekend moments happen close to home, at ceremonies and parades that bring whole New Jersey communities together. But with so many New Jersey memorial day weekend events on the calendar, it's easy to miss the ones that feel most moving and well-planned.
If you're looking for heartfelt things to do on memorial day weekend, this guide points you toward standout services, parades, and public events across the state.
Updated on May 5, 2026
Best Things to Do in North Jersey: Memorial Day Weekend 2026
Secaucus Memorial Day ParadeSaturday, May 16, 2026; @Noon
Secaucus, NJ
Assembly will be on Enterprise Avenue North, just past the 5th Street gate and will proceed North on 5th Street to Flanagan Way Turn right on Flanagan Way, Left onto Plaza Center Turn right into Buchmuller Park There will be food and entertainment in Buchmuller Park immediately following the parade.
Cost: Free
Memorial Day Weekend at an Overnight Camping Resort
Friday, May 22 - Monday May 25, 2026
Kymer's Camping Resort,
69 Kymer Road,
Branchville, NJ
This overnight event features a special Memorial Day weekend camping programs at their 200 scenic acre camp grounds in the Kittatinny Mountains.
Campsite options include:
Trailer Campsite, Tent Campsite, Luxury Tent Rental, Park Model Rental, or a Cabin rental.
Cost:
Depending on options: $65 to $85, plus free to $10 person daily. 3 night minimum
Morris Plains Memorial Day Parade
Saturday, May 23, 2026: 10am
Morris Plains, NJ
The parade will kick off at Robert's Garden and travel down Mountain Way to Rosedale Avenue up to Speedwell Avenue.
Cost: Free
Oakland Memorial Day Parade
Sunday, May 24, 2026: 1pm
The parade kick off at Grove Street and Ramapo Valley Road. The parade will close with a ceremony in Veterans's Park.
Cost: Free
Saddle Brook Memorial Day Parade
Sunday, May 24, 2026: 1:30pm
The parade will kick off on Fairlawn Parkway by Evans Place
Cost: Free
Union Twp. Memorial Day Parade & Encampment
Sunday, Monday May 24, 25, 2026
Union Township, NJ
A two day tribute to local veterans and fallen service members. On Sunday, at Friberger Park, behind Town Hall, from 1-4pm experience the Pre-Memorial Day Revolutionary War Encampment, featuring American and British Crown Forces, historical demonstrations, and thrilling cannon fire demos.
The parade will take place on Monday @10am. For best viewing, watch the parade from Pearl Harbor Square on Stuyvesant Ave.
Cost: Free
Bloomingdale & Butler Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 9am
The parade will kick off at Butler Park and ending in Sloan Park.
Cost: Free
Borough of Hawthorne Memorial Day Service & Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: @ 1:30pm
Hawthorne, NJ
The Parade will kick-off at the corner of Lafayette Avenue and Rea Avenue. The Route is as follows - The Parade proceeds South on Lafayette Avenue to Vreeland Avenue, where it turns right and heads West to Parmelee Avenue; the Parade turns left and continues South on Parmelee Avenue, passing Hawthorne High School, to Diamond Bridge Avenue. At Diamond Bridge Avenue the Parade turns left and continues East on Diamond Bridge Avenue to the corner of Diamond Bridge Avenue and Lafayette Avenue where it turns left and proceeds North to the Borough Hall and the reviewing stand.
Cost: Free
Clark Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
Monday, May 25 2026:9am
The parade starts at the corner of Nassau and Westfield Avenue and marches to Arthur L. Johnson High School, where participants will gather for a remembrance ceremony in front of the school. The parade will include classic cars, local sports teams, scout troops, animals, bands, stilt-walkers, and more.
Cost: Free
Glen Ridge Memorial Day Parade
Monday May 25, 2026 @11am
Glen Ridge, NJ
The parade will kick off at Sherman Avenue & Baldwin Street and proceeds down Ridgewood Avenue.
Cost: Free
Ho-Ho-Kus Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 10:30am
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
The parade will kick off at Sheridan and Ardmore Avenues and concludes at the War Memorial on East Franklin Turnpike.
Cost: Free
Livingston Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 10am
The Rembrance Ceremony at 9:30am at the Memorial Oval across from Town Hall, followed by parade along S. Livingston Avenue and will end at Congressional Way.
