Brooklyn’s 159th Memorial Day Parade

Brooklyn’s 159th Memorial Day Parade delivers classic city pageantry in Bay Ridge, pairing a traditional neighborhood march with a waterfront memorial service. As one of the oldest continuously held parades in a major American city, it draws veterans groups, marching bands, and civic organizations for a morning that feels both communal and historically grounded. You will get the best experience if you treat it as two events in one: the procession along 3rd Avenue, then the ceremony by the harbor.

You can start watching at 78th Street and 3rd Avenue, where the route moves past local bakeries and rows of brownstones before continuing down 3rd Avenue to Marine Avenue and 4th Avenue. The parade concludes at John Paul Jones Park, where the tone shifts from celebratory to solemn. Expect bagpipes, a formal flag raising, wreath laying by veteran service organizations, a 21-gun salute by the Veteran Corps of Artillery, and Taps, all framed by views toward the Narrows.

Plan to arrive by 10:30 AM for a good curbside spot ahead of the 11:00 AM start, and use the R train to 77th Street or 86th Street for easy access. Bring water and sunscreen since shade is limited along the sidewalks. After the service, you can extend the morning with a walk on the Shore Road promenade for clear views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The parade and park service are free, with no tickets required.

Good to know: if you want to skip the march and attend only the ceremony, head straight to John Paul Jones Park at 101st Street and 4th Avenue around noon. Dogs are allowed on sidewalks and in the park, but the crowds and gun salute can be stressful for some pets. The parade usually continues in light rain, while severe weather can affect timing or specific ceremony elements, and restrooms are limited to local businesses and park facilities. For the most convenient stay, book in Bay Ridge or nearby Sunset Park; for a broader Brooklyn base, consider Downtown Brooklyn or Brooklyn Heights. You can use Lake.com to compare regional rentals and lodging for the holiday weekend.