Dover’s annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony takes on extra weight this year. The 2026 edition lines up at Rutan Drive at 9:00 a.m. and steps off at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, marching down Blackwell Street and ending with a ceremony at Hurd Park. It also falls on the 250th anniversary of American independence, giving this year’s march a historic dimension that goes beyond the traditional tribute.
Parade Details
Hosted by Mayor James P. Dodd and the Town Council, the parade runs from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and features marching groups, veterans, and community organizations moving down Blackwell Street to Hurd Park for the ceremony. Spectators are encouraged to line Blackwell Street ahead of the 10 a.m. step-off. No admission is required.
The America 250 Connection
The 2026 Memorial Day parade lands right in the middle of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration, and Morris County is officially marking the milestone with programming throughout 2025 and 2026. Dover’s long-running parade tradition gives local residents their own way to connect with that national moment, which is why this year’s event is tagged as the 250th Anniversary edition of the parade.
A Full Memorial Day Weekend Across Morris County
Dover is one of several Morris County towns holding parades and ceremonies this Memorial Day weekend.
