9 Memorial Day Parades and Tributes in Rhode Island

Commemorate the lives of Rhode Island's lost service members at a local parade.

May 19, 2026

Site Staff,

Photo via Getty Images / franckreporter

Editor’s note: Are we missing a local parade? Please email details to kmurray@rimonthly.com.

Charlestown

When: Sunday, May 24, at 1 p.m.

Where: Along Old Post Road in Charlestown

More: Observances will take place during the parade at Cross’ Mills Baptist Church and at Cold Brook, as well as immediately after the parade at the Charlestown Naval Airfield Memorial at Ninigret Park.

For more information, visit charlestownmemorialdayparade.com.

Exeter

When: Sunday, May 24, at 1 p.m.

Where: Along Route 102 from Sunderland Road to the Exeter Public Library.

More: The post-parade ceremony at Exeter Public Library will host food trucks, face painting booths and balloon animal artists.

For more information, visit exeterri.gov/community/page/memorial-day-parade.

East Greenwich

When: Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m.

Where: The parade will step off from Academy Field and wind through the Hill and Harbor District by way of Mawney Street, then continue to First Avenue (Rt.401) for a brief wreath-laying ceremony at Cliff Street’s World War II Memorial. The parade will next proceed north on Main Street to the Town Hall for closing ceremonies around 11 a.m.

More: In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, ninety-seven year-old Grand Marshal Glenn H. King, will lead the parade through the very streets where his inspiring story began. The veteran left East Greenwich High School in 1946 to serve his country in the Marine Corps, and later went on to become a teacher, technical instructor and manager of Air Defense Missile Systems. During the parade, spectators can expect the stirring lead of the “Lone Piper” Aaron Lindo, police and fire honor guards , veteran dignitaries and elected officials, the Kentish Guards and Varnum Continentals, marching bands and community groups showcasing local pride. The ceremony will conclude with a recitation of the Gettysburg Address by Cole Middle School Student Isaac Rieger along with a flyover by the 143rd Airlift Wing at Quonset Point.

For more information, visit eastgreenwichri.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/520

Lincoln

When: Monday, May 25, at 11 a.m.

Where: The parade begins at the corner of Higginson and Smithfield aves and will end at Chase Farm Park.

More: The post-parade celebration will kick off at Chase Farm immediately following the parade and will feature yummy fare from several food trucks as well as live music and entertainment from local performers. Can’t make the parade? Earlier in the weekend, the Town of Lincoln will be hosting a Veterans Breakfast at the Lincoln Senior Center on Saturday, May 23, from 8 a.m.–9 p.m. There will also be a Liberty Tree planting at noon at Gateway Park, along with fireworks at Lincoln High School at 8:45 p.m.

For more information, visit facebook.com/lincolnmemorialdayparade.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (right), North Kingstown Town Councilman Matt McCoy (at the mic) and local Boy Scouts (left) stand in front of the Grand Army of the Republic monument at Elm Grove Cemetery Co following the 2025 North Kingstown Memorial Day Parade. Photo by Dianne Izzo

North Kingstown

When: Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m.

Where: The parade route goes from Wilson Park through Wickford Village to Elm Grove Cemetery Co.

More: Prior to the parade, the town will hold a wreath laying ceremony at Veteran’s Memorial Park with town officials, elected representatives, and members of the Parade Committee in attendance.

For more information, visit northkingstownri.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=1606

North Providence

When: Monday, May 26, at 1 p.m.

Where: The annual memorial day parade will start at North Providence High School and venture over to Meehan Overlook.

More: The closing ceremony celebration will feature the unveiling of a boat built by the Marine tech Program, as well as goodies like pizzas, hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, steaks, seafood, popcorn, ice cream and cannolis. The kiddos can also jump around in a bootcamp-style bounce house obstacle course.

For more information, visit northprovidenceri.gov.

Hope Valley

When: Sunday, May 24, at 2 p.m.

Where: The parade will start at Hope Valley Fire Station headquarters (996 Main Street) and march along Main Street to Chariho Plaza.

For more information, visit facebook.com/HVWFD.

Barrington

When: Monday, May 25, at 9:30 a.m.

Where: The parade will begin at Barrington High School and conclude at Barrington Town Hall.

More: The day’s observance will consist of three elements: A Victory Gate ceremony at Barrington High School at 9 a.m. (featuring a flag raising by local Boy Scouts and a bagpipe performance of “Amazing Grace,” followed by the parade and capped off with a formal ceremony and a keynote speaker on the lawn at Town Hall.

F0r more information, visit barrington.ri.gov/350/memorial-day-parade.