Memorial Day in New York is an exciting time to visit the city because it offers a unique opportunity to honor the fallen soldiers who served the country while also enjoying the city’s diverse culture. With a wide range of Memorial Day activities in New York, visitors can immerse themselves in the patriotic spirit of the holiday and experience the best of what NYC has to offer.
The famous Fleet Week in New York is one of the special events when the city welcomes sailors from different countries and showcases military ships for all to see.
Yet, Fleet Week is just the beginning of the Memorial Day weekend festivities in NYC. From parades to museums to picnics and concerts, there are countless ways to pay your respects and enjoy all these incredible city offers during this time of remembrance.
Below I’ll highlight some must-see attractions and experiences you cannot miss during your Memorial Day visit to New York City.
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Memorial Day in New York: Experience Fleet Week
There is nothing quite like the sight of a majestic naval ship gliding through the waters of the Hudson River. That’s why Fleet Week is such a special event in New York City. It’s one of the favorites Memorial Day family-friendly activities in NYC.
During this weeklong celebration, the city becomes a playground for maritime enthusiasts and history buffs alike as sailors from around the world dock their ships in NYC and open them up for tours. You can explore the decks of massive aircraft carriers, marvel at the sleek lines of modern military ships, and chat with the sailors who call these ships home.
New York Fleet Week Tours
Ship tours are conducted in Manhattan and Staten Island from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 25 – 29, 2023. Tours will be closed in Manhattan on Sunday.
New York Flee Week Ships Locations in Manhattan
Manhattan Pier 88 South – No tours on Sunday
- HMCS Glace Bay (MM 701), Nova Scotia, Canada
- ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591), La Spezia, Italy
Manhattan Pier 90 North – No tours on Sunday
- HMCS Glace Bay (MM 701), Nova Scotia, Canada
- ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591), La Spezia, Italy
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86
- Four U.S. Naval Academy YPs, Annapolis, Maryland
- USCGC Warren Deyampart (WPC 1151), Boston, Massachusetts
New York Flee Week Ships Locations in Staten Island
Staten Island Homeport Pier
- USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), Norfolk, Virginia
- USNS Newport (T-EPF 12), Norfolk, Virginia
If you’re lucky enough to catch the Parade of Ships, you’ll witness a truly awe-inspiring sight as the vessels make their way up the river to their docking spots.
So to get the best view of the Parade of Ships, head to one of the many viewing spots along the Hudson River, from Battery Park up to Pier 90 and Staten Island.
There’s no doubt that Fleet Week is an experience that will stay with you long after the ships have sailed away.
Attend a Memorial Day Parade in New York
There’s something incredibly moving about a Memorial Day parade in New York, as people of all ages and backgrounds come together to honor the brave men and women who have given their lives for the country. In New York City, the tradition of Memorial Day parades runs deep.
Since the mid-19th century, New Yorkers have gathered to pay their respects to fallen soldiers through parades, marching bands, and solemn ceremonies. And today, several famous New York Memorial Day parades draw massive crowds and evoke powerful emotions.
The Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade
One of the most famous Memorial Day parades in NYC is the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade. The parade has been held since 1867 and is the country’s oldest continuous Memorial Day parade in a large city in the U.S.
Where to catch the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade
Brooklyn’s 156th Memorial Day Parade on May 29, 2023, steps off promptly at 11:00 a.m. on 3rd Ave. & 78th Street proceeds down 3rd Ave. to Marine Ave. up to 4th Ave. and over to John Paul Jones Park for our memorial service that includes Bag Pipes, Flag Raising, Wreath Laying by Veteran Service Organizations, a 21-gun Salute by the Veteran Corps of Artillery and the playing of Taps. For more information, visit the official brooklynmemorialdayparade.com website.
The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade
Another popular option is the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade in Queens, which features a variety of marching bands and military units. The patriotic spirit and sense of community that permeates these events will indeed move you no matter which parades you choose to attend. To ensure you don’t miss a thing, check out the parade route and schedule beforehand, so you can plan your viewing spot and arrive early to secure a good place.
Join the thousands of New Yorkers who come together each year to honor the soldiers and celebrate the country’s spirit. Attend a Memorial Day parade in NYC to experience a truly unforgettable moment of remembrance and reflection.
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on Memorial Weekend in NYC
If you’re looking for a unique way to honor our nation’s heroes this Memorial Day weekend, visiting the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a must-do activity. Located on the deck of the USS Intrepid, this museum is a one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family that brings you up close and personal with some of the most iconic military aircraft, ships, and spacecraft in history. The museum is free to visit with the All-Inclusive New York Pass.
The opportunity to participate in holiday events makes visiting the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum even more special on Memorial Day weekend. From special exhibits on the history of the military to demos from the military, there’s no better way to pay tribute to our nation’s heroes than by spending time at this museum.
Movie Night on the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
Movie night at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum is an unmissable event during Fleet Week in New York City. The 2023’s movie night will take place on Friday, May 26 at 7:00 pm, featuring the classic film Top Gun on the flight deck. Tickets are required to enter the museum.
If you are a history buff or a lover of all military things, the Intrepid won’t disappoint. With exhibits on the USS Intrepid’s service during World War II and the Cold War and the chance to climb aboard fighter planes and helicopters, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time.
So whether you’re a veteran, a military family, or someone who wants to pay respects to those who have served the country, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is the perfect destination for Memorial Day weekend.
Military History Tour of New York Harbor
If you’re looking for a unique way to commemorate Memorial Day, the Military History Tour of New York Harbor is an absolute must-do. This tour is only available in New York during Memorial Week (May 24 through 29th, 2023). It provides an incredible opportunity to explore the city’s rich military history from the perspective of the water.
During the 2-5 hour tour, you’ll cruise past iconic NYC landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan Bridge while learning with knowledgeable guides fascinating insights and stories about the harbor’s military past, from the Revolutionary War to the present day.
The tour highlights include visiting important military sites like the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn Army Terminal, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The cruise allows you to enjoy the view of the military ships participating in Fleet Week from the waterside.
So, if you’re looking for an exciting way to learn more about our nation’s military past and pay tribute to our fallen heroes, the Military History Tour of New York Harbor is an experience you cannot miss. Check out available times and tickets over here.
Memorial Day in New York City: Conclusion
Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed for the country. It’s also a time to celebrate the arrival of summer and explore summer activities in New York City. If you visit New York during Memorial Week and this is your first visit, unique Memorial Day events might become a great addition to the top 10 must-see places in NYC for first-time visitors. Whether you’re a history lover, a fan of Fleet Week, or just looking for a fun way to spend the long weekend, there’s something for everyone in the Big Apple during Memorial Day.
There are endless opportunities to make lasting memories on Memorial Day in New York, from attending parades and exploring museums to enjoying concerts and grilling in the park. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the excitement and emotion of Memorial Weekend in New York City.
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