NYC Memorial Day Events: Kick Off Summer With These Celebrations

NEW YORK, NY — Memorial Day serves dual purposes in American life. The holiday is the unofficial kickoff to summer, but it’s also an opportunity to honor the military service members who have died at war.

From parades and Fleet Week events to cookouts and dance parties, there are plenty of ways for New Yorkers to celebrate both the the holiday’s meanings. Here’s a sampling of events around the city offering some time for reflection and early summer fun.

Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade

Events start at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 28
Father Smith Hall
245th Street and Alameda Avenue, Douglaston, Queens

The nation’s biggest Memorial Day parade happens to be in northeast Queens. Hundreds of marchers will take to the streets led by U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. William H. Seely III, who will serve as grand marshal in the parade's 81st year. The full schedule is available here.

Brooklyn's Memorial Day Parade

Kickoff at 11 a.m. Monday, May 28
Third Avenue and 78th Street, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

The 151st Brooklyn’s Memorial Day Parade — the nation's oldest Memorial Day parade held in a large city — will take over Bay Ridge on Monday. Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr., the superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point, will lead the procession as grand marshal. Details are available here.

New York Philharmonic Memorial Day Concert

8 p.m. Monday, May 28
Cathedral of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Ave., Manhattan

The nation's oldest symphony orchestra holds a free Memorial Day concert each year. Tickets to the hourlong show are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 6 p.m. But don't worry if you can't get a seat — you can still hear the concert through an audio broadcast on the nearby Pulpit Green if the weather's good. Full details are available here.

Fleet Week

Through May 29
Various times and locations

The city’s annual celebration of the U.S. marine services coincides with Memorial Day weekend. Take in a tour of a military ship or attend one of many events scheduled over the holiday. See Patch's guide to Fleet Week for more info.

Movie Screenings At Videology

May 25 to 28, various times
308 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Williamsburg’s casual cinema and bar has a handful of special Memorial Day weekend screenings. Your ticket to Monday’s showing of the 1980s classic “Dirty Dancing” comes with a complimentary watermelon margarita. More details are available here.

DOPEBBQ By The General Public

2 to 10 p.m. Sunday, May 27
The Knockdown Center
52-19 Flushing Ave, Maspeth, Queens

Kick off summer with a big party described as a "high quality motion picture in the form of a barbecue." The ticket gets you a bite to eat and music by four DJs. Get more info and buy tickets here.

YES Memorial Day Party

2 p.m. to midnight Monday, May 28
House of Yes
2 Wyckoff Ave., Bushwick, Brooklyn

Even Bushwick's most off-the-wall nightclub is getting in on the Memorial Day festivities with a party that promises "(h)ot meat, dirty dancing and delicious chillness." Red, white and blue costumes are encouraged and barbecue will be available while it lasts. More info and tickets are available here.

(Lead image: Members of the Navy Band perform in Washington Square Park on May 24, 2018. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)