East Hartford Memorial Day Parade & Riverfront Celebration

East Hartford Memorial Day Parade and Riverfront Celebration delivers a well paced morning of remembrance along the Connecticut River. You start with the parade on Riverside Drive, where marching units and local organizations pass in full view. After the procession, you walk or drive a short distance to the Fallen Star Memorial near the Goodwin University campus for the formal presentation and the day’s central tribute.

Once the ceremony concludes, the riverfront shifts into an easygoing community gathering with food trucks and local vendors. You can plan on seasonal lunch options that vary each year, plus a crowd that shows up for both the meaning of the holiday and the chance to connect. If you are bringing a dog, well behaved pets on leashes are typically fine in outdoor public areas, as long as they can handle noise and crowds.

For the smoothest experience, arrive by 9:30 AM to claim a curbside spot near the Connecticut River Academy for strong parade views, and park at Goodwin University for the most direct access to the memorial and celebration area. Bring a reusable water bottle and sun protection since shade is limited around midday, and pack a small folding chair if you want comfort during the memorial presentation. Check the weather the morning of the event, the parade usually continues in light rain but severe storms can cause delays.

Good to know, this event is free and includes accessible viewing areas along Riverside Drive and at the memorial site. Timing is straightforward, the parade and ceremony typically wrap up by early afternoon, with the food truck festival running through 1:30 PM. If you are visiting from out of town, you will find hotels in East Hartford and across the river in downtown Hartford, and for a quieter base we can recommend looking at regional rentals or waterfront stays through Lake.com.