Cost: Free
New Providence Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026:10:00 am
The will kick-off on Springfield Avenue and continue to Academy Street. Refreshments will be served after the parade at the American Legion Post Number 433.
Cost: Free
Newton Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026:11am
The parade route will be Spring Street to Moran Street to Memory Park.
Cost: Free
Old Tappan Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: at 9:30am
The parade will step off from the back of Northern Valley OT High School promptly at 9:30 am. The parade ends in Oakes Park on Central Avenue and concludes with a Memorial Ceremony.
Cost: Free
Rockaway Township Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 11:30 AM
Parade starts at Fleetwood and Edith, ends at Mt Hope Road and McKinley Place.
Cost: Free
Roselle Park Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 10 a.m.
The Parade will kick-off from Sherman Elementary School and will proceed westbound along the East Grant Avenue parade route toward Chestnut Street, turning right onto Chestnut Street and ending at Roselle Park Veterans Memorial Library.
Cost: Free
Summit Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 10am
The parade will begin at 25 Deforest Ave. and proceed to the Village Green, 356 Board Street. Ceremony will follow on the Village Green will feature music from the Summit High School marching band, a rifle salute and wreath-laying, and a special performance of "TAPS." Hot dogs and cold drinks will be served on the Village Green courtesy of the Summit Elks Lodge.
Cost: Free
Washington Township Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 10am
Washington Twp, NJ
The parade will assemble on Clinton Avenue and begin at the corner of Washington & Clinton starting promptly at 10:00 a.m. The participants will proceed to Pascack Road and continue to march to the Township of Washington Memorial Monument located at the front of Town Hall across from The Fresh Grocer supermarket.
Cost: Free
Wayne Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 10 AM
The parade kick-off at the Ramapo Shopping Plaza, Valley Rd & Hamburg Turnpike, ending at the Wayne Valley Municipal Building.
Cost: Free
Woodland Park Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 11am
Parade will kick-off at Glover Avenue and McBride Avenue and proceed along McBride Avenue to Memorial Drive. Following the parade, refreshments will be served at the Boys & Girls Club.
Cost: Free
Wyckoff Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 11:30am
The parade will kick off at Wyckoff Avenue from Christian Cornerstone Church heading north along Wyckoff Avenue, turning right onto Main Street, then turning right onto Franklin Avenue and ending at Town Hall. Following the parade, Fire Co #1 wil offer food, beverages, and fun.
Cost: Free
Best Things to Do in Central Jersey: Memorial Day Weekend 2026
Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival
Saturday & Sunday, May 23, 24, 2026: 9am-7pm
on the Bradley Beach Boardwalk
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.
Edison Memorial Day Parade
Saturday, May 23, 2026: Noon
The Parade kicks off at Lindenau School and ends at Thomas Jefferson Middle School.
Cost: Free
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival
May 23, 24, 26, 2026: from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Monmouth Park Racetrack,
175 Oceanport Ave., Oceanport, NJ
Expect over 30 mouth-watering food trucks. Sample everything from Lobster Rolls to Mac & Cheese to Fried Oreos. Live music 12-4pm all three days. Saturday music by Ready Cassette Go! FREE Family Fun Day events – including clowns, face painters, pony rides and a bounce house, will take place from 12-4pm in the picnic area on Saturday and Sunday.
Cost: Free Parking, General Admission $6. Children 12 and under are Free.
Lawrence Township Memorial Day Parade
Saturday, May 23, 2026: 10am - 1PM
The kicks off at Lawrence High School and proceeds to the Veterans Park. Ceremony following the parade centered on gratitude for those who served.
Cost: Free
Matawan Memorial Day Parade
Saturday, May 23, 2026: 11AM
Matawan, NJ
Parade begins Main street, followed by a service at 12pm at Memorial Park.
Cost: Free
Princeton Memorial Day Parade
Saturday, May 23, 2026: 10:00 am
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.
Cost: Free
Annual Highlands Seaport Craft Show
Sunday, May 24, 2026: 10am until 5pm
Huddy Park,
329 Bay Ave.,
Highlands, NJ
This event features a collection of various handmade crafts from more than 60 crafters and artisans with live music from 12 PM- 4 PM. There will be a huge variety of unique gifts, art, jewelry, and personal items at this Juried Show.
