Fort Wayne Memorial Day Celebrations
Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum will be hosting its annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. The procession will begin at 11 a.m. on May 26th.
The parade will begin in the eastern corner of the Memorial Coliseum parking lot and follow Harry W Baals Drive to Parnell Ave, then turn right, proceeding north back to the western entrance of the Memorial Coliseum.
Immediately following, enjoy the placement of wreaths and playing of taps at the Memorial Coliseum, honoring and remembering fallen brothers and sisters-in-arms.
Events at the Veterans National Memorial Shrine & Museum
Honor the Fallen at the 24-Hour Watch Fire
Friday, May 23 at 6 p.m. to Saturday, May 24 at 6 p.m.
Veteran’s National Memorial Shrine, 2122 O’Day Road, Fort Wayne
The fire will be lit at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 24 and continue until Saturday at 6 p.m. Logs will be placed on the fire to honor all veterans who served for our freedom and died. Names of the fallen will also be read aloud, and family members may also come read their names aloud in-person at the event.
The tradition of the Watch Fire goes back to 1735 when it was initiated to alert troops to enemy positions. In the Revolutionary War, the Watch Fire was used to help guide the wounded soldiers back to find medical help and friendly shelter after battles. This event is open to veterans, their families, and the general public — to join in paying their respects. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs to sit on during the event.
World War II Memorial Dedication
On Sunday, May 25 the museum will hold a World War II Memorial Dedication at Noon.
Bench Dedication
On Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day), there will be a Bench Dedication hosted by Rolling Thunder POW/MIA.
While you celebrate and pay your respects, visit the Veteran's National Memorial Shrine at the W. Paul Wolf War Museum and attend the Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom Ceremony on May 26th.
When visiting, walk the length of the 360-ft. Vietnam War Memorial Wall located on the grounds. The wall — an 80% size replica of the original Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C. — is a lasting tribute to those who served and lost their lives in the Vietnam War, with thousands of names etched into the wall as far as the eye can see.
Learn more about the Vietnam War Memorial Wall
Memorial Day Yoga on The Landing
Honor the spirit of the day with community and movement. FREE for veterans and active military (no registration needed for veterans and military— just bring your military ID)! Go to The Landing for a fun, challenging, and energizing yoga flow designed to build strength and flexibility — accessible for all levels! $16 drop-in fee.
5k Virtual Challenge
Challenge yourself to a 5K walk or run on your own time, anytime between May 26 - 30. Learn more about prizes, routes, and challenges here.
Enjoy Fort Wayne's Parks
Fort Wayne is home to many beautiful parks and trails perfect for a walk or picnic!
Make a Splash
The splash pads at various Fort Wayne parks will open Saturday, May 24 with hours from 9am-9pm, weather depending.
Photo Credit: @jdmcgauley
Additional Events This Memorial Day Weekend
Enjoy the long weekend with one of the many events happening around Fort Wayne! Stroll the Farmer's Market Saturdays from 9am-1pm, or visit the Botanical Conservatory's Live Butterfly Exhibit. Or if you want to watch a game, grab your tickets for a TinCaps Baseball homestand from May 23 - 25 (with post-game fireworks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!).
Planning to visit a number of our attractions? Check out the Fort Wayne Adventure Pass — and receive admission to 7 of Fort Wayne's top attractions for ONE low price!
See the full Calendar of Events for more.
This post was originally published in April 2018 and has been updated. Last Updated: May 2025
