Memorial Day Weekend in New Jersey isn’t just a marker of the unofficial start of summer—it’s a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served our country. From grand parades that roll through historic downtowns to intimate wreath-laying ceremonies and family-friendly festivals, New Jersey is rich with ways to honor our heroes this Memorial Day Weekend.
Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting for the holiday, there are countless ways to experience the spirit of remembrance and community across the state. Here’s your guide to some of the most meaningful—and memorable—events happening across New Jersey from Saturday, May 24 to Monday, May 26, 2025.
🇺🇸 Saturday, May 24, 2025
🚶 Bradley Beach Memorial Day Parade & Festival
🕙 10:00 AM | Ocean Avenue, Bradley Beach
Marching bands, military tributes, and beachside vibes—Bradley Beach brings out the red, white, and blue with flair. After the parade, stick around for the family festival filled with food, music, and classic summer fun.
🎺 Edison Memorial Day Parade
🕛 12:00 PM | Division Street, Edison
Celebrate in the heart of Middlesex County with a community-driven parade honoring veterans past and present. Expect local organizations, students, and service members to proudly walk the route.
🎖 Lawrence Township Memorial Day Parade
🕙 10:00 AM | From Lawrence High School to Veterans Park
This community tradition highlights the unity and respect Lawrence shows its veterans. The parade ends with a meaningful ceremony in Veterans Park.
🎉 Little Falls Parade & Ceremony
🕙 Parade at 10:00 AM; Ceremony at 11:30 AM | Main Street to Wilmore Road Park
March down Main Street and then pause to reflect during the community ceremony in the park—a beautiful balance of celebration and remembrance.
🎆 Morris Plains Memorial Day Parade & Field of Flags
🕘 9:00 AM Service; 9:30 AM Parade | Begins at Glenbrook Rd & Mountain Way
This isn’t just a parade—it’s a town-wide moment of pride and remembrance. The Field of Flags display along the route is a stirring tribute not to miss.
🇺🇸 Mount Arlington Memorial Day Observance
🕦 11:30 AM | Memorial Park (Mountainside Ave & North Glenn Ave)
A peaceful and respectful observance capped off with free hot dogs and soda courtesy of the local Elks Lodge. This year’s parade is canceled due to traffic redirection, but the ceremony will carry the same emotional weight.
Check out more events happening across NJ
🇺🇸 Sunday, May 25, 2025
🚗 Memorial Madness Car Show
🕘 9:00 AM | Mars Wrigley HQ, 800 High Street, Hackettstown
It’s horsepower meets patriotism at this crowd-favorite car show. Vintage rides, local vendors, and plenty of chrome make this an ideal Sunday stop.
🎉 Hopewell Memorial Day Parade
🕐 1:00 PM | Taylor Terrace, Hopewell
A small-town parade with a big heart, where families line the streets and kids wave flags high. Hopewell’s tight-knit community turns out strong to honor its heroes.
🇺🇸 Monday, May 26, 2025
🌟 Freehold Memorial Day Parade
🕙 10:00 AM | Brinkerhoff Ave to Monmouth County Courthouse
One of New Jersey’s oldest and largest Memorial Day parades. Expect historic reenactors, local high school bands, and veterans’ groups to bring the town alive with pride.
🌲 Glen Ridge Memorial Day Parade
🕚 11:00 AM | Sherman Avenue and Baldwin Street
Classic Americana on display—marching down tree-lined streets with residents lining the sidewalks to salute our service members.
🎼 Union Memorial Day Parade
🕙 10:00 AM | Stuyvesant Ave, starting at Pearl Harbor Square
An emotional and colorful celebration with all the hallmarks of tradition—fire trucks, drumlines, community pride, and veterans front and center.
🎯 Hackettstown Memorial Day Parade
🕙 10:00 AM | Grand Ave & Main Street
Hackettstown delivers a spirited morning of remembrance, capped off with post-parade activities the whole family can enjoy.
🎆 Red Bank Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
🕚 11:00 AM | Veterans’ Monument, 51 Monmouth Street
A touching and respectful ceremony in one of New Jersey’s most vibrant downtowns. Red Bank always knows how to blend solemnity with community connection.
🚴 Tour of Somerville
🕐 All Day | Downtown Somerville
This three-day biking tradition is unlike anything else on the Memorial Day calendar. A mix of competitive cycling and community celebration, it’s one of New Jersey’s longest-running sports traditions.
Browse even more entertainment across the Garden State
🕊 Additional Events Across New Jersey
From early-morning services to mid-morning parades, here are more ways to mark Memorial Day across towns and boroughs:
- Middlesex Borough – 10:00 AM Parade at Victor Crowell Park
- Vineland – 9:00 AM Parade & Ceremony to Landis Park
- Mahwah – 10:00 AM Parade from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
- Wyckoff – 11:30 AM Parade to Town Hall
- Glassboro – 10:00 AM Parade on Main Street
- Chatham – 8:00 AM Service
- Madison – 9:00 AM Parade
- Parsippany-Troy Hills – 12:00 PM Parade
- Morristown/Morris Township – 10:00 AM Service; 10:30 AM Parade
- Wharton – 10:00 AM Parade and Service
From coastal towns to mountain villages, New Jersey is alive with tribute and tradition this Memorial Day. Whether you’re marching in the parade, clapping from the curb, or laying a wreath in quiet reflection, take a moment to honor those who gave everything for our freedom.
