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.
Memorial Day parades in Chicagoland
Chicago Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade
May 24, 2025
- Address: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago
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.
Aurora Memorial Day Parade
May 26, 2025
- 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 26, 2025
- 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.
South Holland Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony
May 26, 2025
- 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.
St. Charles Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
May 26, 2025
- 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. The ceremony will take place afterwards beginning at 10:45 a.m. at the Freedom Shrine.
Wood Dale Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
May 26, 2025
- Address: Addison Road and Elizabeth Drive, Wood Dale
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 26, 2025
- Address: Woodstock Square, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock
The Memorial Day Ceremony kicks off the day in Woodstock Square and the Memorial Day parade will follow afterwards.
This article was updated on May 20, 2025 by Chicago Parent’s Content Writer, 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.
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