Memorial Day is just around the corner, and what better way to kick off the summer than by exploring the beautiful state of Michigan? From picturesque beaches to historic landmarks, Michigan has something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a fun day out with family and friends, there are plenty of exciting activities to keep you busy over the Memorial Day weekend. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the best of Michigan this Memorial Day!
Find more events to add to your summer planning on the events calendar.
South West Michigan
This memorial day you can attend the Allegan Antiques Market season opener on May 28th. The market is a perfect place to find hidden treasures, with hundreds of quality dealers and collectibles to peruse.
River Saint Joe is open from 12-9 on Memorial Day and is a family-friendly venue with bocce, bags, tether ball, and more. Children are always welcome and can enjoy the kid’s menu and original flavored sodas. Dogs on leashes are welcome in the outside dining areas and farm. It’s a wonderful family gathering place!
Visit South Haven on Memorial Day weekend for a summer kickoff not to be missed! The Michigan Maritime Museum’s “Blessing of The Fleet” ceremony for ushering in a safe and successful season will be followed by a summer kick-off celebration from the most picturesque location in the heart of South Haven’s Maritime District!
The Air Zoo welcomes you to personalize a luminaria for display at the Air Zoo’s Memorial Day Luminaria. The Luminaria will be displayed on Memorial Day, and throughout the night, as a tribute to those who died while serving in the armed forces.
This Memorial Day, find great deals and exclusive offers on lodging to make the most of your stay in the Saugatuck/Douglas area, known for its charming small-town atmosphere and lovely beaches.
Stop by Krasl Art Center on your weekend visit to St. Joseph! Free and open to the public, you can explore ‘Andy Sweet’s South Beach’ in the galleries and do a sculpture scavenger hunt throughout St. Joseph and Benton Harbor on Memorial Day! In the late 1970s, Miami native Andy Sweet began photographing the elderly Jewish population of South Beach. Sweet was in his early 20s and was drawn to this group familiar to him from his youth. The photos capture an often-forgotten but important moment in Miami’s cultural heritage. Eccentricity, fun, glamor, and kitsch combine in these wonderful celebratory images – just in time for the beach season.
Central West Michigan
All are welcome to attend the annual Memorial Day Service in Veteran’s Park in Hudsonville on Monday, May 29, at 10 am. The event will consist of music in remembrance of those who have served the country and remarks from Hudsonville’s Mayor, local Veterans, the Civil Air Patrol, and other Hudsonville Representatives.
Start the summer season right with picnics, campfires, and s’mores in Pure Ludington! Visit Mason County campgrounds to take full advantage of the forests, dunes, and beaches along Lake Michigan over Memorial Day weekend. You will also want to check out the Ultimate 90’s Dance Party on Saturday, May 27, in its outdoor Biergarten. This is the kickoff to the summer season at Stix, where crowds gather every weekend for these casual community concerts, complete with food, drinks, and backyard games.
On Memorial Day, parades and ceremonies are being hosted throughout Mecosta County. Remus, Morley, and Barryton host a Memorial Day Parade in the morning; times have yet to be confirmed. A few of the many Memorial Day events include the Gerald Pitts American Legion Post #473 ceremony and hot dog luncheon, Big Rapids AMVETS Post 1941, with a ceremony and parade followed by their Annual Chicken Barbeque hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary.
Holland community members will gather downtown on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29th, for a parade that begins at 8th and Central and ends at the Pilgrim Home Cemetery. The parade is followed at noon by a remembrance program and a music program in the cemetery. If you are looking for a great place to stay, The Country Inn and Suites has a special through June 9th where you can fill up on a warm and tasty complimentary breakfast buffet before a full and fun day of exploring Holland, Michigan. The deal gets sweeter with two free Dutch Village tickets and one hotel stay.
The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is open for play Memorial Day weekend (May 26-28), with outstanding exhibits such as Molly in Denali. The Museum will be closed on Memorial Day (May 29).
Attend the 5th Annual Cruisin’ with the Oldies, held in beautiful Downtown Newaygo during the Memorial Weekend Arts, Crafts & Vendor Show.
North West Michigan & Upper Peninsula
Join Shady Lane Cellars on May 27th to create permanent jewelry! Create custom bracelets, necklaces, and anklets welded on permanently. These pieces can symbolize the bonds of love, friendship, and commitment. Enjoy $5 off a bracelet purchase with a $50 or more Shady Lane Cellars wine purchase. Be sure to register for this event!
If you are a mushroom fanatic, you will want to attend the 63rd National Morel Festival in Boyne City! The event features a Carnival, Taste of Morel, Wine, and Dine, the National Hunt competition, and fun for the whole family.
