Downtown Chicago organizes Memorial Day weekend with the scale the city is known for. The parade corridor along State Street, the lakefront, Millennium Park, and the neighborhood parade traditions spread across the city’s wards create one of the most comprehensive Memorial Day calendars of any American city. Guaranteed Dispensary is a licensed Illinois adult-use dispensary within walking distance of several of the weekend’s key destinations.
Memorial Day Events in Chicago: 4 Parades Worth Planning Around
1. Chicago Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade
Saturday, May 23, 2026
The Wreath Laying Ceremony begins at Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington Street, at 11 AM. The parade steps off at 12 PM, proceeding south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street.
This is one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the United States, featuring high school and college marching bands, military vehicles, honor guards, and veterans’ organizations.
For optimal viewing, the State and Madison intersection is the most central spot. Arrive at Daley Plaza by 10:15 AM to see the full ceremony before the procession begins. For parking, the Millennium Park Garage entrance off Columbus Drive and the Grant Park North Garage are the most reliable options. Street parking along the route is restricted.
2. McKinley Park Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026
The procession departs from the McKinley Park branch of the Chicago Public Library at 1915 W 35th Street and concludes at William McKinley American Legion Post 231 at 1956 W 35th Street for a closing ceremony and refreshments. A community-scale parade with a more neighborhood-centered character than the downtown event. Arrive by 9:15 AM to see the lineup. On-site parking is available at 2210 W Pershing Road.
3. Norwood Park Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2026
The parade usually departs from Onahan School, with a wreath presentation stop at Centennial Park, and concludes at Taft High School at 6530 W Bryn Mawr Ave for a tribute ceremony with performances by the Taft Drum and Bugle Corps and scholarship announcements. Arrive at Onahan School by 10 AM for the full assembly, or at Centennial Park by 10:30 AM for the wreath presentation. Free street parking is available in residential areas surrounding Norwood Park.
4. Ridge Run and Parade (Beverly/Morgan Park)
Monday, May 25, 2026
Ridge Park at 9625 S Longwood Drive is the anchor. Races start at 8 AM, with the parade following at 11 AM, marking the 100th Anniversary edition. The Metra Rock Island Line to the 95th Street or 99th Street Beverly Hills stations puts you within walking distance of both the race and the parade route along Longwood Drive.
Things to Do Near 620 N Fairbanks Ct This Weekend
Guaranteed Dispensary’s Streeterville location puts you within easy reach of several major destinations for the weekend.
Navy Pier at 600 E Grand Ave launches its Summer Fireworks schedule on Saturday, May 23, 2026, with displays every Wednesday and Saturday evening. The Miller Lite Beer Garden at Navy Pier hosts live outdoor music throughout the summer season. Libido Funk Circus performs on Saturday, May 23, at 7:35 PM.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago at 220 E Chicago Ave currently presents two exhibitions running through Memorial Day weekend: Dancing the Revolution: From Dancehall to Reggaetón (through September 20, 2026) and City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism (through August 16, 2026).
Millennium Park at 201 E Randolph Street hosts free public fitness classes on the Great Lawn on Saturday, May 23, 2026, as part of the summer workout series. Cloud Gate, the Lurie Garden, and the open public spaces are accessible throughout the weekend.
Grant Park at 331 E Randolph Street hosts the Sueños Music Festival, a two-day Latin and Reggaetón event with over 15 artists, food vendors, and bars, beginning Saturday, May 23, 2026.
The Chicago Veterans Ruck March takes place over Memorial Day weekend with thousands of veterans and supporters walking 20 miles through the city to raise awareness for PTSD and veteran suicide prevention.
Cannabis Deals at Guaranteed Dispensary Chicago
Guaranteed Dispensary at 620 N Fairbanks Ct is a fully licensed Illinois adult-use cannabis provider. All products available for purchase comply with Illinois state testing and reporting requirements. The dispensary carries state-approved categories including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, vapes, concentrates, and tinctures.
Browse our online menu in advance to review available product categories and current inventory. Online ordering for in-store pickup is available. Staff is available to answer questions about product formats, Illinois possession limits, and current promotions during the holiday weekend.
