What to Do This Memorial Day Weekend: 11 Ways to Celebrate Up North

Festivals, music, fashion, camping, and more!

By Abby McKiernan | May 17, 2025

Memorial Day weekend is almost here, and it’s time to kick off summer the northern Michigan way—with festivals, races, cookouts, and celebrations across the region. Whether you’re looking for family fun, lively music, historical reenactments, or just a glass of wine in the sunshine, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what’s happening:

1. Festival 2025 at Interlochen Arts Academy

May 21–23 | Free | All Ages
Experience the magic of Interlochen during one of its most exciting weekends of the year. Festival 2025 is a three-day celebration showcasing the talents of young artists across all seven disciplines: music, theatre, dance, visual arts, creative writing, film, and interdisciplinary arts. Guests can enjoy concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibits, film screenings, poetry readings, and more throughout the beautiful campus. Festival events are free and open to the public, making this a fantastic (and affordable) way to introduce the whole family to the next generation
of world-class artists.

interlochen.org/events/festival-2025-2025-05-23

2. May Swirl at Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey

May 22 | $30 | Adults Only
Crooked Tree Arts Center’s May Swirl offers a relaxed, art-filled evening perfect for those who appreciate a fine vintage and a well-curated gallery. Attendees can sample a selection of wines selected by Great Lakes Wine and Spirits, paired with gourmet small bites from Symons General Store. As you sip and snack, you’ll enjoy live music by Jeff Pagel and stroll through the new Immersed exhibit—an exploration of artworks that invite deeper connection and reflection. It’s a great way to enjoy Petoskey’s creative scene starting your holiday weekend.

crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/may-swirl-2025

3. Traverse City Slow Fashion Show

May 23 | $24 | Adults Only
The Traverse City Slow Fashion Show returns for its second year on Friday, May 23, from 6:30-11pm at ECCO Event Space. This show highlights local and sustainable fashion, with NoMi vendors like Lookabout Swimwear, Phoenix Fiber Arts, The Slip Shoppe, Renewed Rags, slip.vintage, and Rabbit. The show itself will offer a live DJ, a cash bar for NA mocktails, and a shopping market after the show that includes other local shops. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their high-fashion best!

mynorthtickets.com/events/traverse-city-fashion-weekend-a-slow-fashion-show-5-23-2025

4. Memorial Day Weekend at Gaylord KOA

May 23–26 | Price Varies | All Ages
Kick off summer with a camping adventure full of family fun at the Gaylord KOA. Their Memorial Day Weekend lineup features a full slate of activities designed to keep both kids and adults entertained, including wagon rides, crafts, food events, and games. Roast marshmallows by the campfire, explore the surrounding recreation areas, or cozy up in a cabin—there’s no better way to spend a long weekend outdoors.

koa.com/campgrounds/gaylord/events

5. Beer & Brat Festival at Crystal Mountain

May 24 | $75 | Adults Only (Suggested)
If your perfect summer weekend involves craft beer, great food, and live music, you’ll want to make your way to Crystal Mountain’s Beer & Brat Festival. This year marks the 18th annual celebration, featuring a wide selection of Michigan’s finest microbrews, meads, ciders, wine, and spirits—all paired with gourmet bratwursts sourced from local markets. Groove to the sounds of live bands throughout the day while sampling your way across the vendor tents. It’s a 21+ crowd in spirit (though the event is open to all ages), so plan accordingly if you’re bringing younger guests.

crystalmountain.com/event/beerfest

6. Birdie Bash Cookout at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Acme

May 24 | $45 | Adults Only
Get ready to tee up for a good time! Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s Birdie Bash Cookout brings together golfers and food lovers alike for an afternoon of grilled chicken, craft cocktails, and live local music on the lush Clubhouse lawn. The Birdie Bash makes for a great afterparty following a round of golf, or you can just swing by to enjoy the festivities. Either way, this event promises great food, good vibes, and a beautiful northern Michigan backdrop. It’s open to resort guests, club members, and the general public.

grandtraverseresort.com/explore/event-calendar

7. Bayshore Marathon, Traverse City

May 24 | All Ages
Lace up your running shoes! The Bayshore Marathon is a beloved Traverse City tradition that draws runners from across the Midwest—and beyond—thanks to its scenic course along Grand Traverse Bay. Celebrating its 43rd anniversary this year, the Bayshore offers a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and kids’ fun run. With a reputation for being one of the most beautiful and well-organized races around, it’s no wonder many participants return year after year. Proceeds from the event support local running and health programs, so your miles go toward a great cause, too. Note: All but the kids’ fun run are sold out, but several pre-event options—like a shakeout run, yoga in the park, and more—are still available.

bayshoremarathon.org

8. Cherry Capital Comic Con, Acme

May 24–26 | Price Varies | All Ages
Dive into a weekend of imagination, creativity, and cosplay at the Cherry Capital Comic Con! Hosted at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, this popular event welcomes comic fans of all ages for three days packed with exhibits, panels, artist meet-and-greets, and more. (See the full list of featured guests for 2025 on their website!) It’s a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere perfect for families, first-timers, and hardcore fans alike, whether you’re competing in the cosplay contest or just browsing collectibles.

cherrycapitalcomiccon.com

9. Memorial Weekend Pageant & Parade, Mackinaw City

May 23–26 | Free | All Ages
Step back in time at Mackinaw City’s historic Memorial Weekend Pageant, the nation’s longest-running free Memorial Day performance. More than 400 re-enactors bring to life the dramatic events of June 2, 1763, when Native American tribes clashed with British forces at Fort Michilimackinac. Throughout the weekend, visitors can watch historical reenactments, meet Native American leaders, and even witness Michigan’s largest Memorial Day parade on Saturday. With stunning costumes, authentic settings, and free admission, this event is a meaningful and entertaining way to honor the holiday.

mackinawcity.net/mackinawcity/event/Memorial_Weekend_Pageant/325/

10. The Doo Wop Project at Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor

May 25 | $52–$102 | All Ages
Love a good throwback? The Doo Wop Project is your ticket to a night of swoon-worthy harmonies and nostalgic tunes. Featuring five charismatic Broadway veterans from shows like Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical, this powerhouse group takes audiences on a journey from the origins of doo-wop to today’s contemporary hits, all performed with an infectious energy that will have you tapping your toes. It’s an upbeat, family-friendly concert perfect for rounding out a festive Memorial Day weekend.

greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/doo-wop-project-25

11. Cadillac Memorial Day Parade, Cadillac

May 26 | Free | All ages
Beginning at 9:30am, the Cadillac Area Honor Guard will perform a Salute to Sailors on Lake Cadillac at the City Dock. The parade itself kicks off at 10am up Harris Street, north onto Mitchell, then west onto Pine Street, ending at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Chestnut. Area veterans and their families are encouraged to walk in the parade. At 11am, there will be a Veterans Memorial Service Ceremony, complete with a special speaker and performances by the Cadillac High School Band and Patriot Choir.

facebook.com/events/1412472786429262