Kick off summer on the golf course and play 36 holes in the Crystal Cup at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville! Individual players and pairs will be divided into teams for two days of friendly competition featuring a Champions Dinner and trophy presentation for the winners. Event dates: May 26-28. Deadline to sign up: May 22. Save up to 25% on lodging when you book Hot Lodging Dates, including Friday, May 26, and Monday, May 29.
Experience the Annual Memorial Day Car Show in Cadillac! The event will be held Saturday, May 27th, – from 8 am to 2 pm, and will be held in Downtown Manton next to the Manton Station.
The beautiful streets of Mackinaw are a great place to spend your Memorial Weekend! Start your weekend by viewing the Mackinaw City Memorial Parade – the largest in the state. Experience the thrill of bands, salute the honored veterans, and watch as floats, queens, clowns, and the Fort Michilimackinac Reenactment Pageant Cast in costume parade through downtown Mackinaw City. Finally, be a spectator at the muzzleloader events held throughout the weekend in Mackinaw City at Fort Michilimackinac, downtown, and at the Mackinaw City High School. On Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, we will pause to honor the departed friends and relatives at the Memorial Day Service at Conkling Heritage Park near the Municipal Marina at 10:00 am.
Experience a short but powerful observance as soldiers muster at Fort Mackinac and solemnly march to the Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery. There, MSHP’s director will provide brief remarks, flowers will be placed on a grave, and a rifle salute will be performed. This is a free event. Experience Mackinac over Memorial Day with these fantastic packages at Harbor View Inn!
While visiting Mackinac Island, consider staying at the Grand Hotel for the weekend. Explore the historical landmarks and natural beauty of Mackinac Island, enjoy the tradition of Afternoon Tea in the Parlor and nightly live musical entertainment, kick back and relax in a rocking chair on the World’s Longest Porch, and be one of the first guests to dive into the Esther Williams Swimming Pool in 2023.
Petoskey Area has a Memorial Day parade in Harbor Springs; a weekend getaway to the Petoskey area is the perfect way to start the summer season! Also, check out great hotel packages and lodging specials in the area.
Kick off the summer travel season with a Memorial Day Weekend stay at the four-season resort in Bellaire, Shanty Creek Resort. With golfing, dining, biking, hiking, and more, Shanty Creek offers countless ways to relax, play and kick off the summer travel season with family and friends.
Spend Memorial Day weekend in the Keweenaw Peninsula and celebrate mountain biking season with Ride the Keweenaw and Houghton From the Ground Festival. The weekend begins Friday with a guided ride on the Southern Keweenaw Trails and through the caverns at Adventure Mine, where bikers can check out the bats and old mine workings along the way. Saturday offers family-friendly group rides in Houghton, Hancock, and Calumet, as well as a family Enduro race at Michigan Tech Trails. In addition, riders are encouraged to ride down to the Houghton Waterfront Pier from 12-5 for the Houghton From the Ground Festival. On Sunday, all the riding action is in Copper Harbor. The first Lake Superior Gravity Series Enduro of 2023 takes place in the morning with 2-3 stage Sport and 3-4 stage Expert classes. Following the last day of riding, they will unveil the latest stellar ArtBike posters.
Summer music is starting at the Bonobo Winery in Traverse City! On May 26th, the winery will have Kevin Reeves playing on the patio and will feature different local artists every Friday evening through October.
Spring is an exciting time of the year here at The Pere Marquette River Lodge! Time to hit the river and catch some beautiful resident trout on streamers and dry flies. Don’t forget to check out their May streamer school taking place over Memorial Day weekend, and keep an eye out for some Father’s Day and Memorial Day sales at the shop.
Kick off the summer on Walloon Lake! Check out the Wet Paint Art & Craft Show, browse sidewalk sales from Tommy’s Walloon, attend the Blessing of the Boats, and join us for the annual opening of the Dock Bar. After a fun day, stay at one of the many outstanding hotels and bed and breakfasts, such as the Walloon Lake Inn. The Inn offers a great deal beginning on Memorial Day, with ½ off select wines and small plates in the Adirondack chairs during Walloon Wine Time and Brunch with Walloon Lake from 10 AM to 2 PM every Sunday.
Hotel Walloon is another excellent place to stay for the weekend, with an intimate holiday-themed welcome reception on Friday! Learn more about the Memorial Day Weekend package at Travel + Leisure’s No.1 Resort, Hotel Walloon, on their website.
Check out Marquette during Memorial Day weekend! The weekend typically boasts clear skies and delightful, breezy temperatures, and in a town with plenty of outdoor adventures, the ways to celebrate with friends and family are endless. Local favorites include heading to Wetmore Landing or Little Presque Isle Beach for a fun day on the shore.
