Parades, parties, and places to visit are in abundance this Memorial Day weekend in Michigan, offering a plethora of activities for everyone.
From honoring veterans with heartfelt ceremonies to enjoying live music and delicious food, communities across the state are celebrating in style. Whether you’re looking to admire classic cars, participate in a colorful parade, or relax by the lake, Michigan’s vibrant cities and charming towns have something special planned to kick off your summer. Here’s a roundup of events and destinations to make your Memorial Day weekend unforgettable.
Grand Rapids
Friday, May, 24— Kick off your Memorial Day Weekend at Food Truck Fridays! Whether you’ve decided to stay in town or heading to the shore, fueling up on some of our city’s scrumptious street food may be in order. Head to Riverside Park (2001 Monroe Ave. NE) from 5 – 9 p.m. for a feast of flavors. Last Friday’s event attracted over 2,000 food lovers, so arrive early to beat the crowd and enjoy a variety of delicious bites.
Saturday, May 25— Join the excitement of the annual Grand Rapids Memorial Day Parade! Starting at 10 a.m., the parade will travel down Monroe Avenue NW and Lyon Street, winding its way through Monroe Center before concluding with a heartfelt ceremony at Veterans Park (101 Fulton St E).
Rev up your engines at Cars & Coffee Grand Rapids! On Saturday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Grand Rapids Downtown Market (435 Ionia Ave SW) will host its first Cars & Coffee event of the season. Admire 150 stunning vehicles, ranging from exotic and European to classic, tuner, muscle, and show cars. Plus, enjoy tasty treats and beverages from the 17 indoor Market Hall merchants, open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cascade Township
Cascade Township invites the community to a Memorial Day ceremony on May 27 at 10 a.m. outside the Cascade Library, 2870 Jacksmith Ave. SE. Township Supervisor Grace Lesperance will officiate, with Tim Dieffenbach from Thornapple Community Church delivering the invocation. Retired U.S. Navy Captain Thom W. Burke will be the guest speaker. The event will also feature a color guard, a flag raising, and music by the Forest Hills Central High School Jazz Band.
Hastings
Hastings will honor veterans with a parade starting downtown at 9:30 a.m. on May 27. The parade will stop at memorials for wreath-laying ceremonies, complete with the playing of Taps and a 21-gun salute. The parade concludes at Riverside Cemetery with a final memorial ceremony.
Holland
Holland community members will gather downtown on Memorial Day to honor veterans. The parade begins at 8th and Central at 9:30 a.m., moves down Columbia Avenue, and ends at Pilgrim Home Cemetery with a program of remembrance and music.
St. Joseph
Get your summer started at The Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph’s Dockside Bar, 800 Whitwam Dr., featuring live music starting Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy performances every Saturday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoons from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. all summer long. Relax by the harbor, sip refreshing cocktails, and savor delicious bites from their menu.
South Haven
The Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Ave., will begin the 2024 summer season with a Blessing of the Fleet on Friday, May 24, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tall Ship Friends Good Will, museum vessels, and other harbor boats will participate in a ceremony for a safe and successful season, followed by a summer celebration and fish fry.
Saugatuck
Saugatuck will host two Memorial Day parades on May 27. The Saugatuck parade starts at 9 a.m., followed by the Douglas parade at 10 a.m. Campit Outdoor Resort, 6635 118th Ave., will host a Memorial Day Weekend celebration from May 24-27, including dance parties, pool fun, and a summer kick-off after-party. The resort welcomes all members of the LGBTQ+ community, along with friends and allies. Active and retired military veterans will receive a discounted stay.
Ludington
Start the summer season at Stix in Ludington with a performance by Trippin Billies, the nation’s most renowned Dave Matthews tribute band, on May 25 at 8 p.m. Enjoy casual community concerts, food, drinks, and backyard games at 1963 Lakeshore Dr. Experience the ultimate stay and play getaway with the Experience Amway Grand Package, offering luxurious accommodations and a $100 food and beverage credit.
Whitehall
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend at Michillinda Lodge, 5207 Scenic Dr., with a special three-night stay. Enjoy activities like disc golf, basketball, and tennis, and attend Memorial Day parades in Downtown Muskegon. Events include Old Fashioned Days in Fruitport and concerts at Mona Shores High School. Honor our heroes at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum’s 37th Annual Lost Boat Ceremony.
Muskegon
Join Muskegon Lake Sunset Cruises with Aquastar Cruises, starting with a sunset sail on May 23. Enjoy afternoon cruises on May 25 and the Blessing of the Boats ceremony on May 26. Cruises feature live music, historical narrations, and fully stocked onboard bars. Cruises depart from 560 Mart St.
Thompsonville
Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville will host the 17th Annual Michigan Beer & Brat Festival on May 25. Enjoy live entertainment from The Drew Hale Band and The RockShow Band, and sample a vast selection of Michigan’s finest microbrews, meads, hard ciders, wine, liquor, and gourmet brats. Crystal Mountain is located at 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr.
Mackinaw City
Mackinac State Historic Parks will hold a Memorial Day observance on May 25 at 8:30 a.m. Soldiers will march to the Post Cemetery for a ceremony. Mackinaw City will also host the state’s largest Memorial Parade at 1 p.m. and a Memorial Day Service at Marina Park on May 27 at 10 a.m. The observance will take place at 207 W. Sinclair Ave.
Mackinac Island
Memorial Day marks the full opening of businesses on Mackinac Island. Enjoy water activities, outdoor dining, and lodging specials from island hotels. Take in the scenic beauty and historical charm as the island comes alive for the summer season. Most activities are located around Main St.
Suttons Bay
Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay will celebrate the spring harvest with a wine-paired mushroom-inspired dinner on May 24. Enjoy an exquisite culinary experience crafted by their talented culinary and winemaking team, perfect for starting your summer in style. Black Star Farms is located at 10844 E. Revold Rd.
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