Memorial Day Weekend is coming up, and we’re prepping for a big three day weekend! Marking the unofficial start of summer, while also remembering those who have fallen, we’ve rounded up a list of the best events going on throughout the city. From warm weather summer activities to red, white, and blue themed parades. Check out everything that’s happening below and make your plans now!
1. Watch the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade
Brooklyn’s annual Memorial Day Parade will happen this year for the 157th 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 27 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
2. Fleet Week
This year’s Fleet Week is running from May 22 – 28, and it’s happening just in time for Memorial Day Weekend! 2024 marks its 36th 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!
3. 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!
4. Intrepid Museum’s Free Friday & Movie Night
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 24! 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.
5. Memorial Day cruises around NYC
Bask in the Memorial Day Weekend sun as you cruise NYC waters and enjoy delicious meals, enthralling dance parties, and tasty cocktails. Check out our favorite Memorial Day cruises happening in NYC this weekend and grab your tickets now:
- Memorial Weekend Party Cruise (May 24 – 26)
- Memorial Day Weekend Hip Hop vs. Reggae Yacht Cruise (May 24 – 25)
- New York Bateaux Premier Plus Dinner Cruise (May 24 – 27)
- New York Signature Cruise (May 24, 25, 27)
6. New York Philharmonic Memorial Day Concert
In honor of those who have fallen, the New York Philharmonic will perform their 31st annual Memorial Day Concert on Monday, May 27, presented as a gift to the people of New York City and a day of musical remembrance. Conducted by Music Director Jaap van Zweden, the program includes Wagner’s Prelude to Act I of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Copland’s Quiet City, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4.
This concert is completely free, and first-come first-served, with tickets being handed out at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine starting at 5 pm with doors at 6 pm and the show from 7 – 8 pm. Learn more about the event here.
7. Play pickleball in Central Park at CityPickle
Challenge your friends or family to some friendly competition this Memorial Day Weekend at CityPickle. The brand new 14 pickleball courts on the iconic Wollman Rink are open to the public to play! Reservations are typically required, paddles can be rented for $6, and there’s even food and drink available too. Learn more details about the whole experience here.
8. Take a day trip outside the city
The unofficial start to summer signals the time to flock from NYC! With the weather being nice, there’s tons of lovely escapes to make…whether it’s for a day or a long weekend! From Long Island beaches to zip lining adventures in the Catskill Mountains, there’s just about something for everyone. Check out our list here.
9. Party all weekend long at a DJ set
Memorial Day Weekend in NYC isn’t complete without some live music, and there’s tons of great options going on this weekend. Check out what our favorite promoters and venues are hosting for the 3 day weekend:
- Hot Honey Sundays at The Brooklyn Mirage: Legendary day party, Hot Honey Sundays, is opening their summer season with a bang in Brooklyn, welcoming sets from Miami bass innovator Danny Daze and Latin tech-house duo INVT plus residents Anna Collecta, Deo’Jorge, and Will Buck. Tickets are only $10 and they’ll also be serving up ‘Merica burgers, classic NY hot dogs, Italian ices and more.
- We Belong Here NYC: A brand new music festival comes to Governors Island, welcoming artists like Le Youth, Aluna, and SIDEPIECE all weekend long (Friday-Sunday)
- Elsewhere Memorial Day w/ Jayda G, Coeo (extended set): Get ready for a Memorial Monday of NYC-based DJs playing piano house and dancefloor groovers.
- Horse Meat Disco MDW at Knockdown Center: The beloved queer undeground basement party returns to NYC for a Memorial Day celebration.
- Westend [MDW Kickoff Boat Party] by Gray Area: New York DJ Westend kicks off Memorial Day Weekend with a Trace Amounts boat party around NYC.
- Teksupport at Sea: Joseph Capriati & DJ Tennis: NYC events collective Teksupport kicks off their first ever boat series with a pair of Ibiza names, Joseph Capriati and DJ Tennis.
10. Kokomo’s Memorial Day Street Fest
Feel the Caribbean island vibes at the 4th annual Kokomo Memorial Day Street fest on Monday, May 27. The block party is set to feature live music, entertainment, and food and beverage vendors. It’s free and open to the public as well!
11. Shop at Hester Street Fair
Shop local businesses this MDW at one of our favorite street fairs, Hester Street Fair on both May 25 & 26 from 11 am – 6 pm. The weekend’s vendor roster will feature a packed lineup of food, drink, and shops that are “the heart of NYC.” See the whole lineup of vendors here!
Where: Pier 17
12. 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 Giants. Plus, there will be promos on both Saturday and Sunday:
- Saturday, May 25: First 15,000 fans receive a free Joel Mesler Beach Tote as a part of the 2024 Artist Series
- Sunday, May 26: First 15,000 fans receive a free Hello Kitty Light-Up Bow Bobblehead
13. Seaport Summer Kickoff
The Seaport is kicking off the unofficial start to summer with a weekend long of action-filled events from May 25 – 27. Many of these happenings are free as well, including a 6-hour Tropical Dance party at Kokos at Pearl Alley, outdoor live performances, and more. Plus, there will be tons of incredible seafood bites for $15, iconic drinks, and an al fresco happy hour all day throughout the various restaurants and bars in the neighborhood! Learn more about the events here.
14. Green-Wood’s Memorial Day Concert
Green-Wood Cemetery’s annual Memorial Day concert is back once again this year, and they are 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 27! Learn more and RSVP here.
15. Grab a drink at a rooftop bar
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.
16. Luna Park in Coney Island
For the ultimate day of fun, head to Luna Park in Coney Island, where they’ll be debuting their brand-new Go-Kart attraction, Electric Eden Raceway during Memorial Day weekend! The timeless amusement park will welcome the first-ever electric-powered Go-Karts to New York City, creating a groundbreaking new way to have fun. Of course don’t forget about the other rollercoasters too and the beach!
17. Go swimming on a rooftop pool
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.