Memorial Day weekend in Dutchess County means sunshine, BBQs, and an extra day off with your favorite people. Whether you're hunting for kid-friendly events, outdoor adventures, or just an excuse to get out of the house — we've got you covered.
And while you're enjoying the fun, it's also a perfect time to pause and reflect on why this day exists: To honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country.
Below, you'll find the best family events, activities, and meaningful ways to spend Memorial Day weekend in Dutchess County.
Family-Friendly Memorial Day Weekend Events in Dutchess County
Looking for Memorial Day weekend plans in Dutchess County? Here are the top pick events happening this weekend for families.
Friday, May 23: Italian Festival
Friday, May 23: KIDS GAME NIGHT
Saturday, May 24: Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market
Saturday, May 24: One World, One Sky - Big Bird's Adventure Planetarium Show
Saturday, May 24 & 25: Enchanted Gardens Fairies, Gnomes, & More!
Saturday, May 24 & 25: Mayfest Farmers & Makers Market
Saturday, May 24 & 25: Pete the Cat Meet & Greet
Monday, May 26: Storytime with Opal the Bearded Dragon
Memorial Day Ceremonies and Parades in Dutchess County
Locations marked with a 🇺🇸 have a parade in addition to a ceremony!
Amenia, 11am: Fountain Square
Beacon, 11am: Veteran’s Memorial Hall
🇺🇸 Beekman, 10AM: Town Hall/ Main St
🇺🇸 East fishkill, 10am: Memorial Park
Fishkill, 10am: Fishkill War Memorial
🇺🇸 Hyde Park, 10am: Old hyde park Dr
🇺🇸 Millbrook, 11am: Franklin Ave.
Millerton, 11am: Veterans Park
🇺🇸 pine plains, 10:30: North main st
Poughkeepsie, 11am: Dutchess war memorial
🇺🇸 red hook, 10: Veterans memorial park
🇺🇸 Rhinebeck, 10:30: mullberry street
🇺🇸 Rhinecliff, 9am: Old school house rd
🇺🇸 Stanford, 9am: Angell memorial park
Tivoli, 11am: Red church cemetery
Union vale, 9am: On the Green
Wappinger, 2pm: Schlathaus Park
🇺🇸 Village of Fishkill, 1pm: War memorial
Village of Wappingers Falls, 11: East Main St.
Click here to see our full calendar.
Have a Memorial Day event in Southern Dutchess to add? Submit it to our calendar here!
A Moment to Remember: What Memorial Day Is All About
While this is a weekend that can be packed with fun, it’s also a time for families to reflect on why this holiday holds meaning.
Here are three simple ideas you can do as a family to mark the day that honors those who died serving in the U.S. military.
- Observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day — a tradition called the National Moment of Remembrance.
- Visit a veterans memorial or cemetery to pay respects.
- Display a flag at home or help your child make a red poppy craft — a symbol of remembrance after WWI.
- 👉🏽 Get more ideas here!
Just one small act of gratitude can leave a lasting impression on your kids.
Easy Weekend Fun Ideas for Families
Looking for at-home fun? Here are five ideas on how to mark the weekend at home:
- Backyard BBQ + sprinklers = Instant summer joy
- Family hike or nature walk with scavenger hunt
- Red, white, and blue bike parade around the block
- Chalk your sidewalk with patriotic messages
- Craft an American flag pin with safety pins and beads. Get directions here!
 JannHuizenga | Canva |
Quick Memorial Day Facts to Share with Kids
- Memorial Day began in 1868 as Decoration Day after the Civil War.
- It became a federal holiday in 1971, always on the last Monday in May.
- Volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery place over 400,000 flags each year.
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