Upcoming May 2026 Veteran Events and Memorial Day Parades
SEE THE LATEST EVENT LISTINGS FOLLOWING THE SUMMARY.
In this week’s Thursday Preview, the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin spotlights several key additions to our comprehensive Veterans Calendar for the upcoming Saturday, 9 May 2026 Edition. As we move deeper into May, our focus shifts toward community fundraisers and the solemn preparation for Memorial Day observances across the state.
Community Fundraisers & Social Events
This week’s updates feature a diverse range of social gatherings designed to support local veteran posts and youth organizations:
- Winsted: An adults-only Stand Up Comedy Night at VFW Post 296 on May 9th supports local Scout Troop 1027.
- Essex: The Essex Veterans Memorial Hall hosts its 2026 Golf Outing & Dinner on May 16th at Portland West.
- Niantic: American Legion Post 128 will hold a Ziti & Meatball Dinner on May 16th to benefit local technical high school senior awards.
- Stratford: VFW Post 9460 invites veterans and families for Combat Tested Gaming on May 17th.
2026 Memorial Day Observances
Preparation for Memorial Day is in full swing, with several towns announcing their schedules for parades, ceremonies, and “Flags In” traditions:
- Middletown: The massive “Flags In” effort at the State Veterans Cemetery takes place on Saturday, May 23rd, followed by the official ceremony on Monday, May 25th.
- Essex: A multi-day tribute starting with grave flagging on May 17th, cemetery ceremonies on May 23rd, and the Annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25th.
- Stamford: The city’s annual parade and ceremony are scheduled for Sunday, May 17th, stepping off from Police Headquarters.
- Local Parades: Confirmed schedules are now available for Woodbury (May 24), Jewett City (May 25), Plainville (May 25), and Westport (May 25), the latter featuring a “250 Years of Honor & Service” float contest.
Looking Ahead to Summer
We are also tracking long-range events to help you plan your summer calendar, including the “Listen to Our Veterans Voices” Fundraiser in Southbury (June 5), the launch of the Oxford Veterans Coffee House (June 13), and the 9th Annual Flag Field for Heroes in Coventry (July 5).
Get Involved: Whether it is attending a charity dinner in Wolcott or volunteering to place flags in Middletown, your participation strengthens the Connecticut veteran community.
Full Publication: For complete event details, locations, and registration links, please refer to the full Saturday, 9 May 2026 Edition of the Connecticut Veterans Calendar on Saturday. Alternatively, view the previous publication, It doesn’t include the events here. However, it contains all previously included event listings.
Thursday 7 May 2026 5:00 AM
Included in the Connecticut Veterans Calendar at ctvetsbulletin.org on Saturday, 9 May 2026
Events are in order by date
Stand Up Comedy Fundraiser For Boy Scout Troop 1027
Stand Up Comedy Fundraiser For Boy Scout Troop 1027
Get ready for a real night out in Winsted—no kids, no chores, just big laughs, tacos, and great company. This adults-only stand‑up comedy show brings 5 of New England’s funniest comedians together for one high‑energy night of live entertainment.
Come hungry! The Taco Shack food truck will be on site selling food starting at 6:30 PM and during the show, serving up fresh tacos (sold separately) so you can eat, hang out, and settle in for the laughs. Grab your friends, line up your sitter, and make it a full night out with drinks, tacos, and the kind of jokes you’ll be talking about for weeks.
Tickets for the comedy show are just $35 per person.
https://www.simpletix.com/e/grown-ups-only-comedy-night-for-scouts-tickets-268756
Seating is limited—once they’re gone, they’re gone. Lock in your tickets now and get ready for a grown‑ups-only night out you actually look forward to.
Best of all, this event is a fundraiser supporting our local Scouts, helping send them to summer camp and outdoor adventures they’ll never forget. Come laugh loud, feel good about where your money’s going, and help us pack the house.
Hosted by:
Veterans Hall – Seicheprey VFW Post 296
Location: 114 Colebrook River Rd, Winsted, CT 06098
Essex Veterans Memorial Hall 2026 Golf Outing & Dinner
Essex Veterans Memorial Hall 2026 Golf Outing & Dinner
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Registration 8:30 am
Spectators Welcome Raffles, Awards, Prizes, Food and Fun!
