Memorial Day Bergen County NJ celebrations in 2026 include some of the most meaningful traditions our communities have to offer — from early-morning parades that line the streets of Wyckoff, Ridgewood, and Westwood, to family festivals that turn the whole long weekend into something special. This guide to Memorial Day Bergen County NJ covers every confirmed parade, family festival, carnival, and commemorative ceremony — so you can plan your weekend without scrambling.
This guide covers every confirmed parade, family festival, carnival, and commemorative ceremony happening across the county — so you can plan your weekend without scrambling. We’ll keep this page updated as dates and details are confirmed.
Last updated: May 2026. Always confirm final details directly with each event organizer, as times and locations are subject to change.
| Event | Town | Starting Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bergenfield Memorial Day Parade | Bergenfield | Washington Avenue | May 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM |
| Fair Lawn Memorial Parade | Fair Lawn | Pollitt Drive | May 25, 2026 | 10:30 AM |
| Wyckoff Memorial Day Parade | Wyckoff | Cornerstone Christian Church | May 25, 2026 | 11:30 AM |
| Allendale Memorial Day Parade | Allendale | Allendale Town Center | May 25, 2026 | 9:30 AM |
| Ramsey Memorial Day Parade | Ramsey | Ramsey High School | May 25, 2026 | 11:00 AM |
| Tenafly Memorial Day Parade | Tenafly | Tenafly Elks Lodge | May 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM |
| Westwood Memorial Day Parade | Westwood | Roosevelt & Harrington Avenues | May 25, 2026 | 8:00 AM |
| Saddle Brook Memorial Day Parade ★ | Saddle Brook | Fairlawn Pkwy & Evans Place S | May 24, 2026 | 1:00 PM |
| Glen Rock Memorial Day Parade ★ | Glen Rock | Rock Road & Doremus Avenue | May 24, 2026 | 4:00 PM |
| Oakland Memorial Day Parade ★ | Oakland | Dogwood Drive | May 24, 2026 | 1:00 PM |
| Rutherford Memorial Day Parade | Rutherford | Sunset Park | May 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM |
| Hackensack Memorial Day Parade | Hackensack | VFW on High Street | May 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM |
| Fort Lee Memorial Day Parade | Fort Lee | Main Street | May 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM |
| Mahwah Memorial Day Parade | Mahwah | Immaculate Heart of Mary Church | May 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM |
★ These parades take place on Sunday, May 24 — the day before Memorial Day.
Family-Friendly Festivals & Activities
The long weekend is about more than the parade, especially if you have kids in tow. Bergen County delivers with carnivals, road races, and some of the best street fairs in New Jersey.
Teaneck Cedar Lane Family Festival
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026 | Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Location: Cedar Lane (Elm Ave to American Legion Dr), Teaneck
One of the largest Memorial Day gatherings in Bergen County, the Cedar Lane Festival draws over 100 exhibitors, an ethnic food fair, live entertainment, and a dedicated children’s activity zone. If you’re only doing one festival this weekend, make it this one.
L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival at Garden State Plaza
Dates: May 21 – June 7, 2026 | Location: Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
A full carnival with rides, games, and classic fair food right in the Garden State Plaza parking lot. Proceeds benefit Law Enforcement Against Drugs. Weekend and holiday hours run 3:00– 11:00 PM; weekdays 5:00–10:00 PM. A great excuse to make a full day of it in Paramus. Tickets can be purchased in advance.
The Ridgewood Run
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026 | Time: 7:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Location: Veterans Memorial Field, Ridgewood
A beloved North Jersey tradition featuring a 10K, 5K, Memorial Mile, and Kids’ Fun Run. The finish line area includes a beer garden, bounce houses, and family activities. One of the best ways to start Memorial Day morning for active families.
Madonna Church Carnival — Fort Lee
Dates: May 20–24, 2026 | Location: Madonna Church Grounds (Main St), Fort Lee
A classic parish carnival with rides, games, and food — a Fort Lee tradition for families. Saturday hours run 2:00–10:00 PM; Sunday 3:00–8:00 PM. Click here for more details
Holy Trinity Parish Carnival — Hackensack
Dates: May 21–24, 2026 | Location: Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Hackensack
Another popular carnival-style option for families looking for rides and fun throughout the Memorial Day weekend, before the Monday holiday. Click here for more details
Commemorative Ceremonies
If you want to honor the day with something more solemn, several Bergen County towns hold formal wreath-laying and memorial services at their local veterans’ sites. These ceremonies are brief, meaningful, and often attended by local officials, veterans, and residents of all ages. These are among the most meaningful ways to observe Memorial Day Bergen County NJ — and most run less than 30 minutes.
- Teaneck Municipal Green — Annual ceremony, 11:00 AM, May 25
- Paramus Memorial — Wreath-laying ceremony, 10:00 AM, May 21 (pre-holiday)
- River Edge Borough Hall — Ceremony at 11:00 AM, May 25
- Ridgewood Van Neste Park — Annual service, 11:00 AM, May 25
Worth building into your morning before the parades start — and pairing the Ridgewood ceremony with the Ridgewood Run makes for a genuinely full and meaningful Memorial Day in one of Bergen County’s most walkable downtowns.
Planning Tips for Memorial Day Weekend
A few things to keep in mind as you plan your Memorial Day Bergen County NJ weekend:
- Sunday parades: Glen Rock (4:00 PM) and Saddle Brook (1:00 PM) run on May 24 — giving you a two-day parade option if you plan ahead.
- Arrive early. Wyckoff, Ridgewood, and Westwood parade routes draw real crowds. Aim to be in position 20 minutes before the listed start time.
- Verify with organizers. Parade routes and ceremony times can shift. We’ll keep this page updated, but always confirm directly with each event.
- Pair events strategically. The Ridgewood Run finishes by noon — leaving the whole afternoon open for the Cedar Lane Festival or a post-parade brunch.
FAQ: Memorial Day Bergen County NJ
When is Memorial Day 2026?
Memorial Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 25. Several Bergen County parades and events also run on Sunday, May 24 — check the table above for the full schedule.
Which towns have Memorial Day parades in Bergen County?
Confirmed 2026 parades include Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Wyckoff, Allendale, Ramsey, Tenafly, Westwood, Saddle Brook, Glen Rock, Oakland, Rutherford, Hackensack, Fort Lee, and Mahwah.
Are Memorial Day events in Bergen County free?
Most parades and town ceremonies are free and open to the public. The L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival charges per ride or attraction, and the Ridgewood Run requires race registration. Always check individual event pages for current ticketing details.
What are the best Memorial Day activities for kids in Bergen County?
Top picks for families include the Teaneck Cedar Lane Festival, the L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival in Paramus, the Ridgewood Run Kids’ Fun Run, and the parish carnivals in Fort Lee and Hackensack. The parades themselves are always a hit with younger kids. For even more ideas, check out our full guide to family-friendly activities in Bergen County and the best diners in Bergen County for a post-parade meal.
Will this guide be updated?
Yes — we’ll continue refreshing this page as additional events are confirmed closer to the holiday. Bookmark it and check back in the days leading up to Memorial Day weekend.
We hope this guide makes your Memorial Day Bergen County NJ weekend easy to plan and worth remembering.
