Memorial Day Parades and Events for Chicago Families

Pay homage to our fallen soldiers at one of these 2024 Memorial Day weekend events.

Memorial Day means more than just a long weekend. It’s a chance to get out of the house and honor our fallen soldiers.

Though it has unofficially marked the start of the summer, the day of remembrance also includes parades and cemetery memorials. Here are some Memorial Day events perfect for Chicago families.

This article was updated on April 23, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s audience development coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The post included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the best information on Memorial Day parades and events, aligning with Chicago Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.

Memorial Day Parade near me in Chicago

Chicago Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade

May 25, 2024

The wreath laying ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Richard J. Daley Center Plaza. The parade kicks off at noon and proceeds south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street.

Memorial Day Parade near me in the North/Northwest Suburbs

Memorial Day Observance Event

May 27, 2024

Join the Veterans Committee in front of Village Hall at the Veterans Memorial Plaza to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Wood Dale Memorial Day Parade

May 27, 2024

The parade begins at Addison Road and Elizabeth Drive and travels north to Veterans Memorial Park on Irving Park Road.

Woodstock Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade

May 27, 2024

The Memorial Day Ceremony kicks off the day in Woodstock Square and the Memorial Day parade will follow afterwards.

Memorial Day Parade near me in the South Suburbs

South Holland Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony

May 27, 2024

The annual parade honors military personnel who have died while serving. The parade begins at 170th Street and South Park Avenue. After the parade, there will be a remembrance ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park.

Memorial Day Parades near me in the Western Suburbs

Aurora Memorial Day Parade

May 27, 2024

The parade route will begin at the intersection of Benton Street and River Street. Then it heads east on Benton, north on Broadway, west on Downer Place and ends at River Street.

River Forest Memorial Day Parade, Ceremony and Community Picnic

May 27, 2024

The 98th annual Memorial Day Parade, Ceremony and Community Picnic begins at Augusta and Ashland. It travels south to Lake Street, then west to Keystone Park. The parade will conclude with a ceremony and a free hot dog lunch.

St. Charles Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

May 27, 2024

  • Address: 6th and Main streets, St. Charles
  • Cost: Free

This annual parade steps off at 6th Street and Main Street. It honors those who have given their lives in service for our country and to honor veterans.


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Kari Zaffarano
Kari Zaffarano
Kari Zaffarano is a mom of one and Chicago Parent's Audience Development Coordinator. She tracks down the best events every week and shares the inside scoop with families online. She enjoys reading, traveling and exploring new places with her son.
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