Michigan Memorial Day Parades 2026: Dates, Routes & What to Know

Last Updated: April 2026

Michigan Memorial Day parades in 2026 run from the Upper Peninsula to metro Detroit, from small towns to one of the largest parades in the entire state. Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, 2026 — with most parades happening that Monday morning and the Mackinaw City Grand Parade on Saturday, May 23. This guide covers confirmed 2026 parades by region. Always verify times and routes directly with the host city before attending, as details can shift year to year.

Looking for more than just parades? Our full Michigan Memorial Day Events guide covers ceremonies, festivals, music, and camping options across the state.

🏆 The Standouts: Michigan’s Most Notable Memorial Day Parades

Before the full list, three parades deserve special mention in 2026 — each for a different reason:

Northern Michigan Memorial Day Parades 2026

Mackinaw City — Michigan’s Largest Memorial Day Parade

Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 1:00pm
Begins at Conkling Heritage Park (335 S. Huron Ave), ends at Colonial Fort Michilimackinac | Free

This is the one. The Mackinaw City Grand Memorial Parade is the largest Memorial Day parade in Michigan — over 100 bands, floats, and acts with entries from across Michigan, surrounding states, and Ontario. The famous Scottville Clown Band performs at 11am before the parade kicks off. Following the parade, the Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant begins at 2:30pm — the longest-running free Memorial Day historical program in the United States, with 400+ cast members bringing the 1763 fort battle to life. No admission charge for any part of the weekend. Use our Mackinaw City guide to plan the full weekend.

Harbor Springs

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 10:00am
Main Street, Harbor Springs, MI — verify at Harbor Springs Chamber

Harbor Springs holds its parade on Main Street overlooking Little Traverse Bay — one of the more scenic parade settings in northern Michigan. The Memorial Day 5K Run/Walk typically takes place before the parade in the morning; check outfitterharborsprings.com for race details if you want to run before you watch.

West Michigan Memorial Day Parades 2026

Grand Haven

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 9:30am
Begins at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 6th St & Washington Ave — proceeds down S. Harbor Drive to Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium

Grand Haven’s parade runs right along the waterfront — one of the best routes in West Michigan. The city pairs the parade with multiple memorial ceremonies and a special Memorial Day show from Grand Haven’s famous Musical Fountain. A full day worth planning around if you’re anywhere near the lakeshore.

Holland

Monday, May 25, 2026 — morning
8th St & Central Ave — proceeds along 8th St to Pilgrim Home Cemetery | Confirmed 2026

Just two weeks after the Tulip Time Festival, Holland’s downtown still has color in the streets. The parade ends at Pilgrim Home Cemetery for an annual Memorial Day ceremony honoring fallen soldiers. Verify start time at holland.org.

Muskegon

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 9:00am
Morris Ave, Muskegon — ends at Hackley Park

The Greater Muskegon Memorial Day Parade marches down Morris Ave and ends at Hackley Park, where the Mona Shore High School Marching Band performs a Musical Memorial Day Ceremony. Muskegon is also home to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum’s Lights of Honor event — check our events guide for that weekend’s full schedule.

Fruitport — Old-Fashioned Days Parade

Memorial Day Weekend 2026
Pomona Park, Fruitport, MI — Full festival May 20–25, 2026

Part of the week-long Fruitport Old-Fashioned Days festival — a full Memorial Day tradition with a carnival, ox roast, two nights of fireworks, and a Memorial Day parade. One of West Michigan’s most complete holiday weekend options for families.

South Haven

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 9:00am
Center Street & Michigan Ave, South Haven — proceeds to Lakeview Cemetery | Confirmed 2026

South Haven’s Memorial Day parade gathers at Center Street and Michigan Avenue before proceeding to Lakeview Cemetery for a commemorative ceremony. South Haven is one of the prettiest Lake Michigan beach towns for a weekend stay — the parade plus a beach afternoon makes for a strong Memorial Day Monday.

