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Chicago has one of the largest Memorial Day Parades in America. The Memorial Day celebration begins at 11 am on Saturday, May 25, 2024, with a wreath laying ceremony at the Eternal Flame at the Richard J. Daley Center Plaza. Gold Star families will be given yellow roses.
The city will be all decked out in red, white and blue and thousands of people will be in Downtown Chicago. At noon, the parade will step off at State Street and Lake Street and continue on Van Buren Street.
Rear Admiral Zeita Merchant, U.S. Coast Guard, will serve as Grand Marshall. The parade honors men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.
You can expect to see many military marching bands, veterans groups, soldiers on horseback, drum & bugle corps, colorful floats, almost 6,000 ROTC cadets and more.
There will be a free fireworks show from the Navy Pier on Saturday, at 10 pm. Stunning views can be had from across the pier’s public spaces. You can also take in the show from nearby beaches or the Lakefront Trail.
Memorial Day Party Cruise
Celebrate Memorial Day in style on the Memorial Day Party Cruise on Monday, May 27, at 2:30 pm. Cruise down the Chicago River and head into Lake Michigan. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes because there will be music, entertainment and good vibes.
Guests must be 21+ with a valid photo ID.
Book your ticket here for General Admission and purchase it at $45 now. As the date gets closer, the price will be increased by $10. So don’t delay.
Memorial Day Finale
The Dime on North Lincoln Avenue is having a Memorial Day Finale on Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 2 pm until 8 pm. This is a Brunch plus a Day Party.
Brunch will be between 2 pm and 3 pm. And the Day Party will feature some of Chicao’s top tier DJs, beginning at 2 pm and going until 8 pm!
If you RSVP now and arrive before 4 pm, you will get FREE ADMISSION! If you arrive after 4 pm, the RSVP will not be honored and you’ll be charged $20 for admission which will include 1 FREE Drink Ticket.
Hello Summer Day Party
Hello Summer Day Party: Memorial Day Weekend is designed to kick off the summer in style. This will be happening at HVAC Pub on Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 2 pm to 8 pm CDT.
HVAC Pub is hosting a day filled with music, drinks and great vibes, celebrating the start of the summer season. Their drink specials will include
- Hot Girl Summer
- Haus Lemonade
- Summertime CHI
Music will be curated by
- DJ Simmy
- DJ Commando
- Jukie De Kidd
Book your ticket here and pay the sale price of $15. The sale will end on May 26, 2024, and the price will increase.
Memorial Day Weekend Night Lake Cruise
Celebrate Memorial Day on the 3 story luxury yacht, Anita Dee II. Enjoy its fully stocked professionally staffed bars with cocktails, wine and beer available for purchase. The yacht has dance floors and 2 enclosed climate controlled decks..
One of Chicago’s hottest DJs will be spinning your favorite retro, pop, old school and new music. Get out on the dance floor and dance the night away! You’ll have a blast on this rockin’ party on the water!
Get panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, landmarks and the harbor. You’ll get a different perspective of the Windy City from the water.
This will be happening on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 11 pm. Book the cruise here at the sale price of $25. This price will increase as more tickets are sold and the cruise gets closer.
Memorial Day Weekend Bash At Y-Bar
Y-Bar in Chicago is throwing an amazing Memorial Day Weekend Bash on May 26, 2024, from 10 pm to 2 am. You’ll get a night filled with music and great vibes. Kick off the summer with a bang at Y-Bar! Let’s party!
The first 50 ladies who arrive before 11:30 pm will get in free if you send an RSVP before May 26, 2024.
Men can book their General Admission tickets here for the lowest available price.
Memorial Day Ceremony
A Memorial Day ceremony in front of St. Leo’s Residences for Veterans will be held to honor community veterans on Monday, May 27, 2024, at 10 am. There will be a live band, a keynote address, awards and more.
This will be followed by a parade with JROTC/SROTC leading as color guard, community veterans, the Buffalo Soldiers 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry, The American Legion and more. The parade starts at 77th Emerald and returns there.
The parade will be followed by live patriotic music, free BBQ, veteran gifts and more.