Memorial Day 2026 in Milwaukee’s North Shore

Memorial Day weekend (May 23–25, 2026) is a time to pause, reflect, and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Whether you're joining a community ceremony, watching a hometown parade, or simply stopping to read the names on a memorial, Milwaukee's North Shore communities offer meaningful ways to mark the holiday. Here's what's happening — and one place you can visit on your own schedule.

Whitefish Bay — Memorial Day Ceremony

When: Monday, May 25 at 11 am Where: Veterans Monument & Memorial Garden, Armory Park (corner of Henry Clay St. & Ardmore Ave.)

What to expect: A brief program with remarks, a wreath-laying, Taps, and time for reflection at the monument that marks the former National Guard Armory site. The program goes on rain or shine — bring a chair or blanket. There is parking in the High School lot and on the street.

📌 Note: Confirm 2026 speaker and program details closer to the date at wfbvillage.org.

A note about the future of this memorial: This year's ceremony takes on added significance as the Veterans Monument & Memorial Garden faces an uncertain future. A Whitefish Bay school referendum, if approved by voters, would build a new middle school over Armory Park, displacing or relocating the memorial. Learn more at Save Armory Park.

Shorewood — Community Memorial Day Program

When: Sunday, May 24 at 3 pm Where: Front lawn of Shorewood High School Administration Building, 1701 E Capitol Dr.

Highlights: Expect a bagpiper processional, color guard, live music, local officials, and a community sing-along. The event is rain-or-shine; bring a chair or blanket and arrive a few minutes early for parking.

📌 Note: Confirm 2026 keynote speaker and program details at villageofshorewood.org.

Mequon-Thiensville — Memorial Day Parade & Observance

When: Monday, May 25 Parade step-off: 10 am from Grace Lutheran Church (Thiensville) Observance: Approx. 11:15 am – 1:30 pm on the lawn at Mequon City Hall

Route: Heads south on Main St./Cedarburg Rd., crossing the river into Mequon.

Organized by American Legion Post 457, the parade features marching bands, Scout troops, antique cars, veteran units, and local youth groups. The post-parade ceremony includes a rifle salute, patriotic readings, and live music. Families often line the route with flags — plan to park on side streets and walk to a viewing spot.

📌 Note: Confirm 2026 parade details at mequon.wi.gov or by contacting American Legion Post 457.

Glendale — Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin War Memorial (Self-Guided)

Glendale doesn't host a formal Memorial Day program, but the illuminated War Memorial at Richard E. Maslowski Community Park is open dawn to dusk all weekend. Walk the Oak Leaf Trail spur, let the kids explore the inclusive playground, then pause at the memorial's five stone pillars — one for each military branch — for a quiet moment of remembrance. If you visit after sunset, the lighting makes for a striking tribute.

Looking ahead, you can plan for Fourth of July observes in our Milwaukee North Shore 4th of July guide.