Memorial Day Parades Near Me 2025: Exact Times, Routes & Best Viewing Spots

Updated May 2025 – Across the United States, communities are polishing up marching bands, classic cars, and color guards for Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025. Whether you live in a major metro area or a small town, chances are high that a “Memorial Day parade near me” is forming up this weekend. Below is a coast-to-coast guide to help you find, attend, and enjoy a local procession while honoring the nation’s fallen service members. When and where are the biggest parades in 2025? • National Memorial Day Parade, Washington, D.C. – Steps off at 2 p.m. along Constitution Ave. NW and is considered the country’s largest live parade. • Chicago Memorial Day Parade – Saturday, May 24, with a wreath-laying at Daley Plaza at 11 a.m. and the parade rolling down State Street at noon. • Falls Church, VA Parade & Festival – Starts 2 p.m. after a full morning festival, rain or shine. • Dearborn, MI 99th Annual Procession – Monday at 10 a.m., featuring a military flyover and tribute ceremony. • Worthington, OH Parade – Kicks off at 10 a.m. from Downtown High Street. Finding a “Memorial Day parade near me” 1. Use city or county tourism calendars. Search “[your city] Memorial Day parade 2025” or check the Parks & Recreation page. 2. Browse local American Legion or VFW posts online; most sponsor or co-host parades. 3. Filter by distance on social networks (Facebook Events, Nextdoor) a few days before the holiday. 4. For rural areas, scan regional newspapers’ community sections—many publish parade line-ups the Friday before the weekend. Early-morning prep checklist • Confirm step-off time: many small-town parades start at 9 or 10 a.m.; larger cities may wait until lunchtime. • Parking & transit: urban parades such as D.C. and Chicago close key arteries—arrive an hour early or use metro/light rail to avoid tows. • Weather plan: May forecasts swing quickly. Pack sunscreen, a compact umbrella, and water bottles. • Seating etiquette: Folding chairs are fine along most routes, but avoid blocking sidewalks or ADA ramps. What to expect along the route • High-school and military bands playing patriotic standards. • Motorcycle honor guards and classic-car clubs. • Gold Star family floats and wreath-bearing civic groups. • Flyovers: D.C. and Dearborn both list aerial salutes this year. Honoring fallen heroes respectfully While parades feel festive, they remain solemn tributes. Stand, remove hats, and place a hand over your heart when the U.S. Flag passes. Applaud veterans’ units, but maintain silence during “Taps” or rifle-salute segments. Can’t attend in person? Stream it live The National Memorial Day Parade will be webcast on YouTube via the American Veterans Center and later broadcast nationally; many regional TV stations also carry their city’s march on local affiliates. Volunteering and giving back Many organizers still need banner carriers, traffic marshals, and cleanup crews. Contact your parade committee through its website or sign-up sheet at staging areas. Donations to cover band transport or veteran travel costs can often be made via PayPal links on event pages. Frequently searched questions answered • What time does the parade start near me? Time varies by city; 10 a.m. is the national average, but always verify on the official event page. • Are pets allowed? Service animals yes; other pets only if local regulations permit and the crowd noise won’t stress them. • Is the event free? Almost all Memorial Day parades are free; bring cash for food-truck snacks or charity raffles. Final thoughts From D.C.’s sweeping Constitution Avenue to the smallest Main Street in the Midwest, Memorial Day parades connect neighbors in shared remembrance. Bookmark your town’s details, set an early alarm, and join the procession. A visible turnout not only fuels community pride but also ensures the sacrifice of America’s service members is honored by a grateful public.