Eight Memorial Day Events Up North

Celebrate the holiday in northern Michigan

By Rachel Pasche | May 16, 2026

Memorial Day is both a day of remembrance and the unofficial start to northern Michigan summer. School is nearly out, the days are longer, the water is warming up (slowly, mind you), and the sun is making more frequent appearances.

We’ve rounded up eight festive events across the region to welcome in the start of summer.

ALL WEEKEND

Memorial Weekend Pageant and Parade, Mackinac Island (pictured)
Step back in time this Memorial Weekend and visit Fort Michilimackinac for the longest-running free historic Memorial Day performance in the United States. The weekend kicks off Saturday at 1pm with a parade (the largest in Michigan!) that starts at Conkling Heritage Park and ends at Colonial Fort Michilimackinac, followed by a reenactment at 3pm. The reenactment includes more than 400 cast members that bring the 1763 Fort Michilimackinac battle between the French, British, and Native Americans to life. Sunday and Monday reenactments are at 2pm. All events are free to attend.

mackinawcity.net/mackinawcity/event/Memorial_Weekend_Pageant/325

SATURDAY, MAY 23

Beer and Brat Festival at Crystal Mountain
What heralds summer more than a cookout? Welcome warmer weather with the Beer and Brat Festival at Crystal Mountain, with over 20 beverage vendors, six brat sellers, live music, and picnic tables on the lawn. The event runs from 4-8pm, and tickets are $40 in advance or $55 at the door. VIP tickets are also available for $70 and include early entry, a beer glass, and 20 food and beverage tickets. Kids 3 and under are admitted for free.

crystalmountain.com/events-activities/events/event-calendar/michigan-beer-and-brat-festival

Leland Air Exhibit and Reception
The phrase “as entertaining as watching paint dry” takes on a new, more literal meaning at the Leland Air event. Artists compete to capture the northern Michigan landscape with paintings done “en plein air,” meaning outdoors. Easels are set up at various locations around Leland and Leelanau County during the day, and in the evening, the finished works will be hung in the Leland Old Art Building for a reception. Tickets for the reception are $30 ($25 for members) and include local wine, appetizers, and the first opportunity to peruse and purchase the day’s artwork.

oldartbuilding.com/events/leland-air-opening-reception-exhibit

Northport Cars In the Park
Come check out Leelanau County’s longest-running car show at Northport Cars in the Park. The auto show features an eclectic mix of cars, ranging from beautifully restored classic models to modern sports cars. Spectators can enter the show for free and peruse the wide diversity of car models on display. The event begins at 10am, and an awards ceremony is held at 3pm. Cars in the Park takes place at Haserot Beach, a block from downtown Northport.

northportcarsinthepark.com

Elk Rapids Arts and Crafts Show
Swing by the Elk Rapids Arts and Crafts Show to find that piece of decor you’ve been missing, the perfect gift, or something totally unique. This is the 32nd year of the show, featuring over 60 vendors across a variety of offerings, including ceramics, jewelry, coastal art, soaps and skincare products, home decor, woodworks, apparel, candles, photography, and more. The show is held on River Street downtown Elk Rapids and runs from 10am–4pm.

business.elkrapidschamber.org/events/details/elk-rapids-arts-crafts-show-52458

SUNDAY, MAY 24

The Hit Men Rock Concert at Great Lakes Center for the Arts
If rock music is, well, music to your ears, the Hit Men rock concert will definitely strike all the right chords. The Hit Men is a group composed of real rockers: members of bands including Foreigner, Journey, Styx, The Hooters, Steely Dan, Cheap Trick, The Rascals, Alan Parsons, 3 Dog Night, Cream, Grand Funk, and The Who. This multi-media show is part rock concert, part behind-the-scenes accounts of what it was like to play and tour with the rock giants during their heyday. The set list includes all the classics, played just like you remember them. Tickets start at $50, and the show begins at 7pm.

greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/the-hit-men

MONDAY, MAY 25

Harbor Springs Memorial Day 5k and Parade
Lace up your running shoes and don your red, white, and blue for this two-fold festive event. The morning kicks off at 8am with a 5k run (or walk!) through Harbor Springs, starting at Zorn Park. Registration is $10 and all proceeds go to the Harbor Springs Community Food Pantry. Registration is available the morning of the race starting at 7:15am. Afterward, enjoy a parade through downtown.

outfitterharborsprings.com/pages/memorial-day-5k-run-walk-1

Stormcloud Summer Kickoff Party
Stormcloud Brewing Co. in Frankfort is ringing in the start of summer with their annual Summer Kickoff Party held at the Parkview Taproom. The taproom side of this brewing facility is only open during the summer months, and won’t open again until late June. What better way to kick off summer than with some lawn games, beer slushies, and time in the sun with friends? There will be live music by Stonefolk from 4-7pm, multiple food trucks, and plenty of Stormcloud beer to go around. The event runs from 3-8pm.

stormcloudbrewing.com/events/summer-kickoff-party-1