It’s gonna be a busy one this Memorial Day Weekend with events happening in every corner of Michigan.
The fun includes a massive electronic music festival in Detroit, along with a famous Latino celebration in Lansing, and a huge outdoor food festival down south. There are also many Memorial Day events to look forward to as we wind down the long weekend and get into Monday.
Since there are so many Memorial Day parades and events happening across the state, don’t take this as a comprehensive list by any means. I’ve tried to keep track of the bigger events.
As always, I’d love to hear your suggestions! If you know of an upcoming event you’d like me to highlight,
please send me a note here (suggestions should be submitted at least one week before the event).
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Join The ’Gander tomorrow, May 21, for a FREE livestreamed town hall on protecting kids online, moderated by chief political correspondent Kyle Kaminski.
The discussion will examine how platform design, corporate decisions, and policy gaps are shaping kids’ online experiences—and what parents, advocates, and policymakers are pushing for next.
Featured speakers include state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, Dr. Jenny Radesky of Michigan Medicine, and advocate Charay Gadd.
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Experts warn of aging Michigan population (Bridge Michigan): Michigan officials are warning that an aging population, rising retirements, and declining birth rates are shrinking the state’s workforce and school enrollments, which threaten future tax revenues and economic growth. State leaders say Michigan must attract and retain more residents to offset population stagnation.
Michigan teen charged with 9 felonies for ‘swatting’ (WILX): A 14-year-old boy has been charged with multiple felonies for allegedly making a series of swatting calls that caused lockdowns and a school closure at Napoleon Community Schools. The false threats triggered a massive emergency response from dozens of police, fire, and rescue units. The most serious charges carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison.
Real estate company withdraws Metro Detroit data center application (The Detroit News): San Francisco-based Prologis withdrew its rezoning application for a proposed 312-acre data center campus in Washington Township after strong community opposition, though the company may resubmit plans after zoning rules are updated.
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Click the map to explore each location. (Google My Maps)
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1. Blessing of the Fleet and Fish Fry
Friday, May 22, 5-7 p.m.
Michigan Maritime Museum (260 Dyckman Ave., South Haven)
“Blessing boats at the start of a season or long journey is a centuries old tradition across the world. Here at the Michigan Maritime Museum, we will be blessing our On-Water fleet as well as many other boats from the South Haven harbor. Directly following the blessing will be a fish fry, featuring the famous fried lake perch from our neighbors at Captain Lou’s.”
2. St. Mary of the Lake Family Festival
May 22-25
718 W. Buffalo St., New Buffalo
“This popular community tradition features carnival rides by Anderson Midways, festival food, games for all ages, vendor tents, and a parish bake sale on Saturday and Sunday.”
3. Bus Benefit 2026
May 22-25
Smiling Acres Campground (3060 N. Johnson Road, Trufant)
“Join us for rustic camping, live music, huge raffle including a daily 50/50 drawing and silent auction of VW and non-VW related items, great family fun activities like tie dyeing, kids talent show, BIG kids talent show for kids up to age 94, open mic jam sessions at the Woods Stage with Loren J. Clarke, community breakfast Monday morning and more! Enjoy nature trails in the woods, impromptu jam sessions and the company of hundreds of your best friends! All VW’s and VW lovers are welcome. NO NEED TO HAVE A BUS!”
4. Holland Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Parade begins at Eighth and Central, Holland
“The Memorial Day Parade is organized by a committee whose goal is to honor living veterans who have served this country and to remember those who have died in service to our country.”
5. Grand Rapids Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, beginning at 10 a.m.
Parade route starts on Lyon at Ottawa, Grand Rapids
“The council encourages the public to join us in remembering our honored dead. Each year men and women join the military and lay down their lives for this country; we take this time once a year to pay tribute to their sacrifice so that they may not be forgotten.”
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6. Mancelona Bass Festival
May 21-24
Mancelona
“Lots of fun for all ages!! We will again have the entertainment/beer tent, car show, parade, raffles, kids and pet parade, cornhole tournament, crafters market, carnival, and more!”