Cost: Free
Hopewell Borough - Memorial Day Parade
Sunday, May 24, 2026: 1pm
Parade kisks-off at Taylor Terrace, marching east on Broad Street, Closing Ceremony at Hopewell Elementary School.
Cost: Free
Long Branch Art in the Park
Sunday, May 24, 2026: 10 am - 5pm
West End Park,
Brighton Ave, Long Branch, NJ
This event features up to 50 Juried Artists! Showcasing works on paper and canvas, mixed media, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and more.
Cost: Attendees Free
New Jersey Jerk Fest
Sunday, May 24, 2026: 1pm - 8pm
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Rd, East Brunswick, NJ
This event features Caribbean cuisine, live music, food trucks, and good vibes
It's a celebration of all things "jerk." from spicy jerk chicken to flavorful jerk pork, Jerk Fish, Jerk Goat, Jerk Oxtail & Jerk Ice Cream there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
There will be food trucks, food and beverage vendors, crafts, merchandise for sale, live music, kids' activities, and more.
Cost:
Tickets: $24.71
Allentown Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 10:30 am
The parade goes down North Main Street, starting at the corner of Allen Drive. It continues down North Main Street to South Main Street, before turning at the corner of South Main Street and High Street to High Street. The parade takes another turn into the Newell Elementary School parking lot where an the annual Memorial Service will take place immediately after the parade.
Cost: Free
Califon Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026:11am
Parade begins at School Street followed by events at Caifon Island Park including a Memorial Servce and the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall
Cost: Free
Colts Neck Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026; 10:30am
This annual community event features a run/walk, parade march, a wreath-laying ceremony at Memorial Park, and concludes with a picnic at Fire House #2 to honor fallen military personnel. The days events begin with a run/walk at 10am followed by the parade at 10:30 am at Township Hall, 124 Cedar Drive and concludes at the firehouse.
Cost: Free, except for the run/walk entry fee of $25
Cranbury Township Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 1 pm
The parade will begin at the corner of South Main Street and Cranbury Station Road and proceed north on Main Street to Plainsboro Road, then Maplewood Avenue, Park Place East and then south on Main Street, ending at the Cranbury Fire House and Memorial Park.
Cost: Free
Dunellen Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026; 10am.
Parade kicks-off at the Dunellen Library, and to New Market Road, and will end at Washington Memorial Park. Ceremony, mmediately following the parade at Washington Memorial Park
Cost: Free
Farmingdale Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 1PM
The Parade will begin
Southard Avenue and Academy Street, and will traverse many streets to ensure attendees can view the parade safely.
Cost: Free
Freehold Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 10am
The parade kicks off at Brinckerhoff and Main Streets
Cost: Free
Groveville-Yardville Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 8:30 am
The parade kisck off at South Broad St. and Sunnybrae Blvd. in Yardville, and concluding in the Groveville United Methodist Church Cemetery where a Memorial Service will follow with a 21-gun salute honoring our fallen.
Cost: Free
Highland Park - New Brunswick Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 11 am
Parade begins in New Brunswick Redshaw Elemtary Schooly ( 216 Livingston Avenue) proceeding up Raritan Ave, ending at
Doughboy Monument
in Highland Park at Raritan Avenue & Woodbridge Avenue. At the conclusion of the parade, a ceremony will take place at the Doughboy Monument.
Cost: Free
Hightstown Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25. 2026: 9:00 am
The parade will begin on Stockton Street at the Walter C. Black School, and will make their way to the center of town.
Cost: Free
Hillsborough Memorial Day Music Festival & Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026
North School Field,
Hillsborough, NJ
Parade kicks off at 10am, Watch the Parade from Town Hall along Floribunda Avenue to North School.
After the Parade, on the North School Field, enjoy lunch from a variety of local food trucks while watching the live performances on the main stage. The children can play at the carnival and petting zoo. Bring a blanket, a lawn chair and enjoy lunch with family and friends.
Cost: Free
Pennington Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 11am
The parade will take place along Main St, passing South Main Street and Toll Gate Grammar School.
Cost: Free
Readington Township Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 10:30 a.m.
Parade starts at King's Plaza Shopping Center to the Municipal Building. Followed by refreshments at the end of the parade at Pickell Park.
