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Memorial Day Weekend 2023 in Chicago: Festivals, Parades, and More Things To Do

Celebrate Memorial Day this weekend at one of the many events around Chicago.
Celebrate Memorial Day this weekend at one of the many events around Chicago.
5/24/23 - By Siobhan Adcock

Memorial Day weekend is here, so the summer can go ahead and kick off already. Public beaches open this weekend in Chicago, and Memorial Day observances include the annual parade and wreath-laying ceremony in the Chicago Loop on Saturday, with more local parades on Monday in the suburbs. At Cantigny Park, families can pay tribute to our fallen soldiers.

This Saturday night also marks the first summer fireworks show at Navy Pier. Summer festival season launches this weekend too, with the Mole de Mayo on Saturday and Sunday in Pilsen, and the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival in Lakeview. The suburbs won't be left behind, with Westmont hosting its annual Spring Fling Red, White and BBQ and the Barrington Art Festival starting off the season in the northern suburbs.

It's also getting hot this weekend, so now might be a great time to check out our list of favorite sprinkler parks and spraygrounds or our best water and amusement parks for toddlers in and around Chicago. Here are our favorite things to do with kids this Memorial Day weekend in Chicago!

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Young performers at the Mole de Mayo Festival in Chicago. Photo by Rene Zepeda
Young performers at the Mole de Mayo Festival in Chicago. Photo by Rene Zepeda

Things to Do Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago with Kids

Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Wednesday, May 24, 2023- Sunday, May 29, 2023—Lakeview
Join Huck Finn as he helps his friend Jim escape slavery in Mark Twain's classic story. Follow along with Huck and Tom Sawyer as they meet up with a range of characters from the novel and sing big country songs from the award winning score by Roger Miller. READ MORE

Disney Pixar's Elemental Experience

Friday, May 26, 2023- Sunday, May 28, 2023—Lombard
Step into Element City at Disney and Pixar’s ELEMENTAL EXPERIENCE, an immersive thematic environment with designed spaces inside and out, fun themed activities including learning how to draw the characters in the film, and an array of unique photos and video opportunities. READ MORE

End of School Campfire

Friday, May 26, 2023—Schaumburg
Suburban families can celebrate the last day of school with a family campfire at Heritage Farm. Roast marshmallows, play campfire games, and ride the tractor-drawn wagon to kick off summer vacation. READ MORE

Broadway in Chicago "Aladdin"

Through May 28, 2023—Downtown
Broadway in Chicago presents a play based on Disney's animated classic Aladdin. The show features the five beloved songs from the original film along with daring adventure, classic comedy, and timeless romance. READ MORE

Westmont Spring Fling Red, White and BBQ

Friday, May 26, 2023- Sunday, May 28, 2023⁠—Westmont
The Westmont Lions Club enjoys the beginning of summer with an amateur barbecue competition, craft show, live music and carnival. Visitors can enjoy food from local food trucks, live music, and fireworks. Buy a wristband for $25 to ride as many rides as you want on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. READ MORE

Mole de Mayo

Friday, May 26, 2023- Sunday, May 28, 2023—Pilsen — FREE
Celebrate the Pilsen neighborhood with the country's only outdoor mole cook off. Families can choose their favorite mole while enjoying music, dancing, and the excitement of luche libre wrestling. READ MORE

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival

Saturday, May 27. 2023-Sunday, May 28, 2023—Lakeview
Families can kick off summer with music, food, and drinks at this annual Lakeview street festival. READ MORE

Summer Fireworks Saturdays at Navy Pier

Saturday, May 27⁠—Downtown⁠—FREE
Fireworks fans of all ages can enjoy a spectacular display, synchronized to music, for FREE every Saturday night at Navy Pier.  READ MORE

Barrington Art Festival

Saturday, May 27, 2023- Sunday, May 28, 2023⁠—Barrington
More than 120 artists fill the streets of downtown Barrington with their wares as restaurants, bars and ice cream shops treat customers to food at this annual festival. Live music and kids' art activities add to the weekend fun. READ MORE

Chicago Memorial Day Parade

Saturday, May 27, 2023⁠—Downtown
Chicagoans of all ages are invited to the annual Memorial Day Parade, in honor of all the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. The parade begins at noon, following a wreath laying ceremony at 11am in Daley Plaza, and proceeds from State and Lake to Van Buren Street. READ MORE

Pie-Tanic

Saturday, May 27, 2023- Sunday, May 28, 2023—North Center
Cornservatory's family-friendly musical comedy is about an award winning baker who is afraid of pies on board a pie-themed cruise ship. A cast of hilarious characters encounter a sooth-saying kangaroo, a group of mud-worshipers, and some wise-cracking virtual assistant apps throughout the oceanic cruise of the Pie-tanic. READ MORE

