Connecticut Memorial Day Events: Everything You Need to Know

Memorial Day in Connecticut is the first long weekend of the summer. It’s also the time to honor those who served and gather as a community. From grand parades to heartfelt ceremonies, the state offers plenty of ways to pay tribute while marking the start of summer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here’s everything you need to know for Memorial Day weekend 2025.

Ready to discover the best Connecticut Memorial Day events? Let’s get into it:

Biggest Memorial Day Parades in Connecticut

On Monday, May 26, 2025, towns across Connecticut will host Memorial Day parades, but a few stand out:

West Haven (Southern Connecticut’s largest Memorial Day parade)

• 40-unit procession with multiple marching divisions

• Special accommodations for disabled veterans

• High school bands, cultural groups, and a C-130 Hercules flyover

Stamford

Route begins at noon at the Stamford Police Department, travels down Bedford Street, crosses Broad Street, and continues on Atlantic Street, ending at Veterans Memorial Park.

Norwalk

The parade begins 10 a.m. at Veterans Park, ending at the Town Green on East Avenue

Darien

Kicks off at 10 a.m. from Goodwives Shopping Center to Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery

Fairfield

There’ll be a parade along Post Road/Old Post Road, starting at 10 a.m.

West Hartford

Kicks off at 10 a.m. on Farmington Avenue and Woodrow Street

Westport

Starts at 9:30 a.m. from Town Hall

Wethersfield (Saturday Annual Memorial Day Parade!)

May 25, 2025, at 9 a.m., starting on State Street

Most parades wrap up with memorial services at local cemeteries or veterans’ monuments, ensuring the true meaning of the day remains front and center.

Notable Memorial Day Ceremonies

Beyond the parades, these special ceremonies honor Connecticut’s veterans and fallen heroes:

New Haven

• 1:00 p.m. – Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park (Long Wharf Drive), featuring Brig. Gen. Ronald “Ron” P. Welch (Ret.) as the principal speaker.

• 3:00 p.m. – World War Memorial Flagpole (New Haven Green), with Maj. Jamie Cuticello from the Connecticut Army National Guard.

Norwalk

• May 19, 2024 – Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony at Shea Magrath Memorial.

• May 27, 2024, at 10 a.m. – Annual Memorial Day Parade, themed “Honor Our Veterans – Support Our Troops.”

Enfield

• May 26, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. – Parade featuring a wreath ceremony and a gun salute at the Enfield Town Green.

Old Saybrook

• 9:00 a.m. – Dockside Naval Ceremony with a wreath-laying on the Connecticut River.

• 10:00 a.m. – Memorial Day Parade, followed by a tribute at Veterans Memorial Monuments.

Family-Friendly Activities

Here are some of the best family-friendly events happening in Connecticut for Memorial Day weekend 2024, from May 24 to May 27:

Family-Friendly Connecticut Memorial Day Events

• Safari Carnival at Action Wildlife: Enjoy a weekend filled with fun rides and exotic animals. The carnival will be open all weekend in Goshen, featuring hay rides through the new Safari park, free for veterans

• Robin Hood Faire: Experience a medieval adventure with interactive characters, jousting, and performances. This event runs from May 24 to May 26, providing an engaging atmosphere for families

• Brownstone Park Opening: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Memorial Day weekend, this park offers activities like zip-lining, cliff jumping, and kayaking, making it perfect for active families

• Memorial Day Weekend Warriors at Mystic KOA: Participate in trivia games, a bicycle parade, and an ice pop social throughout the weekend. This event is designed for family fun and community engagement

• Family Fun Day at Mohegan Park: Scheduled for Sunday, May 26, this event features arts and crafts, community activities, and opportunities to honor service members

• Memorial Day at Beardsley Zoo: On Monday, active service members and veterans receive free admission while their families get a discount. The zoo offers a great way to spend the day outdoors with children

• Classic Car Cruise Night at Ocean Beach Park: Enjoy an evening showcasing classic cars on Memorial Day. This event combines nostalgia with family fun at one of Connecticut’s beautiful beaches

• Hot Air Balloon Rides for Charity in Fairfield: Experience the thrill of a hot air balloon ride while supporting local charities on Memorial Day morning before the parades begin

Family-Friendly Parades

Many towns will host parades throughout the weekend:

• West Hartford Parade: A long-standing tradition that takes place on Monday morning.

• Norwich Parade: Kicking off at noon on Monday.

• Mystic Parade: Starting at 1 p.m. on Monday.

• Wethersfield Parade: Scheduled for Saturday morning.