South River Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 1pm
Parade begins at Main Street & Hillside Ave, onto Jackson Street, onto Ferry street, back onto Main Street, ending at the War Memorial Building.
Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 25, 2026: 11am
New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial,
1 Memorial Lane (Parkway Exit 116),
Holmdel, NJ
A ceremony to honor our fallen heroes every day of the year.
Sips, Stars & Stripes: A NJ Wine Revolution
May 30, 2026: 1 PM – 5 PM (VIP entry at 12:00 PM)
The War Memorial, 1 Memorial Dr, Trenton, NJ
Join in for a day of local pours, historic vibes, and community spirit.
Cost:
VIP Experience: $45 Early access thru 5/29/26. General Admission: $35/Advance. $45/Day Of. GA Early Bird: $17.76 thru 4/30/26. Designated Driver: $10. Available at the Door. Cash Only
Best Things to Do in South Jersey: Memorial Day Weekend 2026
Cape May Music Festival
May 9 to June 21, 2026
Cape May Convention Hall, Rotary Park, Episcopal Church of the Advent, and Inns.
Think of this festival as a music stroll, not a stadium rush. Across 14 performances, you move from historic interiors to breezy outdoor spots, often within a short drive or walk. This festival fits classical fans, jazz-curious listeners, and anyone who likes a strong groove now and then.
Cost:
Some concerts are free, Others range in price from $20, $35, $55, $60, and $70, depending on amenities such as lunch, dinner, etc.
Wildwoods International Kite Festival
Friday, May 22, thru Monday, May 25, 2026
On the Beach at Rio Grand Avenue and inside the Wildwoods Convention Center,
Wildwood, NJ
This event featues an all-inclusive Kite Festival world kite competition, for all ages.
Festivities following include opening of the Kite Sales Tent, Friday Night Social via the locatal kite club and the 9:00 p.m. Illuminated Night Kite Fly. Saturday includes the Silent and Loud Auctions (open to all); and Saturday & Sunday include the flying of large inflatable kites, team flying, as well as family games. Monday features the World Indoor Kite Exhibition inside the Wildwoods Convention Center
Cost: Free to spectators.
Alice in Wonderland
Saturday & Sunday, May 23, 24, 2026
Historic Smithville,
615 E. Moss Mill Rd, Smithville, NJ
This family-friendly event is perfect for visitors of all ages. "Riddlesbrood's Alice in Wonderland", an original, rollicking, musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic, nonsensical novel, '"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Presented on Riddlesbrood's three portable stages set up on the Village Green in the heart of the Village of Smithville.
Cost: Free
Cost:
Free
Ocean City Memorial Beach Challenge
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Ocean City Music Pier,
825 Boardwalk,
Ocean City, NJ
This annual event features a family day of competition and comradery, and the honoring of those who have served and support the heroes still in the fight.
Cost: Race registration fees: $25 to $90
Tropicana's Free Fireworks Series
May 23, 2026: 10pm
Tropicana Casino & Resort,
2831 Boardwalk,
Atlantic City, NJ
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, and on select Saturdays throughout the season, celebrate holiday weekends as dazzling displays burst over the Atlantic Ocean. these breathtaking shows are visible from the beach and the iconic Atlantic City boardwalk in front of Tropicana Atlantic City offering a spectacular view for visitors and locals alike.
Cost: Free
Wildwoods Boardwalk Crafts Show
May 23, 24, 2026
Under backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Wildwoods sign, the shows feature an array of talented artisans and crafters, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and home décor to unique artwork and beach-inspired treasures. Whether you're looking for the perfect souvenir or simply soaking in the sights and sounds, the Boardwalk Crafts Shows provide a delightful shopping experience.
Cost: Free
Absecon Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
Monday, May 25, 2026: 9am
Parade begins at the Absecon American Legion and can be viewed along New Jersey Avenue through downtown, on Shore Road between Dr. Combs and Pitney House, and along Church Street.
Cost: Free
Avalon Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 9am
The parade will kick off along route 33rd & Dune Dr. heading North to 21st & Dune Dr. to Veterans Plaza where the ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the parade.
Cost: Free
City of Burlington Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 900 AM
This event will kick off at High Street and E. Federal Street.