7. St. Ignace Native American Festival
Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Museum of Ojibwa Culture (500 N. State St., St. Ignace)
“Ready for a new way to hit the slopes? Join us for the Slide & Swing Challenge on our 5-hole alpine “snow course”. You will tee off overlooking Little Traverse Bay and make your way Camelot run, swinging and sliding the whole way down.”
8. Michigan Beer and Brat Festival
Saturday, May 23, 3-8 p.m.
Crystal Mountain (12500 Crystal Mountain Drive, Thompsonville)
“Now celebrating it’s 19th year! Enjoy live entertainment while sampling an enormous selection of Michigan’s finest microbrews, meads, hard ciders, wine, liquor and gourmet brats from northwest Michigan markets.”
9. Memorial Day Arts and Craft Show
May 23-24
Shoreline Park (429 W. Lake St., Tawas City)
“The Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 33rd Annual Memorial Day Arts and Craft Show. Over 200 vendors will be in Shoreline Park, Tawas City, with handmade original items, including ceramics, paintings, photography, woodworking, candles, soaps, jewelry, clothing, packaged food, food trucks, and more!”
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10. Alma Highland Festival
May 22-24
Alma College (477 Grant Ave., Alma)
“Each year the festival brings thousands of visitors the very best of Scottish tradition. The festival combines great competition with Scottish hospitality.”
11. Tri-State Foodie Fest
Saturday, May 23, 12-7 p.m.
Calhoun County Fairgrounds (720 Fair St., Marshall)
“Get ready for one of Michigan’s largest outdoor food festivals! The Tri-State Foodie Fest brings together a delicious mix of 25+ food trucks, retail vendors, live entertainment, and more from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois—all in one epic 7-hour event.”
12. Cristo Rey Fiesta
May 22-24
201 W. Miller Road, Lansing
“Come celebrate Hispanic culture at the annual Cristo Rey Fiesta on Memorial Day weekend and boasting authentic Mexican food, vendors, bands and dance troupes under the big tent!”
13. Frankenmuth Dog Bowl
May 23-24
Frankenmuth River Place Shops (925 S. Main St., Frankenmuth)
“Started in 2008, Dog Bowl is a high-energy event that showcases dogs at their best – whether they are running, jumping, diving or retrieving. With over 25 fun activities, you are sure to find something Fido and the entire family will enjoy!”
14. City of Lansing Memorial Day Service
Saturday, May 23, starting at noon
Evergreen Cemetery (2600 Mt. Hope Road, Lansing)
“Please join us for the City of Lansing’s Annual Memorial Day Service as we come together to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. The ceremony will also include wreath laying’s by various organizations and groups in remembrance of our fallen heroes. This meaningful ceremony is free and open to the public. We hope you will join us in honoring their legacy and sacrifice.”
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15. Hazel Park Homecoming Festival
May 22-25
Green Acres Park (620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd., Hazel Park)
“With over 40 rides, games and attractions for the whole family, this will be largest midway in festival history! We’ve got your favorite fair foods as well, so come hungry!”
16. Burton Rock and Blues Fest
Saturday, May 23, 12-10 p.m.
Burton Eagles #3814 (3317 E. Bristol Road, Burton)
“The Burton Chamber of Commerce and our partnering sponsors are proud to present the second annual Burton Rock and Blues Fest! This year’s headliner is Michigan Blues Legend LARRY McCRAY, along with a phenomenal line up of other great Michigan-made original artists!”
17. Movement Music Festival
May 23-25
Hart Plaza, Detroit
“Celebrating 20 years under the helm of Paxahau, Movement Music Festival has established itself as a globally-acclaimed festival and one of the longest-running dance music events in the world.”
18. Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, beginning at 9 a.m.
Main Street at Lincoln, Royal Oak
“The 2026 Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade steps off from S. Main St. and Lincoln Ave. and heading north to downtown, followed by a remembrance ceremony at Centennial Commons Park to honor veterans. The parade is a traditional event featuring community groups and military honors.”
19. Dearborn Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Beginning at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Schaefer Road, Dearborn
“In 2026, the City of Dearborn proudly hosts its 100th Memorial Day Parade, an enduring tradition that honors our nation’s fallen heroes while bringing generations of residents together in remembrance.”
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega and edited by Paula Solis.
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