June 2025’s Must-See Family Festivals and Street Fairs
Summer is calling—and in New Jersey, we answer with food trucks, live music, carnival rides, arts & crafts, and streets that come alive with laughter, sunshine, and the unmistakable scent of kettle corn.
June 2025 is packed with family-friendly festivals and street fairs that celebrate everything from fresh fruit and local art to soaring hot air balloons and Jersey Shore magic. Whether you’re in North Jersey, South Jersey, or somewhere in between, there’s something happening just a short drive away.
So grab the kids, charge your phone, and get ready to make memories. Here’s your essential guide to the best family festivals and fairs happening this June across the Garden State.
👉 Need more ideas for family fun? Browse our full lineup of New Jersey entertainment right here.
🎈 Warren County Hot Air Balloon, Arts & Crafts Festival – June 21–23
Location: Warren County Community College, Washington, NJ
Perfect for: Balloon chasers, arts & crafts lovers, and kids who love a sky full of color
Nothing says summer quite like a field full of hot air balloons slowly lifting off into the sunset. This annual festival is part aviation spectacle, part arts fair, and totally unforgettable. Alongside breathtaking balloon launches (morning and evening), enjoy live music, hands-on kids’ crafts, gourmet food trucks, and a beer and wine garden for the grown-ups. Plus, there are tethered rides for the brave at heart.
Pro tip: Get there early for the morning ascensions—or come later to see them light up during the evening glow!
🍓 Hammonton Red, White, and Blueberry Festival – June 30
Location: Hammonton High School Grounds, Hammonton, NJ
Perfect for: Berry fans, pie connoisseurs, and lovers of small-town Americana
Hammonton is the blueberry capital of the world—and they take that title seriously. This vibrant celebration kicks off summer with blueberry everything: pie, ice cream, wine, muffins, and even soap. There’s a kid’s zone with rides and games, a classic car show, and live entertainment all day. It’s a sweet slice of Jersey life you don’t want to miss.
And yes, there’s a blueberry pie-eating contest. You in?
🌊 Sea Isle City Skimmer Festival – June 15–16
Location: JFK Boulevard, Sea Isle City, NJ
Perfect for: Beach lovers, families on a weekend getaway, and anyone who thrives on summer vibes
Held along Sea Isle City’s oceanfront promenade, Skimmer Festival is a quintessential Shore event. Saturday features a massive seaside vendor market, food trucks, and live tunes. Sunday turns the beach into a family fun zone with free face painting, magic shows, sand sculpting contests, and vintage beach gear on display.
It’s a picture-perfect weekend by the water—jersey-style.
🎭 Somerville Street Fair & Arts Festival – June 2
Location: Downtown Somerville, NJ
Perfect for: Local art lovers, foodies, and live music fans
Downtown Somerville transforms into an open-air gallery with local artists, handmade goods, street performers, and musicians around every corner. There’s an entire area dedicated to kids’ activities, plus a food court with everything from gourmet sliders to fried Oreos.
Parking is free, and the charm is limitless.
🎡 Bordentown Street Fair – June 8–9
Location: Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown, NJ
Perfect for: Families looking for an old-school street fair with tons of variety
With more than 200 vendors, this two-day event has something for everyone: bounce houses, craft booths, face painting, live bands, and enough funnel cake to fuel your weekend. It’s one of the biggest street fairs in Central Jersey and always draws a crowd—so come early and bring your walking shoes.
🌽 Chester Food Truck & Music Festival – June 22
Location: Municipal Field, Chester, NJ
Perfect for: Food truck aficionados, music fans, and anyone looking to chill on a picnic blanket
Over 20 gourmet food trucks line up for a day of eats, beats, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy everything from BBQ to bao, plus craft vendors, kids’ zones, and local performers hitting the stage all day long. Bring your lawn chairs, sunscreen, and appetite.
🎶 More Events to Explore This June
- Collingswood Crafts & Fine Art Festival – June 8–9
- Riverfest in Red Bank – June 14–15
- NJ State Fair Meadowlands (begins late June) – Endless games, rides, and fried treats
- Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival – June 29
Plan Your June Right
New Jersey shines in June. Whether you’re chasing live music on the boardwalk, sampling berry-infused everything, or watching hot air balloons drift into a watercolor sky, there’s no shortage of unforgettable moments waiting for your family.
For even more summer events and hidden gems across the Garden State, visit our curated entertainment picks here.
Let’s make this summer count. One festival at a time.
Celebrate. Remember. Unite. That’s the spirit of New Jersey.