Memorial Day is a national holiday to celebrate and honor those who have died in American wars. It’s also the official start of summer at the Jersey Shore. Many towns in the area have services, celebrations, town events, parades and more to mark the day. We’ve rounded them up so you can plan your holiday weekend.
POINT PLEASANT BEACH
MEMORIAL DAY BIKE PARADE
Date: Saturday, May 27
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Elks on Arnold Avenue
Website: pointpleasantbeach.org
The Annual Point Pleasant Beach Memorial Day Bike Parade will begin gathering in the parking lot across from the Elks on Arnold Ave. at 9:30 a.m. and the parade kicks off at 10 a.m. The route is East on Arnold Ave. and ends at the Silver Lake lot. Following the parade, there will be a ceremony honoring our veterans and fallen heroes and an unveiling and dedication of the new Point Pleasant Beach War Memorial. Everyone is invited to join the parade and decorate their bikes, strollers and wagons with patriotic themes.
BRADLEY BEACH MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FESTIVAL
Date: Saturday and Sunday,
May 27 and 28
Time: Parade – 10 a.m. Sat.; Boardwalk festival – 9 a.m to 7 p.m. Sat. and Sun.
Location: Ocean Avenue/Promenade
Kick off the summer season with Bradley Beach’s annual parade and boardwalk festival. There will be live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, face painting, a bouncy house and more!
JERSEY SHORE FOOD
TRUCK FESTIVAL
Date: Saturday, May 27 and
Sunday, May 28
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monmouth Park Racetrack
The Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival will be hosted at Monmouth Park Racetrack over Memorial Day weekend. Parking is free and general admission is $6. Live music 12-4 p.m. on two stages. Family Fun Day events include clowns, face painters, pony rides and a bounce house in the picnic area on Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m.
MANASQUAN MEMORIAL DAY
PARADE & SERVICES
Date: Monday, May 29
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Parade begins at high school, travels to the plaza, starts at 10a.m.
Website: manasquan-nj.com
Conducted by the Manasquan Post No. 1838 Veterans of Foreign War.
SPRING LAKE MEMORIAL
DAY CEREMONY
Date: Monday, May 29
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Veteran’s Memorial Park, Fifth Avenue, Spring Lake
Prior to the ceremony, a parade begins at Mountz School at 10:30 a.m. and proceeds to the memorial. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Spring Lake resident Mark Sullivan, retired superior court judge and Vietnam combat veteran will be guest speaker.
BELMAR MEMORIAL
DAY SERVICES
Date: Monday, May 29
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Monument Row, Main Street between 12th and 13th avenues
Memorial day services will be held the morning of the holiday.
Point Pleasant Memorial Day Bike Parade & Ceremony
Date: Monday, May 29
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Community Park, Point Pleasant
Lining up will begin at 11:15 a.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Helmets must be worn by all bike riders. Registration not required. Memorial Day Ceremony will follow the bike parade at noon. Refreshments will be served by the Girl Scouts.
LAVALLETTE MEMORIAL
DAY SERVICES
Date: Monday, May 29
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Brooklyn Ave and
Bay Blvd
Website: lavallette.org
The town will hold a ceremony at Monument Row commemorating Memorial Day and honoring the country’s veterans.
Brick Township
Memorial Day Parade
Date: Monday, May 29
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Chambers Bridge Road
Website: bricktownship.net
Hosted by Brick Township, American Legion Post 348 and VFW Post 8867. The parade honors the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. The parade will march along Chambers Bridge Road and will feature veterans, marching bands, civic organizations, youth sports organizations, scouts and more. Following the parade, a ceremony will be held at the Municipal Building.
SEA GIRT MEMORIAL DAY PARADE & CEREMONY
Date: Monday, May 29
Time: 8:45 a.m.
Location: The Plaza
Website: seagirt-nj.gov
The Sea Girt Memorial Day celebration will feature a parade that leaves Bell Place at 8:45 a.m. and culminates with a ceremony at The Plaza at 9 a.m. Bicycles and decorated golf carts are invited to join the parade. Those interested in joining the parade should meet at the Sea Girt Elementary School at 8:30 a.m.
WALL TOWNSHIP MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Date: Monday, May 29
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Municipal Complex, 2700 Allaire Road
The ceremony will be held at the Gen. Harry Rockafeller Memorial.
