Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and Bergen County, NJ is preparing to honor our fallen heroes with numerous parades and ceremonies throughout the region. As your local Bergen County real estate expert, I’m not just here to help you find your dream home – I’m also dedicated to keeping you connected with our vibrant community events and local traditions. Below you will find your comprehensive guide to Memorial Day parades and ceremonies happening throughout Bergen County, New Jersey in 2025:
Bergenfield
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Starts at Roy W. Brown Middle School and travels down Washington Avenue
Details: Bergenfield’s parade features local veterans organizations, first responders, marching bands, and community groups, concluding with a ceremony at Cooper’s Pond Park with speakers, wreath-laying, and a rifle salute.
Website: Borough of Bergenfield
Demarest
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Where: Demarest Memorial Park, Piermont Road
Details: This community ceremony includes speakers, music, and a wreath-laying ceremony honoring fallen service members from the Demarest area.
Website: Borough of Demarest
Emerson
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Starts at Memorial Elementary School and proceeds to the Veterans Monument at Borough Hall
Details: This hometown parade features the Emerson High School Marching Band, veterans groups, and first responders, ending with a memorial ceremony.
Website: Borough of Emerson
Englewood
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Where: Liberty School on Tenafly Road to Monument Park on Palisade Avenue
Details: This community tradition brings together veterans groups, school bands, and local organizations. A solemn ceremony follows at Monument Park with a wreath-laying ceremony.
Website: City of Englewood
Fair Lawn
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Where: Begins at Fair Lawn Avenue and Plaza Road, proceeding to Memorial Park
Details: Fair Lawn’s parade concludes with a memorial service at Veterans Monument in Memorial Park. The event features veterans groups, community organizations, and performances by local school bands.
Website: Borough of Fair Lawn
Franklin Lakes
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Where: Franklin Lakes Municipal Building, DeKorte Drive
Details: Franklin Lakes holds a memorial service with the raising of the flag, speeches by veterans and officials, and musical performances by local students.
Website: Borough of Franklin Lakes
Hackensack
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Where: Main Street from Poplar Avenue to the Court House
Details: The parade will be followed by a ceremony at the Bergen County Court House featuring speeches from local officials and veterans. A wreath-laying ceremony will honor those who fell in service to our country.
Website: City of Hackensack
Hawthorne
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Starts at Roosevelt School and proceeds to Borough Hall
Details: This annual parade features veterans groups, first responders, and community organizations, culminating with a ceremony at the Veterans Monument.
Website: Borough of Hawthorne
Hillsdale
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Where: Begins at George White School and proceeds to Veterans Memorial Park
Details: This community event features the Pascack Valley High School Marching Band, veterans organizations, and local groups, concluding with a ceremony at the memorial.
Website: Borough of Hillsdale
Lodi
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Where: Begins at Wilson School and proceeds down Harrison Avenue
Details: The parade concludes with a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial at Borough Hall, featuring speakers and performances by the Lodi High School Band.
Website: Borough of Lodi
Mahwah
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Where: Starting at the intersection of Franklin Turnpike and East Ramapo Avenue
Details: This annual parade travels through downtown Mahwah and concludes with a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. Various community organizations and veterans groups participate.
Website: Township of Mahwah
Montvale
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Where: Veterans Memorial at the Municipal Complex
Details: Montvale’s ceremony includes the reading of names of fallen heroes, patriotic music, and remarks from veterans and local officials.
Website: Borough of Montvale
Old Tappan
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Old Tappan Road
Details: Old Tappan hosts a solemn ceremony rather than a parade, featuring speeches, music, and a wreath-laying ceremony honoring fallen service members.
Website: Borough of Old Tappan
Paramus
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Where: Begins at Century Road and proceeds down Farview Avenue to Memorial Elementary School
Details: This annual tradition includes a special ceremony at the Veterans Monument Plaza following the parade. Multiple veterans organizations, community groups, and the Paramus High School Marching Band will participate.
Website: Borough of Paramus
Park Ridge
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Where: Begins at Depot Square and proceeds along Park Avenue
Details: The parade concludes with a ceremony at Veterans Park featuring speeches from local veterans and officials, music from the Park Ridge High School Band.
Website: Borough of Park Ridge
Ramsey
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Starts at Ramsey High School and proceeds down Main Street
Details: The parade ends with a ceremony at Veterans Park on Main Street featuring speeches, music, and a wreath-laying ceremony honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Website: Borough of Ramsey
Ridgewood
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Starts at the intersection of S. Maple Avenue and E. Ridgewood Avenue, ends at Van Neste Square Memorial Park
Details: One of the largest and most well-attended parades in Bergen County, featuring veterans’ organizations, first responders, school bands, and community groups. The parade concludes with a solemn ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park.
Website: Village of Ridgewood
Rutherford
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Where: Begins at Sunset Park and proceeds along Union Avenue to Park Avenue
Details: The parade concludes with ceremonies at Lincoln Park. Local veterans groups, scout troops, and the Rutherford High School Marching Band will all participate in this community tradition.
Website: Borough of Rutherford
Westwood
When: Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Begins at Westwood Avenue and Third Avenue, proceeds to Veterans Memorial Park
Details: The parade features veterans groups, local officials, scout troops, and the Westwood Regional High School Marching Band. A ceremony follows at Veterans Memorial Park.
Website: Borough of Westwood
Tips for Attending Bergen County Memorial Day Parades
- Arrive early to find parking and a good viewing spot along the parade route
- Bring water, sunscreen, and portable chairs for comfort during the event
- Wear patriotic colors to show your support
- Teach children about the true meaning behind Memorial Day
- Support local businesses in the downtown areas before or after the parades
Why Memorial Day Events Showcase Bergen County’s Community Spirit
Memorial Day parades offer a unique glimpse into what makes Bergen County such a special place to live. These community gatherings highlight:
- Strong community bonds that bring residents together
- Respect for tradition and honoring those who served
- Family-friendly environments perfect for raising children
- Active local organizations that contribute to community life
- Well-maintained public spaces where residents gather
- Civic pride displayed by residents of all ages
Connect With Your Bergen County Real Estate Expert
If you have questions about living in any of these wonderful Bergen County communities, don’t hesitate to reach out. As your local real estate expert, I’m here to help you find not just a house, but a place to call home in a community that aligns with your lifestyle and values.
Wishing you a meaningful Memorial Day weekend!
