The warm weather is officially here, and the unofficial kickoff to summer is right around the corner—Memorial Day Weekend!
With the big three day weekend coming up very soon, we’ve put together a list of the best events to both remembering those who have fallen and also celebrate the (early) signs of summer.
From parades to concerts, check out everything that’s happening below this MDW and make your plans now!
When is Memorial Day Weekend this year?
Memorial Day Weekend falls on May 23 – 26, 2025 this year, with Memorial Day on May 26.
Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade
Brooklyn’s annual Memorial Day Parade will happen this year for the 158th time, honoring the lives of those who served for our country.
Hosted by the United Military Veterans of Kings County, the parade will be held on Monday, May 26 at 11 am! The route begins from 78th St and Third Ave along Third Ave to Marine Ave, up to Fourth Ave, and over to John Paul Jones Park on 101st St and Fourth Ave.
The parade is set to include a memorial service including bag pipes, flag raising, wreath laying by Veteran Service Organizations, and so much more. Learn more here.
Where: Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
Fleet Week
This year’s Fleet Week is running from May 21 – 27, and it’s happening just in time for Memorial Day Weekend!
2025 marks its 37th annual edition, which sees various events held to honor the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
This year’s lineup includes ship tours, several parades, and even live entertainment performances.
⚓ Check out all of the events happening for Fleet Week here!
Movie Night, Activities & More at Intrepid Museum
As a part of the Intrepid Museum’s free Friday and move night series, they’ll be showing a free screening of Top Gun: Maverick on Friday, May 23!
It takes place atop the aircraft carrier’s massive flight deck with awesome views of the Hudson and skyline. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, drinks, chairs, and blankets as well! Doors open at 5 pm and the movie begins at sunset.
Plus throughout the weekend, the museum will be hosting activities and performances from Saturday – Monday, and a special Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday at 10 am, all at Pier 86.
NYC beaches opening weekend
New York City beaches officially re-open for the season on Saturday, May 25!
All within a train ride of the Big Apple, grab your towels, slides, and sunscreen for a day of fun! NYC’s lovely beaches range from Coney Island to Staten Island, and we’ve ranked all of our favorites here. Get there early too since it’s the first weekend being open!
FISHER concert in Brooklyn
Australian DJ and viral music producer FISHER is performing a pair of shows at an undisclosed open-air venue this MDW in partnership with Teksupport!
The “Losing It” artist will play two afternoon day sets on Friday and Saturday (May 23 & 24), which will promise an exciting mix of house and techno.
While tickets for both shows are sold out right now, you can still sign up for the waitlist for a chance at tickets.
🎟️ Sign up for May 23 waitlist
🎟️ Sign up for May 24 waitlist
Nicky Jam at The Memorial Day Weekend Block Party
Latin superstar Nicky Jam will be performing at a very special Memorial Day Weekend Block Party presented by NYC events collective Project 91.
The concert is happening on Sunday, May 25, at the picturesque Skyline Drive In directly on the water in Greenpoint, Brooklyn from 3 – 10 pm. Fans can expect an electric performance from Nicky Jam, lawn games, themed decor, beer gardens, Latin American food, and so much more.
🎟️ Learn more and buy your tickets
Where: 1 Noble St, Brooklyn
Green-Wood Cemetery’s Memorial Day Concert
Green-Wood Cemetery’s annual Memorial Day concert is back once again celebrating its 25th year, and its welcoming back the talented high-school musicians of the ISO Symphonic Band at Third Street, led by music director Paul Corn and hosted by guest conductor Brian P. Worsdale.
Each year’s show pays homage to those who served in the armed forces, as well as Green-Wood’s permanent residents, including James Weldon Johnson, Fred Ebb, and Leonard Bernstein. The concert is free and starts at 2 pm on May 26!
Where: Green-Wood Cemetery (Gothic Arch at the Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street)
Promotional Nights at The New York Mets
Memorial Day Weekend isn’t complete without America’s favorite past time, and The Mets will be in town all weekend to get your fix. Grab some beers and hot dogs and watch the Amazin’ Mets all weekend long as they face the Los Angeles Dodgers. Plus, there will be promos on both Saturday and Sunday:
- Saturday, May 24: First 15,000 fans receive a free Kodai Senga Replica Jersey
- Sunday, May 25: First 15,000 fans receive a free Mark Vientos Bobblehead
- Monday May 26: First 15,000 fans receive a free Sean Manaea Camo Jersey
Rooftop parties in New York City
The unofficial start to summer means that rooftop party season is here! Views, live music, and drinks…what’s more to explain?! See our list of some eye-catching MDW rooftop parties happening around the city:
- May 24 – Kmonos at Spring Place (TICKETS HERE)
- May 24 – MDW Rooftop Day Party at The Delancey (TICKETS HERE)
- May 25 – Loco Dice at Sunset Park Rooftop with Teksupport (TICKETS HERE)
- May 25 – SIDEPIECE at Spring Place (TICKETS HERE)
- May 25 & 26 – Azure Day Party at Arlo Williamsburg Rooftop (TICKETS HERE)
- May 26 – Danny Tenaglia at Sunset Park Rooftop with Teksupport (TICKETS HERE)
Hester Street Fair WSA Memorial Day Weekend
Shop local businesses this MDW at one of our favorite street fairs, Hester Street Fair on both May 24 & 25 from 11 am – 7 pm.
The weekend’s roster will feature a packed lineup of 20-30 vendors spanning across food, drink, and shops that are “the heart of NYC.” Some of the highlighted vendors include Cheap Thrill Knits, Soft Skills, Death Metal Florida, Clara Janes Cakes, and more.
See the whole lineup of vendors here!
Where: WSA Lobby 180 Maiden Lane
Rooftop bars in New York City
Rooftop season is in full effect, and this Memorial Day Weekend calls for a drink with a view.
From Williamsburg to Midtown, there’s so many places to take in a signature cocktail and Manhattan skyline views. Check out our favorite rooftops right now here.
Luna Park in Coney Island
For the ultimate day of fun, head to Luna Park in Coney Island, where there’s plenty of rides, boardwalk games, and carnival food to eat during Memorial Day weekend!
The timeless amusement park has added new arcade games, updated retail stores and a new patio at open-air eatery Salt & Sizzle for 2025. Of course don’t forget about the other rollercoasters too and the beach!
Rooftop swimming pools in New York City
Dip your toes in these pools this weekend, many of which sit atop gorgeous NYC rooftops and hotels. Depending on the location, you can snag a day pass for a decent price, as well as renting out a daybed or cabana. The options are endless and some of them even have DJs playing at the same time. Check out the entire list of best pools here.