With the big three-day weekend coming up very soon, we’ve put together a list of the best events. We want to help you remember those who have fallen and also celebrate the early signs of the season ahead.
Check out everything that’s happening below this MDW. Make your plans now so you don’t miss out!
When is Memorial Day weekend this year?
Memorial Day weekend falls on May 23–25, 2026 this year, with Memorial Day officially landing on Monday, May 25.
Brooklyn Memorial Day parade
Brooklyn’s annual Memorial Day parade will happen this year for the 159th time. It honors the lives of those who served our country.
Hosted by the United Military Veterans of Kings County, the parade will be held on Monday, May 25 at 11 am.
The route begins from 78th St and Third Ave. It marches along Third Ave to Marine Ave, up to Fourth Ave, and over to John Paul Jones Park.
The parade is set to include a solemn memorial service, a formal flag raising, and a beautiful wreath-laying ceremony.
Movie night and activities at the Intrepid Museum
The Intrepid Museum is hosting a weekend full of special events! They will kick off with a free screening of Top Gun on Friday, May 22.
It takes place atop the aircraft carrier’s massive flight deck. You will get awesome views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline.
Guests are welcome to bring their own food, drinks, chairs, and blankets. Doors open at 5 pm and the movie begins right at sunset.
Plus, the museum will be hosting interactive displays all weekend. Make sure to catch the special Memorial Day ceremony on Monday at 10 am.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at i Candy NYC
If you are looking for a family-friendly indoor activity this holiday weekend, i Candy NYC is the ultimate sweet escape.
Located at One Times Square, this immersive candy adventure lets you explore a sugary reimagining of iconic city landmarks.
You can fill your own personal container with candy as you wander through a sweet spin on Central Park, the Neighborhoods, and the Underground.
It is the perfect mix of interactive storytelling, Instagram-worthy moments, and New York City history. The one-hour experience caps off at their massive flagship Candy Shop!
NYC beaches opening weekend
New York City beaches officially re-open for the season on Saturday, May 23!
All are located within a quick train ride of the Big Apple. Grab your towels, sunglasses, and sunscreen for a day of fun in the sand.
NYC’s lovely beaches range from Coney Island to Staten Island. Get there early to claim a spot since it’s the very first weekend they are open!
Green-Wood Cemetery’s Memorial Day concert
Green-Wood Cemetery’s annual Memorial Day concert is back to celebrate its 26th year.
Each year’s performance pays homage to those who served in the armed forces. It also honors Green-Wood’s famous permanent residents, including Leonard Bernstein. The free concert starts at 2 pm on Monday, May 25.
Hester Street Fair Memorial Day weekend
Shop incredible local businesses this MDW at one of our absolute favorite street fairs. The Hester Street Fair will run on May 23 and 24 from 11 am to 7 pm.
The weekend’s roster will feature a packed lineup of amazing vendors. You will find delicious food, refreshing drinks, and unique shops that represent the true heart of NYC.
Escape to Camp Magic Hour for rooftop glamping
Trade the city streets for starlit skies at Camp Magic Hour. This whimsical new summer installation is taking over NYC’s largest indoor and outdoor rooftop at the Moxy Times Square.
Set on the 18th floor, it blends playful Americana with sweeping views of the Empire State Building. You can snap a photo in an oversized Adirondack chair or gather around the glowing fire pit.
They are serving up a limited-edition, camp-inspired menu to match. Indulge in an OG Sloppy Joe, tableside Fire Side S’mores, and nostalgic cocktails like the espresso martini-inspired Happy Camper.
Visit the official birthplace of Memorial Day in Waterloo, NY
Looking for a unique escape from the city this weekend? While most of us are dreaming of beach getaways, the actual origins of this holiday are surprisingly close to home.
Just a scenic drive away in the Finger Lakes region lies Waterloo. This tiny upstate New York village was officially designated as the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966.
You can step back in time at the National Memorial Day Museum. Housed in a meticulously preserved pre-Civil War mansion right in the center of town, it opens its doors every year on Memorial Day weekend.
It offers an intimate look at a traditional 1860s mourning parlor and original artifacts. It sits just 15 minutes from Seneca Falls, making it the ultimate upstate history trip!
Dance at a waterfront Solomun rave at the Fulton Fish Market
New York City’s underground nightlife scene is taking over a totally unexpected waterfront location. Electronic music icon Solomun is playing a rare open-air set this Saturday, May 23.
Hosted by nightlife collective Teksupport, this marks the first-ever large-scale outdoor concert at the historic Fulton Fish Market in Hunts Point.
Known as the second-largest fish market in the world, this raw industrial space will transform into an epic dance floor right on the East River.
Grab your last-minute tickets and get ready for an unforgettable night!
Memorial Day Margarita-Fest at Watermark Beach
Kick off the unofficial start of summer with the ultimate MDW celebration at Watermark Beach. They are turning Pier 15 into a sun-drenched oasis for a massive Memorial Day Margarita-Fest on Monday, May 25.
Enjoy a curated selection of refreshing margaritas with a panoramic 360-degree backdrop of the Brooklyn skyline and iconic bridges.
The 21+ event runs all day from 12 pm to 12 am and features a rotating lineup of live DJs.
You can RSVP for free general admission or grab VIP tickets for a two-hour open bar.
Luna Park in Coney Island
For the ultimate day of fun, head to Luna Park in Coney Island. It is packed with thrilling rides, boardwalk games, and classic carnival food to enjoy all Memorial Day weekend long.
The timeless amusement park features recently updated arcade games and retail stores.
Be sure to grab a bite on the relaxing patio at the open-air eatery Salt & Sizzle. And of course, do not forget to ride the iconic rollercoasters before taking a stroll on the beach!
