What To Do Memorial Day Weekend: Events, Parades and More

There are plenty of things to do during Memorial Day weekend 2025, including craft fairs, parades and much more

May 14, 2025

New Hampshire Magazine Staff,

David Everett Strickler 4 Yo3wmi Ru Unsplash

Memorial Day weekend is here, which means so is the unofficial start to summer. The three-day weekend is typically filled with days spent outdoors at the lake or beach, grills fired up to cook a variety of burgers and Memorial Day recipes, and red, white and blue desserts that Gordon Ramsey would approve of (maybe). While you are out enjoying any one of the events we rounded up for you below, don’t forget the purpose of this national holiday: honoring those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military.

Memorial Day Parades and Celebrations

You can find parades, community picnics and Memorial Day ceremonies in every corner of the state.
Click here for a growing list of NH Memorial Day parades and ceremonies

Casting for Kirby Youth Fishing Derby, May 24, Waterville Valley

Join the Waterville Valley Recreation Department on the shores of beautiful Corcoran Pond for this annual youth fishing derby. Any kid under the age of 15 can participate in the challenge. There will be over $1,000 worth of prizes, plus face painting, DIY t-shirts, and more family fun. The pond is stocked with trout prior to the event, so there will be no shortage of fish! waterville.com

33rd Annual Memorial Day Craft Festival, May 24-26, Meredith

Over 85 juried craftsmen and women from all over New England will display and sell their work including fine jewelry, scarves, photography, country woodcrafts, pottery, music and more at the Mill Falls Marketplace in Meredith. Come and sample the culinary delights of herbal dips, maple, hot sauces, jams and jellies. castleberryfairs.com

Fireworks, May 25, Hampton Beach

It may not be warm enough to swim in the ocean (unless you’re brave!) but if you’re heading to the coast to celebrate the long weekend, then make sure you top off your Blink’s Fry Dough with a fireworks display. Fireworks are shot off between the top of B and C streets, so grab a blanket or a chair and watch the show. hamptonbeach.org

34th Annual Wildquack Duck Race & Music Festival, May 25, Jackson

This annual event includes duck races, traveling train rides, a silent auction, games and live music. Local and visiting food vendors offer fabulous barbecue foods, fair foods, kettle corn, ice cream, lobster sandwiches and more. Watch the “ever growing” parade starting from the Covered Bridge at 1:30 p.m., have your picture taken with “Wildquack” the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce Duck, visit local businesses and really enjoy this “ole” fashioned “day in the park.” jacksonnh.com

Portsmouth 5K, May 25, Portsmouth

This legacy road race is a community-wide fundraising event for Krempels Center and the largest race in the Seacoast Road Race Series. Lace up your sneakers and make a difference in the lives of brain injury survivors and their families. runsignup.com

35th Annual Chowderfest, May 25, Waterville Valley

Head to Town Square just in time for lunch as area restaurants vie for the coveted title of best local chowder. Your admission fee ($7.50 for adults, $5 for kids) covers generous samples of chowder and a voting ballot. There will also be free live music at the Town Square gazebo. waterville.com

Memorial Day Historic Trolley Tour, May 26, Rye

Step back in time and discover the stories that shaped Rye — a seaside town with over 400 years of rich history. Enjoy a 2-hour guided trolley tour filled with fascinating narration, scenic routes, and three opportunities to step off and explore some of Rye’s most iconic historical landmarks. This lively and informative ride begins at the Rye Town Museum, winds up Washington Road to Brown Lane Farm, cruises along Rye Beach, travels the length of Ocean Boulevard with breathtaking coastal views, and circles back via historic Sagamore and Wallis Roads. Along the way, knowledgeable guides will share stories of Rye’s earliest settlers, fishermen, farmers, tourism, surfers, and endless summer visitors.
ryenhhistoricalsociety.org