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
› Opening Program 10:00 am
› Dinner, awards and raffles to follow at EVMH
PRICING
› Team Registration (4) $500
> Individual Registration $125
> Only Dinner Fee $25
Registration includes (2) drink tickets, cart, light lunch w/ select beer, steak dinner and more!
SPONSORSHIPS
Platinum: $700.00 Hole Sponsor, Complimentary Foursome and MORE!
Gold: $550.00 Rafile & Hole Sponsor
Silver: $250.00 Contest Sponsor
Bronze: $150.00 Hole Sponsor
For more info & volunteer opportunities
Andy Marciniec: 860-876-2021
Hosted by: Essex Veterans Memorial Hall
Location: Portland West Golf Course, 105 Gospel Ln,
Portland, CT 06480
Sons of the American Legion Ziti & Meatball Dinner
Sons of the American Legion Ziti & Meatball Dinner
Saturday, May 16th 2026
5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
PROCEEDS BENEFIT GRASSO TECHNICAL AND NORWICH TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR AWARD
- Ziti & Meatballs
- Garlic Bread
- Salad
- Desserts
Donation:
- Adults – $10.00
- Veterans $5
- Kids under 10 – $5.00
- Kids under 5 – Free
EAT IN OR TAKE OUT
Sons of the American Legion Squadron 128
Location: American Legion Post 128, 16 York Ave,
Niantic, CT 06357
(860) 739-9360
Essex Connecticut Memorial Day Parade & Ceremonies 2026
Essex Connecticut Memorial Day Parade & Ceremonies 2026
Sunday, May 17th
The new American flags will be placed on the graves by the Boy Scouts. If you would like to help, please contact John Lee at 802-324-6552
Saturday, May 23rd at 10:00 a.m.
The Essex Veterans will gather at River View Cemetery for a ceremony to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served our nation. Following the ceremony at River View, the group will continue to honor veterans at: First Baptist Church Cemetery Centerbrook Cemetery. This annual tradition is a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices made by those who defended our freedoms. The community is invited to join in these solemn observances and show support for our local veterans.
Monday, May 25, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
The Annual Essex Memorial Day Parade will be held. Participants will assemble at the foot of Main Street in Essex at 8:45 a.m. The parade will start at the Essex waterfront and proceed to the Essex Town Hall where it will stop for a prayer and a salute, then continue to the Essex Veterans’ Memorial Hall in Centerbrook. There, a ceremony and the conclusion of the parade will take place at approximately 10:30 a.m. Clam chowder, hot dogs, and ice cream will be served by the members of the Essex Veterans’ Memorial Hall. If weather precludes a parade, ceremonies will be held at the Essex Veterans’ Memorial Hall at 9:30 a.m.
Hosted by: The town of Essex Connecticut
Location: Essex Connecticut
Stamford Connecticut Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
Stamford Connecticut Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 2026
The City of Stamford will host its annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Sunday, May 17, 2026, honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation.
The parade steps off at 12:00 PM from Stamford Police Headquarters and proceeds through downtown before concluding at Veterans Memorial Park.
A commemorative ceremony will follow at 1:00 PM at Veterans Memorial Park.
This event is rain or shine. Community members, veterans organizations, and local groups are encouraged to participate.
Hosted by:
Stamford Patriotic & Special Events Commission, Stamford Veterans Park Partnership, Stamford Veterans Council and Stamford Veterans Resource Center.
Location: Downtown Stamford Connecticut
VFW Combat Tested Gaming
VFW Combat Tested Gaming
Sunday, MAY 17, 2026-
1PM-4PM OR LATER
OPEN TO ALL VETERANS AND THE FAMILIES
SNACKS PROVIDED
CANTEEN MENU AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
SUNDAY FUNDAY SPECIAL AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
Hosted by: Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post 9460, (203) 377-0214
& State CTG Director John Jacques
Location: 100 Veterans Blvd,
Stratford, CT 06615
Memorial Day Flags In at the State Veterans Cemetery Middletown CT
Memorial Day Flags In at the State Veterans Cemetery Middletown CT
“Not Forgotten”Your Help Is Needed To Honor Our Veterans That Are No Longer With Us To Show That They Are “Not Forgotten” For Their Service To Our Country!
On Saturday, May 23, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM sharp at the CT State Veterans Cemetery located on Bow Lane in Middletown, approximately 13,250 American Flags will be placed to honor and show respect at the final resting place of those Veterans who served our Country.
Event Details:
- Flag Placement: Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 9:00 AM (Rain or Shine)
- Memorial Day Ceremony: Monday, May 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM
Who Can Help?
Veteran groups, Scout Troops, Youth Groups, the public, and community organizations are all welcome. You do not need to register or call—just please show up by 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 23. Flags will be provided on-site.
Wreaths Across America
Donations are also being collected for the Wreaths Across America placement this December. We hope to make our goal this year in Mike’s memory. The cost of purchasing a wreath is $17.00.
https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/150231/Overview/?relatedId=14776
CT Veterans Affairs (860) 616-3600
Location: 317 Bow Ln, Middletown, CT 06457
Woodbury Connecticut Memorial Day Parade 2026
Woodbury Connecticut Memorial Day Parade 2026
The Town of Woodbury will host its annual Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 24, 2026, bringing the community together to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation.
The parade will begin at 2:00 PM, with participant line-up starting at 1:00 PM at Woodbury Middle School. The route proceeds along Washington Avenue to Church Street, continues onto Main Street, and concludes at Cannon Green.
A Memorial Day ceremony will take place at Cannon Green immediately following the parade. The 2026 parade theme is “America United Together,” encouraging participants to reflect unity, remembrance, and respect in their displays. Community organizations, veterans groups, families, and local participants are all welcome to take part, including the return of the popular Bike Brigade. This is a rain or shine event. Participation is free, but advance registration is required by May 15, 2026. If your organization would like to participate in the Memorial Day Parade, please register by May 15th.
Register on-line, or you can register by mail using this paper application. This can be dropped off at our offices at 7 Mountain Road, or mailed to 281 Main Street South, Woodbury, CT 06798.
Hosted by:
The Woodbury Connecticut Parks & Recreation Department
Location: Woodbury Connecticut
Jewett City Memorial Day Parade 2026
Jewett City Memorial Day Parade 2026
Monday, May 25, 2026
Join us for a Memorial Day Celebration and Parade. Remember and Honor.
- Start/End: Fanning Park, 38 E. Main St., Jewett City.
- Route: Down Main Street towards the Lisbon bridge, with a return to the park.
- Time: 9:00 a.m. (Ceremony followed immediately by the parade).
- Highlights: Includes a ceremony, wreath-laying, and a stop on the bridge to honor veterans lost at sea
Location: Fanning Park – Main Street, Jewett City, Connecticut
Plainfield Connecticut Memorial Day Parade 2026
Plainfield Connecticut Memorial Day Parade 2026
The Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 25 at 9:00 AM, with road closures along the route beginning as early as 8:30 AM and lasting about one hour. “No Parking” zones will be enforced.
Route:
The parade starts at Broad St & Whiting St, heads west on Broad St to Route 177 (Washington St), turns north to Route 372 (West Main St), heads east to Whiting St, then turns south back to the starting point.
Afterward, participants will disperse to designated areas. A brief ceremony will follow at Veteran’s Memorial Park (Maple St & Whiting St).
Residents along the route should plan ahead, as travel may be restricted from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
For questions, contact Lt. Mark Connoy at 860-747-1616 ext. 278 or connoy@plainville-ct.gov.
Hosted by:
The Town of Plainville Connecticut
Location: Starts and ends at Broad St & Whiting St,
Plainville Connecticut
Westport Memorial Day Parade & Float Contest 2026
Westport Memorial Day Parade & Float Contest 2026
The Town of Westport will host its annual Memorial Day Parade and Float Contest on Monday, May 25, 2026, honoring the fallen while bringing the community together in a long-standing tradition of remembrance.
The 2026 float contest theme is “250 Years of Honor & Service,” reflecting the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial and the enduring legacy of military service. Awards will be presented in multiple categories, including Best Development of Theme, Best Youth Organization Float, Most Creative, Best Community Organization, Most Colorful, and Best Overall Float.
The parade will step off at 9:00 AM along Riverside Avenue, proceeding north before turning onto Post Road East, continuing to Myrtle Avenue past Town Hall, then onto Main Street, and concluding at Parker Harding Plaza.
Immediately following the parade, a memorial ceremony will take place on Veterans Green, where the community gathers to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
This annual event typically features veterans groups, marching bands, civic organizations, youth groups, and themed floats, culminating in a formal remembrance program at Veterans Green.
Hosted by:
Location:
Westport Connecticut
Wolcott American Legion Pancake Breakfast
Wolcott American Legion Pancake Breakfast
SUNDAY, MAY 31ST, 2026 8:00A.M.-12:00P.M.
BREAKFAST BY:
- PANCAKES
- SCRAMBLED EGGS
- BACON
- SAUSAGE
- HOMEFRIES
- FRESH FRUIT
TICKETS
ADULTS $12.00
VETERANS $10.00
KIDS UNDER 10 $8.00
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS:
CALL 203-879-5128 OR MESSAGE LA FORTUNA ON FACEBOOK
COME HELP US SUPPORT THE WOLCOTT AMERICAN LEGION!
Hosted by:
American Legion Post 165 Wolcott (203) 879-1090
Location: 1253 Wolcott Rd, Wolcott, CT 06716
3rd Annual “Listen to Our Veterans Voices” Fundraiser**
3rd Annual “Listen to Our Veterans Voices” Fundraiser**
Friday, June 5, 2026,
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Join the Southbury community for a local initiative providing direct support to veterans facing medical, emotional, and financial hardships.
Tickets: $45 per person / $80 per couple (includes buffet dinner and wine).
Featured Guests: Live music by the Live Music Band with Timmy Maia, plus guest speakers including Southbury First Selectman Tim O’Neill and Naugatuck Mayor Pete Hess.
**Supporting the Mission**
Proceeds are distributed to provide immediate, dignified assistance:
* **50%** to a local veteran in need
(via private nominations).
* **25%** to VFW Post 1607.
* **25%** to Mission 22
(Veteran suicide prevention).
Nominations & Contact**
The community is encouraged to privately nominate veterans facing service-benefit delays or financial crises.
To nominate a veteran, sponsor the event, or purchase tickets,
contact Lisa Antrum:
call (203)982-4155 or email lisa.antrum@kw.com
Hosted by:
Lisa Antrum (203) 982-4155
Location: George Newton VFW Post 1607,
150 Lee Farm Dr,
Southbury, CT 06488
Oxford Veterans Coffee House
Oxford Veterans Coffee House
SATURDAY JUNE 13, 2026
10A-1P
THE TOWN OF OXFORD MUNICIPAL VETERANS REP PRESENTS
A NEW RESOURCE FOR OUR VETERANS
Join us as we launch the Oxford Veterans Coffee House. A space for veterans to connect, access resources, and build community.
FREE EVENT
- CT Veterans Affairs Leadership
- Local Veterans Service Reps
- Municipal Agent for the Elderly
- Municipal Veterans Rep
- Food Trucks
- Resources
- Coffee Outreach And More!
FAMILIES, SPOUSES, WIDOWS WELCOME
Hosted by: Oxford Veterans Municipal Rep (203) 888-2543
Location
OXFORD TOWN HALL 486 Oxford Rd, Oxford, CT 06478
Shelton Veterans Coffee House
Shelton Veterans Coffee House
NEW MONTHLY EVENT
VETERANS COFFEE HOUSE
JUNE 18, 2026
1:00PM TO 3PM
AN ACCREDITED VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MANY VETERAN BENEFITS AVAILABLE! THIS IS FREE, ALL VETERANS REGARDLESS OF TOWN YOU AVAILABLE!
THIS IS FREE, ALL VETERANS REGARDLESS OF TOWN YOU RESIDE IN ARE
Hosted by:
(203) 924.9324
Location: 81 Wheeler Street
Shelton, Connecticut 06484
MASH-UP Stand Up Comedy At American Legion Post 26
MASH-UP Stand Up Comedy At American Legion Post 26
Friday 6.19.26
Show time 7pm
FREE EVENT
PEACHES RODRIGUEZ & PETER BALES
*Please show Post or Veteran I.D. at the door
Brought to you exclusively by:
The Wounded Warrior Project and American Legion Post 26
Hosted by: American Legion Post 26 Stafford (860) 684-7619
Location:
10 Monson Road, Stafford Springs,
CT 06076
Tony Ferrigno Band Benefit Show For Our Wounded Service Members
Tony Ferrigno Band Benefit Show For Our Wounded Service Members
★FEAT. MILO FUSCALDO *
SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2026
12:30 PM TO 3:30 PM
NATIONAL ANTHEM SUNG BY JENIFER MENEDIS CONDON
ENTRY $35*-(INCLUDES FOOD & DRINK)
Video Live Streaming-Drone 203-979-4005
PROCEEDS TO SUPPORT OUR WOUNDED SERVICE MEMBERS
Hosted by:
Location
10 Seaview Ave,
Stamford, CT 06902
Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick 4th Degree Assembly 100 8th Annual Patriot Dinner
Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick 4th Degree Assembly 100 8th Annual Patriot Dinner
Norwalk, CT
Saturday, June 27, 2026
After 4:00 PM Mass (~5:00 PM)
Highlights:
- Irish dance performance (Mulkerin School of Irish Dance)
- Full Italian dinner
- 50/50 raffle
- Supports House of Heroes Connecticut (veterans)
Menu: Salad, Garlic Knots, Penne Vodka, Chicken Francaise, Eggplant Rollatini, Bread, Dessert
Soda & water included.
