There’s so much fun to be had in NJ to mark the unofficial kickoff to summer, so head outdoors and enjoy!
May 23
Flags of Liberty
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood
Loved ones will honor veterans by holding up a chain of unfurled American flags in remembrance ahead of the Wildwoods’ Unlocking of the Ocean ceremony and the official opening of the 2025 summer season, kicking off Memorial Day Weekend.
Memorial Day Summer Kick Off Concert in the Park
Dowling Gardens, Woodland Park
Bring a blanket or lawn chair so you can relax while listening to The Kootz play live. Sip & Swirl and Taco is Life will bring their food trucks.
May 23-26
Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall
Veterans Park, North Brunswick
There is an assembly Friday morning, after which the wall will be displayed in Veterans Park. On Monday, a culmination ceremony takes place before the wall comes down.
Fleet Week at The Intrepid
The Intrepid Museum, New York, NY
The weekend kicks off with a free showing of “Top Gun” on Friday. From Saturday to Monday, meet military personnel, learn about aviation, try on emergency response gear, make a Morse Code bracelet and listen to author talks. Monday includes a Memorial Day ceremony with a flyover of U.S. Navy fighter jets.
May 24
Freedom Fest
Needle Creek Brewery, Pennington
There will be 9 beers on tap, live music from Sheila & Mike, food trucks, vendor tables, demos, DIY projects, face painting, board games, a farm-themed play zone, animal feedings, fire pits and farm fun.
May 24 and 25
Memorial Day Festival
Ocean Avenue, Bradley Beach
Vendors will be set up on Saturday and Sunday, but the parade kicks off at 10 am Saturday.
Memorial Day Open Swim
Five Star Swim School
Saturday: Cherry Hill, East Hanover
Sunday: Deptford, East Brunswick, Eatontown, Edison, Galloway, Princeton
Veterans or active service members, and four members of their families, can swim in the heated pool for free in honor of Memorial Day.
May 24-26
Commemorate Memorial Day Weekend
Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA
Honor the men and women who lost their lives during the Revolutionary War (and “meet” some of them), see a collection of Revolutionary War flags, make a memorial ribbon, take an indoor or outdoor walking tour, and play around in the Discovery Cart. Veterans, military and Blue Star Families get free admission this weekend.
May 25
Rolling Thunder Ride For Freedom
Trenton Thunder Ballpark, Trenton
Pack your kids into the car, or hop on your motorcycle, and take this ride from the ballpark through PA and back again in a pre-Memorial Day ride that honors POWs/MIAs. After, stay for food, music and vendors.
Memorial Day: May 26
Memorial Day Parade Patriotic Bike Brigade
Firehouse, Absecon
After a contest for the best decorated bike, the parade kicks off for kids in grades pre-K to 8.
The Ridgewood Run
Village of Ridgewood
Sign up for a 10K, 5K, 1-Mile Run or the Ridgewood YMCA Kids Fun Run, part of a MDW tradition.
Jackson Memorial Day Parade
Holman Elementary School to Johnson Park, Jackson Twp.
After the parade there will be a solemn ceremony, food, vendors, giveaways, live music and children’s activities.
North Brunswick Memorial Day 5K Run/Walk 2025
North Brunswick Community Park, North Brunswick
Dress in your most patriotic outfit for the costume contest, and then hit the track around the park for the annual 5K. The Children’s Dash is open to kids ages 1 to 5, who will all get a ribbon.
Tour of Somerville
Downtown Somerville
Pro cyclists will ride through town in America’s longest-running bike race (80 years and counting!). Then, the town celebrates the day with outdoor dining, a BBQ, a kids’ zone, food trucks, a vendor area, and a reunion of alumni from the 80 years.
Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony
Veterans Park, North Brunswick
Remember and honor our veterans during a solemn ceremony, which follows the township’s annual 5K.
Memorial Day Parade Patriotic Bike Brigade
Firehouse, Absecon
After a contest for the best decorated bike, the parade kicks off for kids in grades pre-K to 8.
Memorial Day Parade
Main Street, Farmingdale
The streets come alive with music, dancing, classic cars, horse-drawn carriages and surprises. The Main Street Market opens at 11 am with vendors and boutique tables. A memorial ceremony takes place at 11:30 am at the War Memorial in Lutz Park, hosted by VFW Post 9691 and American Legion Post 178. The parade kicks off at 1 pm; make sure your kids bring a bag to collect candy that will be thrown from the parade route.
North Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony
Veterans Memorial Park, North Wildwood
This solemn ceremony is hosted by members of VFW Post 5941.
Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony
American Legion Post 184, Wildwood
Legion members will honor our nation’s fallen heroes.
Memorial Day Parade
Kings Highway and Chestnut Street, Haddonfield
American Legion Post 38 coordinates the marchers; after, there will be a remembrance ceremony at Haddonfield Memorial High School.
Colts Neck Township Memorial Day Parade, Ceremony, Picnic
Colts Neck
Sign up for the Decorated Bicycle Contest, or line Veterans Way as marchers come by. The parade will pause for a ceremony in Memorial Park. Then, all are invited to a picnic at Fire House #2.
LOOKING FOR MORE MEMORIAL DAY PARADES? SEE OUR FULL LIST
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