Battle of Cantigny 105th Anniversary Commemoration

Sunday, May 28, 2023⁠—Wheaton
Join the staff at Cantigny Park in remembering the U.S. Army’s First Division successful attack and defeat of German forces holding the small village of Cantigny, 75 miles north of Paris, in America’s first significant battle of World War I. To commemorate the battle’s anniversary, the First Division Museum will offer a moment of reflection with a wreath-laying, followed by heartfelt presentations and family-friendly activities.   READ MORE

Cantigny Outdoor Concerts

Sunday, May 28, 2023- Monday, May 29, 2023—Wheaton
Families can enjoy a series of tribute bands, military music, and bluegrass groups at the bandshell at Cantigny every Sunday at 3pm. READ MORE

Stories Under the Stars- Star Wars: Forces of Destiny

Saturday, May 27, 2023—Portage Park
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi with a screening of episodes of Star Wars: Forces of Destiny at the Patio Theater. Special guest Princess Leia will visit to share her inspiring story with kids. READ MORE

Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade

Monday, May 29, 2023—Elmhurst
The City of Elmhurst hosts its annual Memorial Day Parade. The parade will feature five color guards, retired military officers from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, and members of American Legion THB Post 187. Vehicles from six near west suburban fire departments, 14 scouting troops, and 10 musical entries will also entertain visitors who stand along the route. READ MORE

Lincolnwood Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

Monday, May 29, 2023—Lincolnwood
The Village of Lincolnwood and American Legion Post #1226 host Lincolnwood's annual Memorial Day Parade. The starts at Cicero and Pratt Avenues and goes east on Pratt, and north on Keeler, ending at Proesel Park. The event features members of the Patriot Brass Ensemble, a kids' bike parade, and a ceremony at Madeleine's Garden honoring fallen soldiers following the parade. READ MORE

River Forest Memorial Day Parade

Monday, May 29, 2023⁠—River Forest
Sponsored by the River Forest Park District, River Forest Civic Association, and the Village of River Forest, the 97th Annual River Forest Memorial Day Parade will step off at 9:30 a.m. from Augusta and Ashland. The parade will travel south on Ashland Avenue to Lake Street, then west to Keystone Park where visitors can enjoy a free hot dog lunch. READ MORE

Arlington Heights Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

Monday, May 29, 2023—Arlington Heights
The northwest suburb's 104th annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony kicks off on Swigalt Street in front of Village Hall. The parade includes as many as 3,000 marchers and concludes with a Memorial Day ceremony at Memorial Park at Chestnut and Fremont Streets, where the Memorial Day Ceremony takes place. READ MORE

Wood Dale Memorial Day Parade

Monday, May 29, 2023—Wood Dale
The City of Wood Dale and VFW Tioga Post #2149 host a parade and memorial service for those who gave their lives for their country. The parade goes along Elizabeth Drive from Wood Dale to Addison, along Addison to Irving Park, and then returns to Wood Dale Road along Addison. READ MORE

Ridge Run and Memorial Day Parade

Monday, May 29, 2023⁠—Beverly
The Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) hosts the annual Ridge Run and Memorial Day Parade, including a 10K run, 5K run/walk, and Youth Mile, which start at staggered times between 8:00 am and 9:30 am. The Memorial Day Parade follows the last of the Ridge Run racers down Longwood Drive, starting at about 10:30 am. READ MORE

Lisle Memorial Day Parade and Community Picnic

Monday, May 29, 2023⁠—Lisle
VFW Ross Bishop Memorial Post #5696 and the Village of Lisle present a tribute to veterans of foreign wars with a parade and community picnic on Memorial Day. The parade will start at Lisle Junior High School and proceed down Main Street to School Street, ending at the Lisle Veterans Memorial. A ceremony will take place at the memorial and at Lisle Cemetery. The free picnic follows at Lisle Museum Station Park. READ MORE
Summer fireworks at Navy Pier start this weekend. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Summer fireworks at Navy Pier start this weekend. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier

More to Do With Chicago Kids this Summer

39 Free Outdoor Movies in Chicago this Summer for Kids

Pull up a chair or blanket and take in a movie this summer. READ MORE

Best Sprinkler Parks and Splash Pads in Chicago

The fun is as wet as it gets at these nearby sprinkler parks. READ MORE

Best Strawberry Picking in Chicago and Summer Strawberry Festivals

Pick-your-own berries taste even sweeter! READ MORE

Best Water Parks and Amusement Parks for Toddlers Near Chicago

If you have a toddler, don't miss out on one of these fun amusement parks this summer. READ MORE

Best Outdoor Dining in Chicago at Family-Friendly Restaurants

Dine outdoors at these family-favorite spots. READ MORE

The Best Amusement Parks Near Chicago for Families

For when you feel the need for speed. (Or funnel cakes.) READ MORE

Places featured in this article: