Memorial Day is a time for somber remembrance of the people who have died while serving in the armed forces. But Memorial Day Weekend is also a time to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. Whether you’re looking for a parade, a night of fireworks, or a weekend of festivities, there are plenty of things to do.
Below is a roundup of Memorial Day parades and observances occurring around the Seacoast, followed by a list of other notable events taking place this weekend.
DURHAM
Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 30, 10 a.m.
The parade begins on Mill Pond Road and heads down Newmarket Road and Main Street, concluding at Memorial Park with a ceremony including live music, a musket salute, an invocation, and special announcements.
NEWMARKET
Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 30, 11 a.m.
The parade starts at Newmarket Public Library at 1 Elm St. and travels downtown on Main Street.
OGUNQUIT/WELLS, Maine
Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 30, 9 a.m.
The walk begins at Wells High School on Sanford Road and continues to Ocean View Cemetery on Route 1 for a ceremony. The parade will then disband and reform on Bourne Lane in Ogunquit, proceeding north on Shore Road to Ogunquit Square and the Ogunquit River Bridge for a “Lost at Sea” ceremony. There will also be decoration at Fireman’s Memorial and an invocation at Veterans’ Park.
PORTSMOUTH
Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 30, 1 p.m.
The parade kicks off in the Parrot Avenue parking lot and travels down Richards Avenue to South Street Cemetery for a ceremony. If it rains, a ceremony will be held inside the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post on Deer Street at 1 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to assist in placing flags at the cemetery on Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29, at 1:30 p.m.
photo by Matt Kanner
RYE
Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade
Monday, May 30, 9 a.m.
The parade begins at Veterans Monument and ends with a ceremony in Central Cemetery. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held at Rye Congregational Church.
SOUTH BERWICK, Maine
Memorial Day Parade, Ceremony, and Services
Monday, May 30, 9 a.m.
The parade begins at St. Christopher’s Church and heads west down York Street, ending at First Parish Church Cemetery with a ceremony to follow. Other events and services are as follows:
10:30 a.m. – Wreath Placing at Vietnam Memorial, Town Hall
10:30 a.m. – Bicycle Decorating Contest, Central School
11 a.m. – A parade begins from Central School and continues to the All-Wars Memorial
In case of heavy rain, ceremonies will be held on the third floor of Town Hall.
Other Memorial Day Weekend festivities
DOVER
Seacoast Roller Derby Season Opener
Saturday, May 28, 5:30 p.m.
Dover Arena, 110 Portland Ave., Dover
The first bout of the season pits the Poison Pixies against the Vicious Valkyries. An open recruitment practice follows on Sunday, May 29, from 3-5 p.m.
photo by 4077 Photography
HAMPTON
Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks
Sunday, May 29, 9:30 p.m.
Fireworks explode above Hampton Beach.
NEWBURYPORT, Mass.
Memorial Day Weekend Spring Festival
Sunday-Monday, May 29-30, 10:30 a.m.
Kids entertainment, live music, arts, fine crafts, food, and more in Market Square.
PORTSMOUTH
Runner’s Alley/Redhook Memorial 5k Road Race
Sunday, May 29, 11 a.m.
Redhook Brewery hosts the 19th annual race at 35 Corporate Drive in Pease Tradeport. It’s the second race in the Seacoast Road Race Series. A Kids Fun Run takes place at 10:15 a.m.
RYE
Pulpit Rock Tower Open House
Monday, May 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Pulpit Rock Tower, open to the public only two days a year, opens its doors on Memorial Day. Visitors are invited to climb the tower, appreciate the scenic views, and learn about the tower’s history. Free admission, donations appreciated. Visitors must be 42 inches or taller and wear closed-toed shoes. Accessed from a dirt path on Neptune Drive, which is off of Ocean Boulevard.
YORK, Maine
York’s Wild Kingdom Opening Weekend
The zoo opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, with the amusement park opening at noon each day.