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Annual Events, Community

Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade

A uniformed color guard holds flags while another officer stands nearby on a city street during a formal outdoor event.
People stand and salute in front of wreaths at a memorial event, while uniformed individuals with rifles stand in formation on a city street.
A group of police officers on motorcycles with flashing lights rides down a city street lined with spectators and trees.
A color guard in uniform marches in a parade, holding American, Maryland, and other flags, with a police car and spectators in the background.
An older man in a suit sits atop the back of a convertible car labeled
A person waves from a gray Ford Thunderbird convertible in a parade, with a sign reading
A group of drummers in red shirts and headbands perform in a parade, with American flags on their drums and spectators watching from the sidewalk.
A group of performers in yellow costumes play waist drums and smile while marching in a parade on a city street.
A group of women in colorful, sequined costumes dance in a street parade during daylight, with trees and spectators in the background.
A parade moves down a tree-lined street with participants in yellow costumes, watched by crowds seated along both sides of the road.

Founded in 1944 by William “Bill” Wood, the Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade is a long-standing tradition in the City of Rockville.

The day begins with a ceremony honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and concludes with the annual parade, which features more than 50 units, including military and community groups, marching units, dance troupes, and more.

Each year, the City of Rockville selects a local veteran or active-duty military member to serve as the city’s grand marshal and lead the festivities.

2026 Event Details

Monday, May 25, 2026

Rockville Town Center Park
131 Gibbs St.
Rockville, MD 20850

9 a.m.: Musical Tribute by the Rockville Concert Band and Chorus
9:30 a.m.: Ceremony
10:30 a.m.: Parade Begins at North Washington Street and Martins Lane

Parade Participant Applications

The general parade application period closed on Friday, April 3. Applicant admittance decisions will be sent to all general parade applicants by Friday, April 17.

Elected officials have until Friday, May 15 to apply to participate in the parade. Those interested in joining the Rockville Memorial Day Parade may download and complete the application below.

Per the City of Rockville Campaign Policy, only current elected officials may participate in parades sponsored by the City of Rockville, including City of Rockville, other municipal, county, state, and federal elected officials. Individuals who are not elected officials and are candidates for non-City of Rockville elected office may not participate in parades sponsored by the City of Rockville.

Elected Officials Parade Application
Map of the Rockville, Maryland parade route, starting at Martins Lane, passing key streets and closing at Monroe St., with road closures and parking locations marked.

Parade Route and Road Closures

The parade begins at North Washington Street and Martins Lane, then heads south on North Washington Street. It turns left onto Beall Avenue, right onto Maryland Avenue through Rockville Town Square, and left onto East Montgomery Avenue.

Roads around the parade route will close at 6 a.m. and reopen at 2 p.m.

Parking

Free parking is available at the Rockville Metro lots, Rockville City Hall lots, and Jury lot.

Paid parking, including accessible parking, is available for $5 in the Rockville Town Square garage, accessible from Route 355 or North Washington Street, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Memorial Day. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Regular Rockville Town Square parking rates apply at all other times.

Logo with large blue "250," red "America," blue "City of Rockville" seal, and "Rise Together" text, marking Rockville's participation in America's 250th anniversary.

In honor of America’s 250th birthday, this event will feature celebratory touches commemorating this historic milestone.

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Contact

Recreation and Parks Department
Special Events Division
240-314-8620
specialevents@rockvillemd.gov

Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Address
Taft Center
6 Taft Court
Rockville, MD 20850

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