Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in West Michigan, and there’s no better place to kick off the season than right here in Pure Michigan’s most beautiful backyard. Discover unforgettable ways to spend your long weekend across West Michigan, from historic island escapes and vibrant parades to outdoor adventures and coastal charm.
St. Joseph: Memorial Day Parade
- The annual Memorial Day Parade in St. Joseph honors veterans and remembers those who sacrificed for our country. Held along Lake Boulevard, the parade concludes at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell with a commemorative program, creating a meaningful and community-centered West Michigan tradition.
South Haven: Summer Begins Here
- Celebrate the season in South Haven with the Michigan Maritime Museum’s Blessing of the Fleet and Fish Fry on May 22, followed by the classic Memorial Day Parade on May 25. Downtown shops, restaurants, and attractions also launch full summer hours.
The Morris Estate: Culinary Escapes
- The Morris Estate in Niles invites guests to enjoy a six-course Culinary Experience on May 22 for a memorable Memorial Day weekend escape. Visitors can choose from private suites, cabins, whole house rentals, or unique Airstream stays with scenic river views and breakfast included.
Saugatuck/Douglas: Memorial Day Traditions
- Memorial Day in Saugatuck/Douglas begins with the Saugatuck Memorial Day Parade at 9 a.m., followed by a ceremony at Memorial Park honoring local veterans. The American Legion Post #137 continues the tribute in Douglas, while nearby Fennville hosts its own parade.
Cornwell’s Turkeyville: Flea Market & Antique Show
- Cornwell’s Turkeyville Flea Market & Antique Show brings together vendors and treasure hunters for a lively Memorial Day weekend tradition. Browse antiques, collectibles, and unique finds across sprawling outdoor grounds, then enjoy on-site dining, homemade treats, and classic family-friendly farm experiences.
Battle Creek: Family Fun at Binder Park Zoo
- Binder Park Zoo is open Memorial Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering families the perfect way to kick off summer in Southwest Michigan. Spend the day exploring animal exhibits, enjoying sunshine, and creating lasting holiday weekend memories together.
Holland: Parade and Lakeshore Escape
- Join local Hollanders for the Memorial Day Parade at 9:30 a.m. as the community gathers to honor those who served. After the tribute, visitors can enjoy lakeshore charm and special lodging deals for a relaxing spring-to-summer weekend getaway.
Grand Haven: Parade and Patriotic Celebration
- Downtown Grand Haven hosts the 2026 Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25, beginning at 6th Street and Washington Avenue. The procession travels to Escanaba Park, where a ceremony honors veterans and fallen heroes before concluding with a wreath-laying ceremony.
USS Silverside Submarine Museum: Lights of Honor
- Remembering Our Heroes on May 23. This meaningful event includes military flyovers, live entertainment, food vendors, and a sunset luminary ceremony honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Grand Rapids: New Exhibit at Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
- Don’t miss Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen featuring Black Wings: American Dreams in Flight at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. Opening May 23, this engaging exhibit explores aviation history, STEM learning, and the inspiring legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Aquastar Cruises: Blessing of the Boats
- The annual Blessing of the Boats Cruise aboard the Aquastar departs May 24 from downtown Muskegon. Guests enjoy a parade of boats, the washing of the South Pierhead Lighthouse, and blessings for a safe boating season on beautiful Lake Michigan.
Ludington: Live Music
- Country music fans can catch Multi-Platinum Quartz Hill Records artist Joe Nichols performing live at STIX on May 23. His Memorial Day weekend concert adds excitement to Ludington’s entertainment lineup and helps kick off summer with a high-energy show.
Port of Ludington Maritime Museum: Maritime History
- In honor of National Maritime Day declared in 1933, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum is holding a two-day event (May 22-23 ) at the museum with guided tours, knot-tying lessons, and harbor viewing with a docent (narrating the history of the local harbor). 10-5 p.m.
Manistee: North Pierhead Light Opening
- Lakeshore Keepers celebrates Memorial Day with the public reopening of the Manistee North Pierhead Light on May 25. Visitors can attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, explore the lighthouse gift shop, and climb the historic tower during this special lakeshore celebration.
