Best Flag Day Parades in the U.S.

On June 14, 1777 Congress officially adopted the United States flag in a resolution. Annually, we celebrate the flag and its origins on this date. Believe to have originated in 1885, Flag Day was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 and in 1949, President Harry Truman signed into law the Act of Congress that recognizes June 14th as National Flag Day.

Since 1777, the flag has received 26 design revisions, became an emblem America’s schoolchildren pledge allegiance to daily, inspired the writing of the United States’ national anthem, travelled as far as the moon, and has become a widely-recognized symbol of American patriotism. Across the country, Americans will celebrate the Stars and Stripes this June 14, so we’ve compiled a list of some Flag Day Parades across the U.S. - if you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate, a road trip to any of these parades would surely honor the flag!

Quincy, Massachusetts - Saturday, June 11, 2016

This New England town has hosted a parade to celebrate America’s flag annually on the Saturday closest to Flag Day for over 60 years! The parade marches up Hancock Street from Coddington Street to Merrymount Parkway for 1.2 miles, and starts at 7:00 PM. Following the parade, a celebration will be held in Pageant Field.

Three Oaks, Michigan - June 10-12, 2016

The Three Oaks Michigan Flag Day Celebration bills itself as the world’s largest flag day parade, and takes place over 3 whole days! The parade itself kicks off at 3PM on Sunday the 12th, but the weekend-long celebration is packed full of events. With everything from sports tournaments to live music, farmers markets and even a pet parade, Three Oaks has something for the whole family.

Appleton, Wisconsin - Saturday, June 11, 2016

Advertising itself as the oldest flag day parade in the U.S., the Appleton event will surely celebrate America and her flag in style this year. The parade includes bands, floats, and a special tribute to the U.S. Air Force. Starting at Wisconsin Avenue and Oneida Street, the parade will travel west, then south down State Street, and finally east across College Avenue to Drew Street starting at 2:00 PM.

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, NY - Thursday, June 9, 2016

In this New York town, the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Business & Professional Association hosts a Flag Day Parade. The 15th annual celebration of the flag in this community will take place this year on June 9th, at 7:00 PM and travels down Route 50. Prior to the parade, a one-mile road race will be run down the same route.

Hudson, NY - Saturday, June 11, 2016

The town of Hudson, New York also celebrates Old Glory with a parade. The parade steps off at 2:00 PM and marches along Warren Street. At the end is the Henry Hudson Riverfront Park. Here, after the parade a large celebration is traditionally held after the Flag Day parade, drawing thousands of visitors.

Troy, NY - Sunday, June 12, 2016

The city of Troy, NY will celebrate its 49th annual Flag Day Parade this year. Advertising forty thousand spectators, the Troy Flag Day Parade steps off at 1:00 PM and runs for 2 miles down 4th Street, from Main Street to Federal Street.

La Mesa, CA - Saturday, June 4, 2016

The La Mesa Flag Day Parade begins at 10:00 AM and marches down La Mesa Boulevard through La Mesa’s downtown village. The city’s salute to Old Glory also includes a pre-parade concert and an ice cream social.

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