Memorial Day Weekend 2016: Fireworks, parades and remembering those who gave all

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Scouts decorating a graveyard in Derry, NH.
Scouts decorating the graves of veterans in Derry, NH.

RELATED STORY: MEMORIAL DAY 2019 Parade Schedule and more


MANCHESTER, NH — Historically, Memorial Day started as Decoration Day, a fixed holiday on May 30, so named in 1868 as a day to break from the routine of life and honor our Civil War dead by decorating their graves.

Much about how we celebrate this day has changed over time, including when we celebrate, and even the holiday’s name.

Too many of us take for granted the opportunity to remember those who have served and died. We sleep in, plan a picnic or barbecue, head to the beach or the mountains for some relaxation and family time.

And that’s all good.

But especially now that so many of us here at home understand, first-hand, the sacrifice made by those who serve in the U.S. military, we wanted to highlight a few ways to honor those who’ve served while you’re also enjoying some family time.

You can plan to attend this year’s Memorial Day Service at the VA Hospital at 10 a.m., or the annual Memorial Day Parade, which begins May 30 at 2 p.m. on Elm Street.

If you’d like to, click here to submit a photo a veteran you’d like to honor  and we’ll add them to our Memorial Day 2016 gallery.

You’ll find some event highlights below, including holiday, music and family fun events in and around Manchester. Or, find even more regional events at VisitNH.gov.


May 27:

FIREWORKS: New Hampshire Fisher Cats vs Reading Fightin Phils 6:35 pm @ Northeast Delta Dental Stadium

Lisbon Lilac Festival (Memorial Day Theme) May 27-29

Catfish Howell LIVE! 7:00 pm @ N’Awlin’s Grille

Jose & Patti: Neil Diamond and friends 7:30 pm @ The Palace Theatre

Amoskeag Studio presents Steven Kirby 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm @ Amoskeag Studio

Queen City Soul at Queen’s Pub 9 p.m.

May 28

FIREWORKS: New Hampshire Fisher Cats vs Reading Fightin Phils 6:05 pm @ Northeast Delta Dental Stadium

Chowderfest & Brews at Waterville Valley (May 28-30)

Groove Cats LIVE! 7:00 pm @ N’Awlin’s Grille

Stunt Double Riot at Queen’s Pub, 9 p.m.

May 29

Wildquack Duck Festival, Jackson, NH

Groove Cats LIVE! 7:00 pm @ N’Awlin’s Grille

Fireworks at Hampton Beach, 9:30 p.m.

May 30

Memorial Day Service, Manchester VA Medical Center, 10:30 a.m.

Pulpit Rock WWII Tower Tour, Rye

Fisher Cats: Memorial Day – Welcome Home Celebration 1:35 pm @ Northeast Delta Dental Stadium

Manchester Memorial Day Parade 2 p.m. – 4:30 pm @ Elm Street

Chowderfest & Brews at Waterville Valley

Margarita’s Trivia Night 8:00 pm @ Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

Another idea:

NH State Parks are open for OHRV vehicle riding on the trails. Click here to find a park near you.


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About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!