Cash bar available
Donation: $30 adults | $5 kids under 10 | Free (3 & under)
Important:
Reservations required (no walk-ins)
Deadline: June 24, 2026 Limited seating.
Reserve:
https://knights-of-columbus-assembly-100.square.site/
http://assembly100.org/payments/
Contact:
Scott Criscuolo | 203-858-6042 | scriscuolo@encompass.tv
Bring family & friends—support a great cause.
Hosted by: Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick 4th Degree Assembly 100
(203) 856-7101
Location
St. Matthew Church– Masterpool Great Room, 216 Scribner Ave, Norwalk, CT 06854
CT Landmarks 9th Annual Flag Field For Heroes Opening Ceremony
CT Landmarks 9th Annual Flag Field For Heroes Opening Ceremony
Sunday, July 5th, 2026 10AM
Connecticut Landmarks honors heroes this July with the 9th annual Flag Field for Heroes, presented in partnership with the Coventry Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Coventry American Legion. Please join us for an Opening Ceremony at 10 am on Sunday, July 5th, during the Farmers’ Market.
Ceremony Attendee Free
Suggested Donation $10.00
Flag Placement $10.00
Patrons can sponsor an American flag in honor of a military service member, veteran, or hero. Each flag will be fitted with a tag listing the honoree’s name, branch of service, and period of service. Flags will be on display from dawn to dusk until July 26, in front of the home that sent six sons to fight in the American Revolution. The Opening Ceremony will include patriotic poem readings, fife and drum music, and brief words from some of our veterans.
Hosted by:
Presented by: Coventry Veterans of Foreign Wars & the Coventry American Legion
Location: 2229 South Street
Coventry, CT 06238
Broken Jewelry Art Workshop
Broken Jewelry Art Workshop
Saturday, July 11, 2026 4:00PM – 6:00PM
Transform broken jewelry and decorative beads into a stunning, framed work of art.
Join a hands-on experience focused on the art of assemblage and meticulously arranging broken jewelry and decorative beads into a stunning composition. Participants will learn design balance and adhesive techniques to transform forgotten materials into a sophisticated work of art. All supplies are included.
Whether you’re looking to unwind, get inspired, or make a thoughtful handmade gift, this workshop is for you.
$40-must sign up at Broken Jewelry Art Workshop event site by clicking here
Hosted By: Julia Eve Designs
Location: American Legion Montville Post 112, 89 Pink Row, Uncasville, CT 06382
Homegrown By Heroes Veteran Farmers’ Market
Homegrown By Heroes Veteran Farmers’ Market
Thursday, August 6, 2026
3PM TO 6PM
RAIN or SHINE MARKET
Featuring a variety of Veteran Grown and Made vendors along with Veteran owned food trucks.
Rip Chord, the 102d Army Band of the CT National Guard, will perform from 5-6 pm.
- VA Veterans Health Administration Connecticut Healthcare System
- CT Veterans Affairs
- CT Department Of Agriculture
- Connecticut Resource Conservation & Development
VENDOR SIGNUP
Veteran Farmers And Makers Wanted
Deadline to signup is June 30, 2026
Limited space is available.
Vendor spaces are free to Veteran Farmers, Makers, and Food Purveyors.
Health permit requirements as applicable.
Outdoor market, if inclement weather market will be held in the Auditorium.
Insurance coverage required.
Hosted by:
Connecticut Resource Conservation & Development
Location: Department Of Veteran Affairs Campus,
287 West ST,
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
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