Applesauce Inn B&B: Relaxing Retreats
- Applesauce Inn in Bellaire offers a Summer and Fall Stay Longer Special with savings on three-night and four-night stays. This makes Memorial Day weekend the perfect time to book a longer Northern Michigan getaway and enjoy more time exploring the region.
Wellston: Outdoor Adventure on the Pine River
- Pine River Paddlesports Center offers a peaceful Memorial Day weekend escape with camping, canoe rentals, kayaks, and family-friendly floats along one of Michigan’s most scenic rivers. It’s the ideal destination for unplugging, reconnecting, and enjoying outdoor adventure together.
Shanty Creek Resort: Golf, Trails, and Relaxation
- Shanty Creek Resort offers the perfect Memorial Day golf getaway in Northern Michigan. With championship golf courses, scenic biking trails, peaceful hikes, and lodging specials, families and couples can enjoy both adventure and relaxation among the beautiful Chain of Lakes.
Friske’s: Red, White & Thank You Event
- Friske’s Red, White & Thank You event in Northern Michigan celebrates Memorial Day weekend with a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests can enjoy seasonal farm market offerings, local flavors, and patriotic spirit while gathering to honor service members and kick off the summer season.
Crystal Mountain: Michigan Beer & Brat Festival
- Thompsonville’s Crystal Mountain hosts their Michigan Beer & Brat Festival on May 23 featuring Michigan craft beer, hard cider, mead, wine, and gourmet brats from local markets. Live performances and a lively outdoor setting make this a favorite Memorial Day weekend tradition.
Treetops Resort: Memorial Day Golf Getaways
- Treetops Resort in Gaylord offers Memorial Day golf packages perfect for a Northern Michigan escape. Championship courses, scenic landscapes, and a peaceful atmosphere create the ideal long weekend retreat for golfers looking to begin the summer season on the greens.
Petoskey Area: Festival Views and Spring Getaways
- Memorial Day weekend in the Petoskey Area offers scenic beauty and active fun with the Top of Michigan Festival of Races along the Little Traverse Wheelway. Visitors can also explore lodging specials, including Boyne Mountain Resort’s Memorial Weekend Getaway Package and downtown shopping escapes.
Perry Hotel: Spring Shopping Package
- The Perry Hotel’s Spring Shopping Package includes breakfast overlooking Little Traverse Bay, dining dollars, and downtown Petoskey shopping perks. This two-night seasonal escape blends waterfront relaxation with charming boutiques, local dining, and fresh spring air from May 1 through June 3.
Bay View Inn: Spring at the Inn Package
- The Bay View Inn’s Spring at the Inn Package creates a refined Memorial Day getaway with lakeside views, breakfast each morning, Social Hour hors d’oeuvres, and dining dollars for sister restaurants. It’s a peaceful Northern Michigan retreat available through mid-June.
Mackinaw City: Michigan’s Largest Memorial Day Parade
- Mackinaw City hosts the state’s largest Memorial Day Parade on May 23 with floats, marching bands, community groups, and tributes to veterans. Visitors can return May 25 for the Memorial Day Service at Marina Park for reflection and remembrance.
St. Ignace: Drones, Fireworks, and Cultural Celebration
- Experience the St. Ignace Drone Show Series as hundreds of synchronized drones light up the waterfront night sky. Visitors can also enjoy the Annual Native American Festival celebrating Anishinaabe heritage and a free fireworks show over Moran Bay during Memorial Day weekend.
Mackinac Island: Historic Memorial Day Observance
- Memorial Day on Mackinac Island officially launches the summer season with extended hours, full ferry service, and special overnight deals. Fort Mackinac hosts a moving observance where soldiers march to Fort Cemetery for a ceremony and salute honoring service members.
Marquette: Upper Peninsula Escapes
- Memorial Day weekend in Marquette offers breezy beach days, peaceful picnics, and scenic views along Lake Superior. Popular spots like Wetmore Landing and McCarty’s Cove provide the perfect setting to relax, reflect, and welcome the unofficial start of summer.
