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
- Address: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
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
- Address: Veterans Memorial Plaza, 2121 W. Lake St., Hanover Park
- Cost: Free
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
- Address: Addison Road and Elizabeth Drive, Wood Dale
- Cost: Free
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
- Address: Woodstock Square, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock
- Cost: Free
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
- Address: Veterans Memorial Park, 450 E. 160th Place, South Holland
- Cost: Free
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
- Address: Benton and River streets, Aurora
- Cost: Free
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
- Address: Keystone Park, Central Avenue, River Forest
- Cost: Free
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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