By Shara Levine
Memorial Day is when families unite to honor the brave who have fallen while serving in the US Armed Services. In New York, it is a time to come together with parades, ceremonies and events that bring communities together.
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Manhattan
Memorial Day Weekend Celebration
Intrepid Museum, Pier 86 at W 46th St. and 12th Ave., Hell’s Kitchen
May 22–25; see website for complete schedule
All ages
Included with admission: $28-$38; free for children 4 and younger
In recognition of our men and women in uniform, the Intrepid Museum celebrates Memorial Day Weekend! The Weekend’s activities will kick off Friday, with their annual free movie night on the flight deck, featuring Top Gun, followed by Intrepid’s Battle of the Big Bands celebrating the music, dancing and the style of the swing era on Saturday. Visitors can explore a variety of displays, activities and more all weekend long! The weekend will conclude on Monday with the Museum’s annual Memorial Day ceremony.
Memorial Day: Growing Wings of Peace
Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd St., Upper West Side
Monday, May 25, 10 am – 5 pm
Ages 8 and younger
$18
This Memorial Day, explore themes of remembrance, gratitude, and hope through the symbol of birds and wings. Reflect on how even small acts of kindness and big dreams for peace can lift a whole community.
Memorial Day Concert
Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, 679 Riverside Drive at West 145th St., Hamilton Heights
Monday, May 25, 3 – 7:30 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate the unofficial start of summer with live performances by 3D Rhythm of Life and Harvey Morris and Deep Cover.
Bronx
Van Nest Memorial Day Parade
Parade begins at White Plains Road and Van Nest Ave., Van Nest
Monday, May 25, noon
All ages
Free
Join the Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance and Bronx County American Legion for a Memorial Day ceremony at Van Nest Memorial Plaza, the procession starts at 12:15, just south of the White Plains Road/Van Nest Avenue intersection and ends on the Plaza for the ceremony. Help celebrate 100 years of the Van Nest monument at its present location on Unionport and White Plains Road.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn’s 159th Memorial Day Parade
Parade begins at 3rd Ave. & 78th St., Bay Ridge
Monday, May 25, 11 am
All ages
Free
Veterans, bands, civic and corporate groups, schools and church groups, and motorcycle clubs will take part in Brooklyn’s 159th Memorial Day Parade honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The parade concludes at John Paul Jones Park with a memorial service that includes Bag Pipes, Flag Raising, Wreath Laying by Veteran Service Organizations, a 21-gun Salute by the Veteran Corps of Artillery and the playing of Taps.
Green-Wood’s Memorial Day Concert
The Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th St., Greenwood Heights
Monday, May 25, 2 – 4 pm
All ages
Free; $10 suggested donation
Advanced registration required
Green-Wood’s cherished Memorial Day concert returns for its 26th year, just in time to kick off the 250th anniversary of the United States. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and bring your family to enjoy this unforgettable afternoon. The concert will feature works that honor members of the armed forces, while also spotlighting music by some of Green-Wood’s own permanent residents. Plus, enjoy a selection of contemporary pieces by a diverse range of composers. It’s the perfect way to commemorate the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to America 250 through the beauty of music in one of the nation’s most historic landscapes!
Queens
Sunnyside Gardens Memorial Day Fair
Sunnyside Gardens Park, 48-21 39th Ave., Sunnyside
Saturday, May 23, noon – 5 pm
All ages
Free admission
Bring the family out for music, rides, BBQ, beer & wine, face painting and so much more!
Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade
Parade begins at 107-15 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills
Saturday, May 24, noon
All ages
Free
Every year, on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, the Post hosts a parade on Metropolitan Avenue. Local and statewide community and civic groups participate, with an opening ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. In honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary, this year’s parade will be the most patriotic yet!
College Point Memorial Day Parade
Parade begins at College Point Blvd. and 26th Ave., College Point
Sunday, May 24, 2 pm
All ages
Free
The longest running Parade in Queens returns to honor our heroes with community groups, first responders, local leaders, and more.
Myrtle Avenue 88th Annual Memorial Day Parade
Parade begins at Cypress Ave., Ridgewood
Monday, May 25, 11 am
All ages
Free
This beloved annual parade brings Ridgewood together with local civic groups and community leaders to honor those who have fallen, and it concludes with a short ceremony.
Whitestone Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade
Whitestone Memorial Field, 149th St. and 15th Drive, Whitestone
Monday, May 25, 11 am
All ages
Free
Bring the family out to support our heroes at this parade featuring first responders, community leaders, civic groups, and more.
The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade
Parade begins at Northern Boulevard and Nassau Road, Little Neck
Monday, May 25, 2 – 4:30 pm
All ages
Free
The 99th Annual Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade honors those who have fallen in defense of our Nation.
Staten Island
America250: Staten Island Philharmonic Honoring Those Who Served
Conference House, 7455 Hylan Blvd., Tottenville
Sunday, May 24, 4 – 6 pm
All ages
Free
Join the Staten Island Philharmonic for a powerful Memorial Day concert honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s military members throughout history. As part of the America250 commemoration, the program reflects on themes of freedom, patriotism, and remembrance through a selection of patriotic works, orchestral favorites, and reflective pieces. This annual tradition offers a meaningful musical tribute in advance of Memorial Day, bringing the community together in gratitude and reflection.
Staten Island Memorial Day Parade
Parade begins at Forest Ave. and Hart Blvd., Graniteville
Monday, May 25, noon – 3 pm
All ages
Free
One of the borough’s longest-running annual events, the parade brings the community together to honor our fallen heroes.
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