Albuquerque Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

The Albuquerque Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony offers a traditional morning tribute in the city center, with a route that typically runs along key central streets and finishes at USS Bullhead Memorial Park. You will see local military units, civic groups, and families come together for a respectful program that feels distinctly local. Once the morning concludes, you can keep the day outdoors with a walk on nearby Rio Grande Bosque trails or a short drive to a Sandia Mountains overlook.

You can expect a 9:00 AM parade featuring veterans, active duty service members, and high school marching bands, with residents lining the curbs in quiet support. After the parade, the gathering shifts to a formal ceremony at the memorial park, often including a keynote speaker, wreath laying, and a musical tribute. It is open to everyone, and many families treat it as a reflective start before afternoon plans.

Plan to arrive by 8:30 AM for parking and a good viewing spot, and bring a folding chair or blanket for the ceremony. The New Mexico sun is strong even in the morning, so use high SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and carry plenty of water for you and any pets. Check traffic reports for street closures along San Pedro Boulevard and nearby streets; buses serve the area, but detours are common during the event.

Good to know: entry is free and the event is generally accessible, with well behaved dogs on leashes usually welcome along the route, though the ceremony area can be crowded. Light rain typically does not stop the program, but severe weather can lead to delays or cancellations. You may find a few vendors nearby, though many people bring snacks or head to cafes in Old Town or Nob Hill afterward. For convenient access, consider staying in Uptown or Nob Hill; for a quieter option near the water, look along the Rio Grande, and use Lake.com to compare vacation rentals and distinctive stays.