From parades to car shows and festivals all across the state, here are some Memorial Day weekend events to check out in Michigan.

Memorial Day weekend means different things to people. Some see the four-day weekend as the unofficial start of the summer, others see it as an opportunity to enjoy outdoor projects and relaxation, and many spend the time in somber remembrance.

Of course, no matter how you choose to spend Memorial Day weekend, the official reason for the day is in honor of all people who have died while serving the U.S. military, both in times of peace and in war. And while we keep the brave service people who have paid the ultimate sacrifice at the forefront of our minds, we’ve rounded up some of the Memorial Day weekend activities and festivities you can visit and enjoy. 

1. Detroit Diaspora Day Festival

• Where: The Norwood Theatre, 6531 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202
• When: Sunday, May 25, 12-11:59 p.m. EDT
• Cost: Eventbrite: $25.00 2nd release, $30.00 3rd release, $45.00 Premium Book

Taking place in none other than Detroit, the Diaspora Day Fest is an annual event—this year is the 7th running—that brings together art, music, conversation, and, of course, food. The adult-only event is taking place at The Norwood Theater and celebrates how music and culture can connect. To that end, visitors can enjoy a full 12 hours of rhythm, movement, and shared experience, starting at noon. 

According to the organizers, the Diaspora Day fest celebrates the heartbeat of Detroit’s creative pulse, whether you’re from Michigan or not. Some of the day’s entertainers and presenters include DJ Kemet, DJ Duane Powell from Chicago, Detroit’s Diviniti, Vern English, and sound architect Bernan Bush.

2. Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant

• Where: Colonial Michilimackinac, 102 W. Straits Ave. Mackinaw City, MI 49701
• When: May 24-25
• Cost: Admission to the reenactment pageant is free. Admission to Colonial Michilimackinac: $16.00 for adults, $9.75 for children aged 5-12.

If you ever want to connect to history in Michigan, Fort Michilimackinac is a wonderful place to do it. You can quite literally feel the history (and on most days, watch it) come alive. But on Memorial Day, something truly special happens at the Fort, with a three-day historical program reenactment pageant. 

The three-day event is actually the longest-running free Memorial Day historical program in the entire United States, and it takes place right here in Michigan. More than 400 cast members help bring history alive during a three-day reenactment of the 1763 Fort Michilimackinac battle between the French, British, and Native Americans. While the pageant is free, if you’d like to enjoy the rest of the fort’s exhibits, such as their enslaved people exhibits, French regime occupation, or Redcoats on the Frontier, during your visit, you will have to pay the admission fee. 

3. Mackinaw City Memorial Day Parade

• Where: Colonial Michilimackinac, 102 West Straits Ave. Mackinaw City, MI 49701
• When: Saturday, May 24, 1 p.m.
• Cost: Free

While you’re in the Mackinaw area, you’ll definitely want to plan to check out Michigan’s largest Memorial Day parade, also held at Fort Michilimackinac. Visitors to the entire weekend of events can meet famous Indian Chiefs, including Miniavavan and Matchekewis of the Ojibwa tribe, and Wawatam, who becomes a blood brother to Alexander Henry and later saves his life.

The Grand Parade is the largest Memorial Day parade in Michigan. It begins at Conkling Heritage Park and ends at Colonial Fort Michilimackinac. Get there early because the popular and zany Scottville Clown Band performs at 11:00 a.m., prior to the parade. Parking is available at Conkling Heritage Park and along Huron Avenue, and some shuttle services from nearby hotels are also available. 

4. Frankenmuth Dog Bowl

• Where: Frankenmuth River Place Shops, 925 South Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• When: May 24 & 25
• Cost: Free, community event

Dog lovers, unite! Bring your furry friend or family member to this canine celebration in downtown Frankenmuth to kick off Memorial Day weekend with man’s best friend. Enjoy free parking and tons of family-friendly activities over 25 acres of the Bavarian Inn’s property. There are a total of 29 dog events, with some you can enjoy as spectators and 22 you can participate in with your doggo.

Enjoy a pet parade, doggie fun runs, a costume contest, a canine cruise, or the pet marketplace. You don’t need a pet to enjoy all the fun, but there is also plenty of non-furry fun to be had (keep reading for Frankenmuth’s other fun Memorial Day weekend events).

5. Balloons Over Bavarian Inn

• Where: Frankenmuth River Place Shops, 925 South Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• When: May 23-26 (morning and evenings, see link for schedule)
• Cost:  Free, community event

Start and end your day in beautiful Frankenmuth by watching over 20 hot air balloons take flight. The balloons depart every morning from 7-8 a.m. and for their evening flights from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. You can also enjoy tethered light-up balloons from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. every evening. The nightly balloon glows take place during the Frankenmuth Dog Bowl in the grassy field near River Place Shop.

As part of the Dog Bowl, all parking for the balloon events is free, and participants are welcome to enjoy both events. If you live near Frankenmuth, you can even spread a white sheet in your yard to signal the balloon pilots to land in your yard!

