Making a plan to attend the largest Memorial Day Parade in Chester County on Monday, May 26? We’ve got you covered with insider tips to experience the parade like a pro.
- Find a spot near one of the two announcers (English & Spanish).
- Enjoy the full schedule of events.
- Know what’s open in Kennett Square.
Check out the details, route map, and schedule below.
Free Parking at the Garage on Linden Street
Parking will be free at the Borough’s municipal garage on E. Linden Street, the municipal lot at Church Alley, and the municipal lot on Union Street, but plan to arrive early to avoid street closures beginning at 8 am.
Limited Street Parking
Parking meters are NOT enforced on Federal Holidays.
Parking restrictions will be along the entire Parade Route on Monday 5/26/2025 from 8 am–12 pm. No parking is allowed during this time until the roadways have been reopened at the completion of the parade. Any vehicles left on the Parade Route will be ticketed and towed.
- South Union Street – from South Street to Cypress
- East Cypress Street – from South Union Street to Broad Street
- South Broad Street – from East Cypress Street to East State Street
- East State Street – from Broad Street to Union Street
- North Union Street – from East State Street to Union Hill Cemetery Road
Closures around the Parade Route side streets will begin to take place at 8 am. The Parade Route will be shut down to all traffic at 9:30 am. For parking street closure updates, follow the Kennett Square Police Department.
Tip #1 Find a spot near one of the two announcers.
Parade announcers will shout out each group and float that passes by, and this year we will have two announcers along the route. If you’d like to hear about the parade participants, we recommend coming early to secure a spot near one of these spots:
- 100 Block of E. State St (English)
- 500 Block of S. Union St (Spanish)
Spectators line State Street for the Kennett Memorial Day Parade. Photo by Josh Case Productions.
If you are arriving early, please have someone with your group stay with your belongings and be mindful of other families and individuals. There will be thousands of people enjoying the parade all along the route!
Make room for children to watch, but please keep to the sides during the parade. Large vehicles and floats will be moving slowly, but also have reduced visibility. Please keep an eye on your little ones and stay out of the road.
Route Map
Tip #2 Enjoy the full schedule of events.
Memorial Day honors America’s military men and women who lost their lives in service to their country, and there are many ways to pay tribute to their service. Be sure to thank our veterans for their service too. This year’s Grand Marshals are Mark “Pete” Peterson and Lester “Les” Brown. Check out the full schedule and consider joining us for a tribute ceremony!
- Tribute Ceremony, 8:30 am
VFW Post 5467, 704 W Baltimore Pike - Tribute Ceremony at WWI Monument, 9:15 am
Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center, 409 Center St - Parade Starts, 10:00 am
South Street and Union Street - American Legion Lunch for Veterans & their families, 11 am
208 E State Street - Memorial Ceremony, 12 pm or conclusion of the parade
Union Hill Cemetery, 424 N Union St - VFW Lunch for Veterans & their families, 1 pm
704 W Baltimore Pike
Are you participating in the parade? Lineup instructions will go out by email and will be posted at kennettmemorialdayparade.com the week before the parade. Please plan to arrive for the lineup by 8:30 am at your designated location. Lineup locations are A. Kennett High School (enter at South Union and Scarlett Ave) B. Borough Hall (enter at 600 S. Broad) and C. Birch Street (enter from Walnut Street and Birch).
Are you looking for volunteer opportunities? Sign up to help with the parade!
Tip #3 Know what’s open in Kennett Square
There’s a lot to do in Kennett Square! On Memorial Day Monday, some businesses will be closed so their staff can enjoy the parade too, but many will be open. We recommend calling ahead to confirm when you make your plans, but here are some safe bets.
Looking for Coffee? Try Mary Pats Provisions, Philter Coffee, or Café Emís, or Hank’s Place which is a short walk from the parade route for breakfast before, or lunch after!
Looking for Lunch? Try the Market at Liberty Place, Lily Asian Cuisine, La Tavola, Victory Brewing, Michoacana Grill or grab ice cream from La Michoacana!
Looking for family fun? It’s a great day to visit Longwood Gardens, but a timed ticket or member reservation is required. Make your ticket reservation today, because it is likely to sell out!
Thank you to our parade sponsors!