Cost: Free
Cape May Memorial Day Remberance Ceremony
Monday, May 25, 2026; 11AM
Soldiers and Sailors Park, Columbia Ave. and Gurney St.,
Cape May, NJ
Held in one of America's most historic seaside communities, this remembrance offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and honor those who will never be forgotten.
Cost: free
Glassboro Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 10 AM
Glassboro, NJ
The route begins at the corner of Lehigh and University, proceeding downtown on Whitney and High Street, and concludes at Academy. Following the parade, a solemn ceremony honoring Glassboro's Fallen Heroes takes place at the Veteran's Memorial Plaza in Town Square.
Cost: Free
Medford Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 20256: 11:00 am
The parade will kick off at Memorial Middle school on Mill Street and ends at Main Street.
Cost: Free
North Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 25, 2025: 1pm
North Wildwood Veterans Monument, Spruce and New York Avenues,
North Wildwood, NJ
A Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the VFW Post 5941
Cost: Free
Plumstead Twp Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 1pm
The parade starts in front of the Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School, 44 N. Main St., travels south onto Main St. Downtown, and concluding at Meadowbrook La.
A Memorial Day Service will be held at American Legion Post 455 once the parade procession finishes entirely. Light refreshments will be served following the service.
Cost: Free
Somerdale Memorial Day Parade
May 25, 2026: 10 am
The Parade will kiock off at 10 am, starting at Sterling High School and ending at the Raws Tait VFW, at 10 Kennedy Boulevard. There will be a memorial service immediately following the parade at the VFW, where refreshments will be served afterward.
Cost: Free
Somers Point Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026: 11am
The parade will begin at Dawes Avenue and Shore Road and proceed to City Hall, concluding with a ceremony at Patriots Park at Bethel Road and First Street.
Cost: Free
Stone Harbor Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
Monday, May 25, 2026:11am
The parade will kick off at 96th Street and ending at the Women's Civic Club on 96th Street and the beach, for a final ceremony.
Cost: Free
Swedesboro Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 25, 2026: 10:30AM
War Memorial at Borough Hall, 1500 Kings Highway, Swedesboro, NJ
This annual event is held to pay tribute to those who fought and died for our country. The ceremony is a very fitting tribute attended by local veterans, dignitaries and residents.
This event includes a Flag service.
Cost: Free
Vineland Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
Monday, May 25, 2026: 9am
The parade will begin at the corner of Landis Avenue and Myrtle Street, proceed west on Landis to Northwest Boulevard, north to Park Avenue and into the Landis Park Veterans Circle for the Memorial Day Ceremony.
Cost: Free
Frequently Asked Questions
Memorial Day Weekend Ceremonies, Parades, and Events in New Jersey
What kinds of Memorial Day weekend events can you expect across New Jersey?
Across New Jersey, Memorial Day weekend usually brings a mix of ceremonies, parades, waterfront gatherings, boardwalk activity, live music, and family-friendly town events. Some are quiet and reflective, with wreath-laying, flag tributes, and moments of silence, while others feel more festive once the formal observances end.
Are Memorial Day parades and ceremonies in New Jersey good for families with kids?
They usually are, especially if your family does better with short, easy-to-follow events and room to move around. Kids often enjoy parade routes with marching bands, veterans groups, classic vehicles, flags, and community groups, while ceremonies can work well if they're brief and held in a park or memorial space with open seating.
What should couples look for if they want a Memorial Day weekend outing in New Jersey?
Couples usually have the best experience when they pick places that balance meaningful local traditions with a walkable setting. Town-center parades, shore communities, riverfront areas, and small civic ceremonies can make the day feel full without feeling rushed. After the formal event, it's easy to turn the outing into brunch, a beach walk, or an early evening stroll.
When is the best time to go to a Memorial Day weekend event in New Jersey?
Morning is usually best for ceremonies and parades, because many communities hold their official observances earlier in the day. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes ahead helps with parking, curb space, and avoiding road closures, especially in towns where parade routes cut through main streets.
What should you bring for a Memorial Day weekend parade, ceremony, or community event in New Jersey?
Bring the basics you'd want for a long spring day outdoors, because the weather can swing from cool morning air to bright afternoon sun. A small bag with water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, tissues, and a light layer goes a long way. For families, snacks and wipes help. For couples, a foldable blanket or compact chairs can make a curbside or park event much easier.