6. Movement Festival

• Where: The Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226
• When: Saturday, May 24: 2 p.m.-midnight, Sunday, May 25: 2 p.m.–midnight, Monday, May 26: 2 p.m.–11 p.m.

• Cost: Tickets; GA 3-day pass: $319.00, GA 1-day: $169.00 (plus service fee)

It should come as no surprise that the Movement Festival over Memorial Day weekend is held in none other than Detroit, the birthplace of techno music. Visit the festival with a one or three-day pass to enjoy and celebrate the creators, trailblazers, and emerging leaders of electronic music. 

Movement has six stages, all representing different aspects of Detroit and its music:

• The Movement Stage, located in the amphitheater, is “the crown jewel” of the festival’s main events. 
• The Waterfront Stage, by the trees, showcases all types of music, including Funk, Hip-Hop, Breakbeats, and Ghettotech.
• The Pyramid Stage, positioned opposite the Waterfront Stage along the river, is a lively blend of summer mixes.
• The Stargate Stage is “distinctly Detroit” and backs up to a block party.
• The Detroit Stage highlights solely Detroit voices.
• The Underground Stage offers music fans a true “warehouse party” experience located under the main level of Hart Plaza.

7. Lights of Honor: Remembering Our Heroes

• Where: USS Silversides Museum, 1346 Bluff St, Muskegon, MI 49441
• When: May 24, 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Family Fun at the Sub 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Memorial Celebration Service 6 p.m.–10 p.m.
• Cost: Free, community event (Museum tickets can be found here, open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) 

Aptly named and memorable, the Lights of Honor event in Muskegon, Michigan, honors the over 40,000 Michigan service members who sacrificed for their country. The main tribute portion of the event is a touching luminary ceremony at sunset. 

Visitors can also enjoy family-friendly events and demonstrations, such as flag-folding instruction, submarine tours, a parachute activity, flyovers, engine starts, food trucks, and live entertainment. These events take place earlier in the day, from 4 to 6 p.m., while the memorial service starts at 6 p.m. (Some events will overlap, so don’t worry if you get there late!)

8. St. Ignace’s Annual Native American Festival

• Where: Museum of Ojibwa Culture, 500 N. State Street, St. Ignace, MI 49781
• When: May 24
• Cost: Free, community event

This free community event recognizes and celebrates the rich culture and contributions of the Anishinaabe people from the Ignace area. Located along the shores of Lake Huron, the annual festival features drummers, dancers, and workshop presenters.

The festival’s website promises visitors that they will get to experience the authenticity of the Anishinaabe way of life with traditional drums, dancing, and even the smell of sacred medicines and artistry materials like birch bark and porcupine quills. 

9. The Novi BBQ Fest: Ribs & Whisky

• Where: Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk 44175 W. Twelve Mile Road Novi, MI 48377
• When: Friday, May 23, 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; Saturday, May 24, 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 25, 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.; Monday, May 26, 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

• Cost: Eventbrite: $7 presale, $10 door, children under 10 free, military, police, and firemen free with ID

In the mood for some meat this Memorial Day weekend? Head over to the Novi BBQ Fest, which promises to be “an unforgettable experience for all BBQ enthusiasts, music lovers, and families alike.” Enjoy a selection of mouthwatering BBQ cuisine, live music, a cigar lounge, and activities for all ages. Twelve pit masters from across the U.S. will be showcasing their dishes, with a total of 20 food sellers to visit. 

If the little ones aren’t as enthused about BBQ, they can also enjoy less meaty fun, like face painting, magic shows, and lawn games. 

10. Classic Car & Craft Show 

• Where: Wall St. in Manton, MI 49663
• When: Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 
• Cost: Free

You could probably take your pick of any town in Michigan to find a Memorial Day weekend car or craft show, but Manton represents a lot of what Michigan was known for: a small town with a history in the railroad and heavily forested maple.   

The car show barricades the small town for safety so families and visitors can enjoy visiting and experiencing that small Michigan town feel. There are also three museums in town, conveniently open during Memorial Day weekend: The Manton Area Historical Museum, the Veterans’ Memorial Museum, and the Veterans’ Memorial Museum.

Other Michigan Memorial Day Weekend Events

• Tawas Arts & Crafts Show: A free community event at Shoreline Park, 429 W. Lake St., Tawas City, MI 48763 on May 24 (10-5 p.m.) and 25 (10-4 p.m.)
• Rolling Wizard Sidewalk Parade: A free community event hosted by Grand Rapids Friend Zone, held May 24 at the Rosa Parks Circle Plaza, 135 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
• Top of Michigan Festival of Races: Held May 24 at the Lime Kiln Kid’s Fishing Pier, Bayfront Park, 101 E. Lake St., Petoskey, MI 49770 US. You can purchase tickets for the half, 10K, or a 5K.
• Rainbow Farms Memorial Day Festival: Held from May 23-26, One Day General Admission starts at $20.00 or pay for the weekend for $55.