These parades are a great way to honor veterans while enjoying community spirit and festivities

More Family-Friendly Activities

• Farmers Markets: Various markets will be open during the weekend, including those in Willimantic, Ellington, and Wallingford, offering fresh produce and local goods

• Connecticut Science Center: On Sunday, May 26, all service members receive free admission along with discounted tickets for their families

Important Notes

• Many events take place throughout the weekend, not just on Monday

• Some towns host parades on different days, like Wethersfield on Saturday, May 25

• Check local listings for specific parade routes and potential road closures

• Free parking is often available in municipal lots on Memorial Day

• In case of inclement weather, some outdoor events may be moved indoors or cancelled

• Many Memorial Day weekend getaways near NYC fill up by early May. Plan ahead!

More Activities and Events for the Holiday Weekend

Here are some activities and events for adults to enjoy in Connecticut during Memorial Day weekend:

• Royals’ Garage Sunday Car Show: Held in Lakeville, this event features a large collection of classic cars, motorcycles, and race cars at Lime Rock Park. Enjoy food from vendors and thrilling races as part of the Pirelli World Challenge.

• Hartford Parades and Historical Tours: Attend the West Hartford parade or visit the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum for a Revolutionary War reenactment, complete with actors portraying historical figures and battles.

• Fort Trumbull in New London: Explore this historic fort, which opens its doors to visitors on Memorial Day. Enjoy the views of tall ships in the harbor and attend a free concert by the United States Coast Guard band.

• Aquarion Barnum Festival Road Race in Bridgeport: Participate in a 5K or 10K race starting at Harbor Yard baseball field. After the race, enjoy live music and festivities at Silver Sands State Park.

• Mystic Seaport’s Salute to Summer: Engage in maritime activities such as harpoon throwing and whaleboat rowing at this largest maritime museum in the U.S. The event includes tributes to Civil War soldiers.

• Liquid Sunday Party at Foxwoods Resort Casino: Attend this 21+ pool party featuring a DJ, dancing, and celebrity guests. Enjoy swimming during the day and dancing late into the evening.

• Norwich Rotary Carnival: Visit Howard T. Brown Memorial Park for carnival rides, live music, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere. The carnival runs for four days leading up to Memorial Day.

• Dockside Naval Ceremony in Old Saybrook: Attend this ceremonial event honoring veterans, followed by a parade through downtown.

• Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of Connecticut’s parks and beaches. Many state parks offer free admission for vehicles registered in Connecticut, making it easy to enjoy nature with hiking or picnicking.

Tl;dr

Before you head out, be sure to double-check event details, as times and locations may change. Whether you’re attending a parade, visiting a memorial, or enjoying a carnival with the kids, Connecticut has plenty of ways to celebrate and remember this Memorial Day weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top family-friendly events?

If you’re looking for fun for all ages, check out:

• Robin Hood Faire (Goshen) – Medieval fun with jousting and performances

• Safari Carnival at Action Wildlife – Rides and exotic animals

• Brownstone Park – Zip-lining, swimming, and adventure courses

• Connecticut Science Center – Free admission for service members on May 26

• Memorial Day Weekend Warriors (Mystic KOA) – Bicycle parade, trivia, and an ice pop social

• Hot Air Balloon Rides for Charity (Fairfield) – Take flight while supporting a good cause

• Family Fun Day (Mohegan Park) – Arts, crafts, and community activities

Do veterans get special discounts?

Absolutely! Many venues honor veterans with discounts and free admission:

• Beardsley Zoo – Free admission for active service members & veterans

• Connecticut Science Center – Free general admission for service members

• Safari Carnival – Free hayrides for veterans

• Many parades and ceremonies include special recognition for veterans

What activities are best for kids?

Memorial Day weekend is packed with kid-friendly fun, including:

• Carnival rides

• Farmer’s markets

• Splash pads & swimming

• Zip-lining & adventure parks

• Face painting

• Bicycle parades

• Classic car shows

• Interactive historical reenactments

When and where are the biggest Memorial Day parades?

These parades draw big crowds and feature marching bands, military tributes, and community spirit:

• West Haven – Southern Connecticut’s largest Memorial Day parade

• Norwalk – 10 a.m. parade from Veterans Park

• Darien – 10 a.m. from Goodwives Shopping Center

• West Hartford – 10 a.m. on Farmington Avenue

• Wilton – 10 a.m., honoring veterans under the theme “Honor Their Sacrifice”

What if it rains? Any good indoor activities?

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, head to indoor activities across Connecticut like:

• Connecticut Science Center – Hands-on exhibits & interactive displays

• Local library events – Storytimes & craft sessions

• Indoor pools – Check community centers for swim times

• Museums – Visit the Florence Griswold Museum or local history museums

• Indoor play areas – Community centers often offer holiday-themed activities

How can families honor veterans this Memorial Day?

Looking for meaningful ways to pay tribute? Consider:

• Attending a local memorial ceremony

• Making cards for veterans at local VA centers

• Participating in parades

• Visiting veterans’ memorials

• Supporting veterans’ charities like Operation Gratitude

• Attending a wreath-laying ceremony