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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