Memorial Day Weekend Events in Rhode Island 2026

The Best Parades, Festivals, Fireworks & Family Memorial Day Events Happening Across Rhode Island

Memorial Day Weekend is officially here, and Rhode Island is packed with events honoring veterans, celebrating local communities, and kicking off summer the right way.

Whether you're looking for parades, live music, food trucks, comedy shows, fireworks, or family-friendly activities, there's something happening all across the state.

Here's a breakdown of some of the biggest events happening this Memorial Day Weekend in Rhode Island 🇺🇸

Check out our video on this here: Memorial Day Weekend Events in Rhode Island 2026

🇺🇸 East Greenwich Memorial Day Parade

Monday May 25th, 10am | Starts at Academy Field (right next to our office!) and goes to Town Hall 

One of the most well-known Memorial Day traditions in Rhode Island returns to East Greenwich with marching bands, veterans groups, local organizations, and community celebrations throughout town.

If you've never been, this is one of those classic Rhode Island events everyone should experience at least once.

🎖 Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial

10th anniversary featuring 7,000 boots honoring the fallen | Fort Adams State Park, Newport | May 22 to 25 | 9am to 7pm (closes 6pm Monday)

A powerful tribute honoring fallen heroes and veterans. This memorial display has become an emotional and meaningful stop for many Rhode Islanders during Memorial Day Weekend.

Perfect for families looking to teach younger generations the true meaning behind the holiday.

Boots on the Ground 5K Run/Walk

Commemorative 5K | Fort Adams, Newport | Saturday, May 23 | 9:30am

🎉 Gaspee Days Events

Block Party

Waterfront block party with live music | Pawtuxet Park, Warwick | 21+ | Friday, May 22 | 6pm to 11pm

Gaspee Days events are always packed with energy, and the Block Party is no exception.

Foot Race

Pawtuxet Park, Warwick | Saturday, May 23

Gaspee Days Arts & Crafts Festival

Free, family-friendly festival | Pawtuxet Park, Warwick | May 23 to 25 | 10am to 5pm (closes 4:30pm Monday)

Expect:

• Live music
• Local vendors
• Great food
• Drinks
• Community atmosphere

This is one of the best social events happening in Rhode Island this weekend!

🎆 Tiverton Parade, Block Party & Fireworks

A full day of family fun | Tiverton | Saturday, May 23 | Parade 10am, Block Party 5:30pm, Fireworks 8:45pm

Tiverton is going all out this year with:

• Memorial Day parade at 10am
• Block party at 5:30pm
• Fireworks show at 8:45pm

Hosted by Tiverton Celebrates and Tiverton Recreation

9:00 AM Parade Marchers line up

10:00 AM Parade Begins

4:00 PM Main road is closed from Lawton Avenue to Nanaquacket Road. Parking is restricted on all streets between (and including Main Road and Highland Road).

5:30 PM Block Party begins at Grinnell’s Beach!

Parking and bus service is available at the following locations:

• Tiverton Middle School (10 Quintal Drive)
• Tiverton High School (100 N Brayton Road)
• Ranger Elementary School (278 N Brayton Road)

Activities Include:

• Live Music by the Digg-It Band
• Face Painting & Henna
• Climbing Wall
• Beach Cornhole
• Golf driving simulator
• Sidewalk Chalk
• Photo booth
• A wide variety of food trucks!
• Sidewalk chalk for young artists to draw!

8:45 PM Fireworks begin!

If you're looking for an all-day event with something for everyone, this might be one of the best options in the state.

😂 Rogue Island Comedy Festival

Rhode Island’s premier stand-up comedy festival | Multiple Newport venues | May 21 to 24

Need a break from the traditional weekend events?

The Rogue Island Comedy Festival brings comedians and entertainment from all over, making it a great night out option for adults looking for something different this weekend.

🏛 Varnum Memorial Armory Revolutionary War Event

Revolutionary War history in the EG parade district | East Greenwich 

History lovers will want to check out the Revolutionary War history experience happening during the East Greenwich parade festivities.

This is a great educational stop for families and anyone interested in Rhode Island's deep historical roots.

🌳 Goddard Memorial State Park

Sometimes the best Memorial Day plans are the simplest ones.

Goddard Memorial State Park remains one of Rhode Island's top spots for:

• Picnics
• Walking trails
• Family gatherings
• Waterfront relaxation

Expect big crowds if the weather stays nice.

🍷 Greenvale Vineyards Live Music & Food Trucks

Live jazz on the Sakonnet River with food trucks on site | Portsmouth | Saturday May 23 and Sunday May 24 | 1pm to 4pm 

Live music, local wine, food trucks, and vineyard views?

That's basically the perfect Rhode Island spring weekend.

Greenvale Vineyards is hosting live entertainment and food trucks, making it an ideal stop for couples, friend groups, or anyone looking to relax outdoors.

🎭 Disney's The Lion King at PPAC

The Broadway tour of the Disney classic | PPAC, Providence | Fri May 22 at 7:30pm, Sat May 23 at 2pm and 8pm, Sun May 24 at 1pm and 6:30pm

If you're looking for something family-friendly indoors, Disney's The Lion King at PPAC is one of the biggest shows in Providence right now.

A perfect option if the weather changes or you want to mix entertainment into your weekend plans.

🐆 Roger Williams Park Zoo

Providence | Open daily 9am to 4pm

Pack the kids, grab the grandparents, and spend the morning wandering through A Bug’s World before the heat sets in. The Humboldt penguins are always a crowd favorite, especially with younger kids who could watch them swim for hours. Cool off afterward at Carousel Village for a ride and a snack.

Open 9 to 4 every day of the weekend, so you can build a full day around it or pop in for a couple of hours between cookouts. It’s right here in Providence, easy parking, and the kind of memory your kids will actually remember. Honor the holiday, then make the most of it.

🎭 Newport Mansions

Explore the iconic Newport Preservation Society properties | Newport | Open all weekend

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to do the Newport Mansions before the summer crowds take over. These Gilded Age estates are the kind of places you drive past your whole life and never actually go inside, and that’s a mistake. The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, they hit different in person. The ceilings, the staircases, the views of the cliffs and the ocean, it’s a piece of American history you can walk through in an afternoon.

Open all weekend, easy day trip from anywhere in Rhode Island, and a great option if the weather turns and the beach plans fall through. Bring the family, bring out-of-town guests, or just go for yourself. Honor the holiday with a little history, then head into town for dinner on the water.

🇺🇸 Memorial Day Parades Around RI

• East Greenwich: 10am starts at Academy Field (right next to our office!) and goes to Town Hall
• North Kingstown: 9am wreath-laying at Veterans Memorial Park, 10am parade from Wilson Park to Elm Grove Cemetery
• North Providence: 1pm, North Providence High School to Notte Park
• North Smithfield: 10:30am, down Main Street
• South Kingstown: 10am, Main Street to Saugatucket Park
• Scituate: 10:30am, on Danielson Pike

Whatever you do, we hope you enjoy the weekend relaxing and having fun with friends and family! And most importantly, THANK YOU to our Veterans and their families for your service and sacrifice.