Things to Do on Memorial Day Long Weekend in New York

Memorial Day commemorates the soldiers who gave their lives defending the United States. Several parades and special events are held in their honor. Where to go this New York holiday weekend timeout.

Holiday weekends serve as the unofficial start of summer activities. Whether it’s going to a massive BBQ, lounging on the beach, or taking a Manhattan brunch cruise, there are plenty of memorable ways to spend this weekend.

Things to do in New York on Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend in New York City will host a host of events, from outdoor parties on rooftops and in parks to parades and tours of naval ships. Read below for what’s to come.

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Are there many people in New York on Memorial Day

Memorial Day in New York is pretty quiet, unless you go to one of the parades.

Where is the Memorial Day Parade

Actually there are two parades. Both are held on Memorial Day, May 29.

Brooklyn’s Memorial Day Parade runs from 78th Street and Third Avenue, along Third Avenue to Marine Avenue, down Fourth Avenue and to John Paul Jones Park at 101st Street and Fourth Avenue.

The Little Neck Douglaston Memorial Day Parade starts from Jason Avenue and Northern Boulevard.

1. Watch the Memorial Day Parade in Brooklyn

On May 29, Brooklyn will host its annual parade to honor those who gave their lives to defend the nation. It’s the 156th parade this year, making it one of the oldest parades in Brooklyn.

The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the corner of Third Avenue and 78th Street, then proceed along Third Avenue to Marine Avenue, to Fourth Avenue and to John Paul Jones Park. There will be a memorial service in the park, including bagpipes, flag-raising, wreath-laying, and a 21-gun salute.

2. Watch a movie on board an aircraft carrier

This summer, a large number of free outdoor movie screenings take place throughout the city. But none of them can boast such an atmosphere as the one enjoyed by visitors to the summer film show at the Intrepid Museum of Sea, Air and Space. As a result, you will be able to watch some amazing films while sitting on the Intrepid flight deck at sunset.

A series of films dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the commissioning of the ship has been running all summer. Memorial Day weekend will see Top Gun (May 26).

In addition, movie night coincides with Intrepid’s Free Fridays, where you can learn science and history facts from a huge aircraft carrier.

You can buy a ticket here.

3. Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

For those interested in World War II and those who enjoy looking at fighters and planes, this museum on a real Intrepid aircraft carrier docked at Pier 86 is an opportunity to get up close and personal with the details of our not-so-distant history.

Fleet Week events kick off on Friday, May 26th with the annual Flight Deck Movie Night. Throughout the weekend, you will be able to see a variety of exhibits, activities and demonstrations, including displays from the US Marine Corps, US Coast Guard, USO and even vintage military vehicles. The weekend will end on May 29 with the annual Memorial Day ceremony.

Book your ticket online.

4. Go to the Memorial Day Parade in Little Neck Douglaston

The Little Neck Douglaston Memorial Day Parade starts at 2:00 pm at the corner of Jason Avenue and Northern Boulevard. It has been held annually since 1927. Then American Legion Post #103 held a procession in memory of their fallen comrades 10 years after they left for World War I.

As part of the parade on May 29, it will be possible to refresh yourself with free hot dogs and other treats from local merchants. The marchers will arrive at the schoolyard of the Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy. Prior to the parade, various events will take place throughout the morning, including an interfaith service and wreath-laying.

5. Excursion to the ships of the Navy during the Fleet Week

View the ships on May 25-29, 2023 (except Sundays) at the following locations:

Manhattan, South Pier 88:
– Amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD-1) from Norfolk, Virginia.

Manhattan, north pier 88:
– Oceanographic vessel HMS Scott (H131) from Plymouth, UK.

Manhattan, north pier 90:
– HMCS Glace Bay (MM 701) from Nova Scotia, Canada
– ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) from La Spezia, Italy

Manhattan, Intrepid Museum of the Sea, Air and Space, Pier 86:
– Four ships of the US Navy, Annapolis, Maryland
– USCGC Warren Deyampert Rapid Response Cutter (WPC-1151) of Boston, Massachusetts

Homeport Pier, Staten Island:
USS Oak Hill (LSD-51), a Harper’s Ferry class landing craft from Norfolk, Virginia.
– USNS Newport Spearhead Class Fast Transport (T-EPF 12) from Norfolk, Virginia
– Medium endurance ship USCGC Legare (WMEC-912) from Portsmouth, Virginia

6. Listen to a memorial day concert

Admire the beauty of Greenwood Cemetery while listening to a concert by the ISO Symphony Orchestra with works dedicated to the memory of those who served in the American Armed Forces. Bring a blanket, picnic supplies and friends for this afternoon concert on Monday, May 29th. This concert, beloved by many, has been held for the 23rd year.

7. Visit the 1885 Wavertree Ship

The South Street Seaport Museum opens the huge 1885 Wavertree ship to visitors on Wednesdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at Pier 16. Admission is included in museum admission. You will be able to view the main deck of the ship, a quarter deck, a cargo hold and an observation deck.

While there, you will learn how people worked and lived on board a 19th-century sailing cargo ship – from the captain to officers, chefs and crew.

You can buy a ticket here.

8. Remember World War II Veterans on a Trolleybus Tour

On this trolley tour, you’ll hear the stories of World War II veterans who made Greenwood Cemetery their final resting place. Led by historian Jeff Richman, you’ll visit memorials to soldiers, sailors, and airmen, as well as Rosie the Riveters (women who worked in manufacturing to support the war effort), nurses (including one who was sent to a newly liberated concentration camp) and other people who gave so much in the service of their country. The tour will take place on May 27 at 10:00.

You can buy a ticket here.

9. Take a Military History Tour of New York Harbor

Take a front row seat to see more than a dozen ships from the US Navy, Coast Guard and more. The 2.5-hour guided tour will take you to harbor attractions such as the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn Army Terminal, Staten Island’s Sullivans Pier, the Bayonne Dry Dock, and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.

The Classic Harbor Line military history tour of New York Harbor will take place over three days: May 24, 26 and 29. Ticket prices range from $86 to $112 and include one free drink.

You can buy a ticket here.

10. Experience the Thrills at Luna Park Coney Island

The popular Coney Island Luna Park has officially opened its season – a sign that summer is finally here! The amusement park will host guests every weekend until Memorial Day. And then it will start working every day throughout the season. As always, New Yorkers are in for exciting rides, including two new ones that launched last summer.