New Jersey Memorial Day Weekend Events, Parades & Festivals

Michael Vadon

Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of May and is a day when the residents of the USA honor the memory of men and women who lost their lives while serving in the military. Traditionally, in all states, including New Jersey, this day is marked with various events, parades, and memorial practices. People visit cemeteries where soldiers are buried, and at 3 pm, a moment of silence is observed to honor those who died in war.

Since most educational institutions go on summer break at the end of May and the weather grows warm, the three-day weekend is also considered the unofficial start of summer. To mark this, cities organize a wide array of entertainment events.

Annual May Fair in Collingswood (May 25, 2024)

The celebration takes over the town of Collingswood on Saturday (or Sunday as a rain date) with many activities for the whole family. The fair features over 200 art and craft stalls, a KidZone, carnival rides, attractions, music, street performances, games, delicious food and Farmer's Market from 10 am to 5 pm. The fair occupies almost one mile of the business district and takes place along Haddon Avenue.

Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival at Monmouth Park in Oceanport (May 25–27, 2024)

The Oceanport features a long-awaited Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival that draws thousands of people annually during Memorial Day Weekend. Over 30 appealing food trucks offer diverse menu items from lobster rolls and Mac n' Cheese to Fried Oreos. Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival lasts three days, offering live music on two stages from 12 to 4 pm.

The entrance ticket costs 6 dollars, and children under 12 can enter for free. From 12 to 4 pm, there will also be free entertainment for families in the picnic area: games and races, clowns, pony rides, face painters, and a bounce house.

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival (May 25–27, 2024)

Bradley Beach Memorial Day Weekend Festival lasts three days in Bradley Beach, Monmouth County. The parade on Ocean Avenue, which spans from 10 am until 12 pm, features pipe bands and school marching bands. There are food and craft vendors and games for children during the weekend at Beach Front Promenade, starting from 9 am until 7 pm. On May 27th, you can also expect a Memorial Day Ceremony in Riley Park from 11 am to 12:30 pm.

Wyckoff Memorial Day Parade (May 27, 2024)

An impressive Memorial Day Parade takes place in the township of Wyckoff. The participants line up near the Cornerstone Christian Church at 10:30 am, while the marching begins at 11:30 am. It features antique military vehicles, veterans, marching bands, and military color guards.

Pre- & Post-Parade Celebrations

Before the procession, there will also be pre-parade ceremonies: a Firefighters Service at 8:45 am at Fire Company 1 and a Veterans Memorial Service at 10 am at Wyckoff Memorial Church. And after the parade, you can taste some refreshments during a celebration at Fire Company 1.

Freehold Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27, 2024)

The Memorial Day weekend in Freehold is jam-packed with events, starting with the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea concert. The performance will take place at the First Presbyterian Church on May 25th at 7 pm. Tickets are required for entry and cost $20 each.

The next day, May 26th, is promising as well, with Grave Decoration and Service at the Maplewood Cemetery, starting from 1 pm. The attendees have a chance to hear about the history of Freehold and its Memorial Day customs.

Freehold Memorial Day Parade (May 27, 2024)

The celebration begins with the Elks Point Memorial Service at 8:30 am. The ceremony is followed by the Memorial Day parade, one of the oldest and largest in New Jersey. The parade itself usually commences around 9:45 to 10 am on Brinkerhoff Avenue. Traditionally, the parade procession involves over 70 participants, including veterans groups, musical ensembles, floats, fire departments, EMS squads, youth groups, and various organizations.

Memorial Day Ceremony in Wrightstown (May 27, 2024)

You can also take part in a Memorial Day ceremony in the village of Wrightstown to remember servicemembers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of their country. Traditionally, the event lasts about three hours and takes place at BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery. This year, the event is organized by the Travis Manion Foundation and begins at 9 am. The ceremony consists of placing hand-made badges on the graves of the fallen soldiers.

Woodland Park Memorial Day Street Fair (May, 2024)

Woodland Park Memorial Day Street Fair is a big annual event on McBride Avenue in Woodland Park. It starts with the Memorial Day Parade, followed by family attractions and entertainment. Over 100 food and merchandise vendors, music, children's rides, a climbing wall, and a special section with craft exhibitors promise a day full of fun.