From honoring our nation's heroes to indulging in local festivities, there are countless ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend in the Detroit area. Whether you're seeking family-friendly events, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, Detroit has something for everyone to enjoy during the festive holiday weekend.

We rounded up seven activities and events to help you kick off the unofficial start of summer. From parades to beach days and everything in between, here's how to spend your MDW.

 

The Top 2024 Memorial Day Weekend Events in and Around Detroit

Take a Trip to the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship

The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship returns to Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Michigan May 23–26, 2024! Enjoy a weekend of Championship golf AND the opportunity to see in-person cooking and design demonstrations from Celebrity Chefs Christopher Covelli, Alex Guarnaschelli, and Carla Hall, and a design demo from HGTV's Jasmine Roth. Fans will also have the opportunity to win fabulous KitchenAid prizes (Stand Mixer anyone?) by competing in the Fridge Frenzy and "Putt for Product" games or by scanning QR codes throughout the course all weekend long. There's something for the whole family at the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship—don’t miss Kids Day on Saturday, May 25! Tickets are still available at srpga.com.

Where: Harbor Shores; The KitchenAid Fairway Club is located at the North Pier Brewing Company parking lot.
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Hit the Beach

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer, so grab your towel, pack a lunch, and head to one of Michigan's lakeside beaches. Spencer Park Beach and Deer Lake Beach are both set to open for the season on Memorial Day Weekend, while St. Clair Metropark, Kensington Metropark, and Stony Creek Metropark opened earlier in May. Apart from swimming and playing in the sand, many parks also offer boat rentals, picnic areas with charcoal grills, sand volleyball courts, and playgrounds—everything you need for a perfect day at the beach.

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See a Tigers Game

The Detroit Tigers are taking on the Toronto Bluejays at Comerica Park this Memorial Day Weekend! There will be games Thursday through Sunday with a theme or giveaway every day. Arrive early on Saturday to snag a free Tigers hoodie, and bring the fam on Sunday for Kids Day. If you go Friday, you’ll be treated to a party in the park with a fireworks display following the game!

Where: Comerica Park: 2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
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Catch A Free Outdoor Concert

Head to Lake St. Clair Metropark on Memorial Day Weekend to kick off its Summer Concert Series. The first performance of the season will be Sunday, May 26, featuring the Gary Greenfelder Orchestra. Feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic dinner to enjoy while you listen. Concessions will also be available onsite!

Where: Thomas Welsh Activity Center at Lake St. Clair Metropark
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Attend a Memorial Day Ceremony

A Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at Les Brave II: At Water’s Edge sculpture on Monday morning at 10am to honor those who sacrificed everything to defend our freedoms. This solemn gathering offers an opportunity to reflect on the selfless sacrifice of fathers, brothers, mothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors. Through musical tributes, remarks of remembrance, and the recitation of fallen Grosse Pointe residents' names, participants unite to ensure these stories of bravery are cherished and shared for generations to come.

Note: Reservations are required.

Where: Les Brave II: At Water’s Edge in Grosse Point Farms
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Explore the Kensington Art Fair

Head out to Kensington Park for a free three-day art fair! You’ll find a wide variety of paintings, prints, pottery, sculptures, jewelry, and much more to browse through, plus live music, hands-on art projects and crafts, and delicious food trucks serving up everything from BBQ ribs to fresh pies. It all takes place against the backdrop of 4,000 acres of wooded, hilly terrain surrounding beautiful Lake Kent.

Note: Admission is free, but a Metroparks pass is required.

Where: Maple Beach, Milford, MI
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Watch Michigan’s Oldest Memorial Day Parade

The Dearborn Memorial Day Parade is one of the largest parades in the US and the longest-running parade in the state of Michigan. Celebrating its 98th year, the annual City of Dearborn Memorial Day Parade will take place on May 27 along Michigan Ave in West Dearborn and will pay special tribute to Purple Heart recipients. The event features over 80 regional officials, marching bands, and community groups. It concludes with a Remembrance Ceremony in honor of those who lost their lives while serving their country.

Where: The parade begins at 9:30am at Nowlin St and moves eastward, ending at South Brady St.
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