Memorial Day means more than just a long weekend. It’s a chance to get out of the house and honor our fallen soldier. This year, the weekend is full of ceremonies, services, parades and festivals all across Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties, that are sure to provide fun for everyone. So, cake on the sunscreen to watch a parade in the morning, then grab your cooler for a fun carnival treat later in the day!
Note: A few events happen before the big weekend
Greater Rochester Heritage Days
May 19-20, 2018
- Times: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
- Address: Rochester Municipal Park, 400 Sixth St., Rochester
- Phone: 248-656-0999
- Cost: free, donations encouraged
This annual fest features a lumberjack show, historical displays, including a Civil War encampment, craft and car shows and much more.
Birmingham Hometown Parade
May 20, 2018
- Times: 1 p.m.
- Address: S. Old Woodward Ave. and Frank St. to Shain Park, downtown Birmingham
- Phone: 248-530-1880
- Cost: free
This annual procession celebrates Birmingham’s 200th year. A party at Shain Park follows.
Southfield Memorial Day Service
May 25, 2018
- Time: 9-11 a.m.
- Address: Southfield City Hall, front steps, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield
- Phone: 248-796-5130
- Cost: free
This annual event pays homage to our fallen soldiers and active-duty service members with a presentation of colors, a 21-gun salute, a playing of Taps and more. Light refreshments are served in the lobby of City Hall, following the ceremony.
St. Mary’s Polish Country Fair in Orchard Lake
May 25-28, 2018
- Times: 5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday
- Address: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Campus, 3535 Indian Trail, Orchard Lake
- Phone: 248-706-6775
- Cost: $5-$15, free/3 and under, fees/rides, free/parking
Authentic Polish and American food, live entertainment, carnival rides, including an 80-foot roller coaster, games, art on display and more make up this annual event.
Sumpter Township Country Fest in Belleville
May 25-28, 2018
- Times: 5-11 p.m. Friday, noon-midnight Saturday-Sunday, noon-10 p.m. Monday
- Address: Sumpter Fairgrounds, 23501 Sumpter Road, Belleville
- Phone: 734-461-6201
- Cost: free, fees/rides and games
This annual blowout features everything you could want from a hometown fair including midway rides, games, live animals, car and craft shows, live music, a demolition derby, racing and more. There’s even a beer, bingo and casino tent for grown-ups to enjoy.
Civil War Remembrance at Greenfield Village in Dearborn
May 26-28, 2018
- Times: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 9:30-5 p.m. Sunday
- Address: The Henry Ford, Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Phone: 313-982-6001
- Cost: Free with admission: $28/ages 12-61, $21/ages 5-11, free/ages 4 and under, $6/parking
There’s hundreds of Union and Confederate reenactors, artillery demonstrations, historian talks, live music, hands-on activities and much more all in celebration of Memorial Day.
St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade
May 27, 2018
- Times: 1 p.m.
- Address: Harper Avenue from Ridgeway St. to 11 Mile Road, St. Clair Shores
- Cost: Free
The theme for this annual procession is “Never Forget Their Sacrifice.”
Warren’s Greatest Garage Sale
May 27-28, 2018
- Times: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Monday
- Address: Warren City Square Parking Garage on Van Dyke Avenue, north of 12 Mile Road
- Phone: 586-268-8400
- Cost: $1/admission; fees vary for items
Find previously owned jewelry, furniture, household items, toys and clothing for sale, plus great deals on antiques and other collectables. There will be companies like Scentsy, Tupperware, Avon and others present, too.
Memorial Day Run in Novi
May 28, 2018
- Times: 6:45 a.m./late sign up, 8 a.m./10K, 8:15 a.m./5K, 9 a.m./one-mile
- Address: Fuerst Park, 10 Mile and Taft roads, Novi
- Phone: 248-974-8074
- Cost: $14/one-mile, $36/5K/10K
Choose from a 10K run, a 5K walk or run and a one-mile family run to support local charities.
Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade
May 28, 2018
- Time: 9 a.m.-noon
- Address: Main and Harrison Streets, downtown Royal Oak
- Phone: 248-543-8420
- Cost: free
Celebrate Memorial Day at this annual procession, which concludes with the traditional post-parade memorial service at Veteran’s Plaza.
Dearborn Memorial Day Parade
May 28, 2018
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Address: Michigan Ave. from Maple to Henry Ford Centennial Library, Dearborn
- Phone: 313-943-2000
- Cost: Free
Honor the lives of our fallen soldiers during this 94th annual, which features bands, floats and more.
Dexter Memorial Day Parade
May 28, 2018
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Address: Downtown Dexter area
- Cost: Free
“Honor the Country” at this annual march for our soldiers.
Grosse Pointe Memorial Day Service
May 28, 2018
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Address: Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores
- Phone: 313-881-7511
- Cost: Free
This annual event features a Memorial Day service and other activities to honor those that have given their lives in this country’s pursuit of freedom. Other events happen at this Grosse Pointe spot throughout the week, too.
Farmington Memorial Day Parade
May 28, 2018
- Times: 10 a.m.
- Address: Steps off at the Grand River Avenue and Orchard Lake Road area and ends at the Farmington War Memorial Park area, Farmington
- Cost: free
This annual procession started back in 1970 and continues to celebrate our our fallen soldiers, today.
Saline Memorial Day Parade
May 28, 2018
- Time: 10-11 a.m.
- Address: on Michigan Ave., downtown Saline
- Phone: 734-429-7310
- Cost: free
This annual procession, which is put on by The American Legion, celebrates our fallen soldiers with floats, music and more.
Memorial Day Parade in Downtown Northville
May 28, 2018
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Address: downtown Northville
- Phone: 248-348-1490
- Cost: free
This annual event attracts thousands of people of the downtown area to honor our fallen soldiers.
Novi Memorial Parade
May 28, 2018
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Address: Steps off at 10 Mile and Karmin to the Novi Civic Center, downtown Novi
- Phone: 248-347-0460
- Cost: free
Scout troops, local businesses and bands line up to honor the fallen at this annual tradition.
Sterling Heights Memorial Day Parade
May 28, 2018
- Time: 9 a.m.
- Address: Dodge Park parking lot to Heritage Junior High School, Sterling Heights
- Phone: 586-446-2489
- Cost: free
Hundreds gather for this 39th annual, which honors the soldiers that gave the ultimate sacrifice.
