Dates not confirmed yet. This edition is expected in May 2027, based on when it has run before. Check the organizer before making plans.

Holidays & Parades

Chicago Memorial Day Parade

#memorialday#parade#veterans#wreathlaying#dearbornstreet#daleyplaza

Date

Expected May 2027

Location

Daley Plaza (wreath laying) and Dearborn Street (parade)
Richard J. Daley Center Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

Organized by

City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

About this happenin

The City of Chicago keeps Memorial Day on the Saturday before the holiday, with a wreath laying at 11 a.m. at Richard J. Daley Center Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., and the Memorial Day Parade at noon along Dearborn Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street. The ceremony honors the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in service. Gold Star families lay the wreaths with representatives of the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Merchant Marines and Coast Guard, and Taps is played. In recent years the City has also used the ceremony to present the Major General John A. Logan Patriot Award and to name its JROTC Cadets of the Year. Veterans' groups, active-duty service members, JROTC cadets, community organizations and marching bands make up the parade. Anyone who cannot be downtown can watch the wreath laying on the City's livestream at Chicago.gov/live.