Saugatuck

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 10:00am
Culver St, Saugatuck MI — follows coastline of Kalamazoo Lake, ends at Village Square Park

One of the more charming parade routes in Michigan — Saugatuck’s parade follows the Kalamazoo Lake shoreline on Culver Street before ending at Village Square Park. The parade ends near the Saugatuck Chain Ferry, which you can take across to Mount Baldhead Park for the famous stair climb and views over the lake. A great Memorial Day afternoon on Michigan’s southwest shore.

St. Joseph

Memorial Day Weekend 2026
Lake Blvd & Park St, St. Joseph MI — heads toward Lake Michigan | Verify at stjoetoday.com

St. Joseph’s parade runs along Lake Street parallel to Lake Michigan with bluff views over the water — one of the most scenic parade routes in the state. The parade ends at the bandshell for a short program honoring fallen service members. St. Joseph is worth staying the full weekend.

Kalamazoo

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 10:00am
Downtown Kalamazoo — ends at Mayors Riverfront Park | Verify at kalamazoocity.org

Kalamazoo’s Rotary Club-organized parade travels through downtown and ends at Mayors Riverfront Park for a ceremony. A solid option for families in southwest Michigan who want a meaningful community tribute close to home.

Metro Detroit & Southeast Michigan Memorial Day Parades 2026

Dearborn — 100th Annual Memorial Day Parade ⭐

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 9:30am
Michigan Ave & Schaefer Rd, East Dearborn — ends at Veterans Park & War Memorial, Henry Ford Centennial Library (16301 Michigan Ave) | dearborn.gov

2026 is a milestone year: Dearborn hosts its 100th Memorial Day Parade — Michigan’s oldest continuous Memorial Day parade, running every year since 1924. Over 90 organizations, veterans groups, marching bands, and community partners take part. The parade opens with a military funeral procession at 9:30am that specifically honors former service members who were not interred — a powerful and unusual tribute. Grand Marshal for 2026 is Naval Captain Sam T. Sareini, born and raised in Dearborn. A formal remembrance ceremony follows the parade at approximately noon at Veterans Park. This is the one to see in metro Detroit this year.

Sterling Heights — 47th Annual

Monday, May 25, 2026 — Ceremony 9am / Parade 10am
City Center Courtyard, 40555 Utica Rd — parade travels south on Dodge Park Road | sterlingheights.gov

Sterling Heights brings significant production value to its Memorial Day: the 47th Annual parade theme is “Remember the Past, Honor the Present: 250 Years of America.” The ceremony begins at 9am in the City Center Courtyard, followed by the parade at 10am south on Dodge Park Road. 60+ entries including floats, veterans, community organizations, and high school marching bands. The Moslem Shriners clown team makes their annual appearance. Contact: Sterling Heights Community Relations at 586-446-2476.

Plymouth

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 9:00am
Harvey & Wing Streets, downtown Plymouth — ends at Main & Church Streets for ceremony 9:30–10:30am

One of the best-organized Memorial Day parades in metro Detroit — Plymouth’s parade starts at Harvey and Wing Streets, proceeds north through charming downtown Plymouth, and ends with a memorial ceremony at Main and Church Streets. Plymouth is one of the most walkable and picturesque downtowns in southeast Michigan; worth arriving early and spending the morning.

Ferndale

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 10:00am
Begins on Livernois at Maplehurst — north to Oakridge St, west to Pinecrest, south to Nine Mile Rd, east to Livernois, south to Veterans Memorial Mall — ceremony at 11am | Hosted by Ferndale Memorial Association

Ferndale’s annual parade winds through a residential neighborhood route before ending at the Veterans Memorial Mall for a 11am ceremony. Well-established community event with consistent turnout year after year.

Northville

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 10:00am
W. Cady Street, Northville MI 48167 | Hosted by Northville Chamber of Commerce

Northville’s parade runs through one of metro Detroit’s most picturesque historic downtowns. Organized by the Northville Chamber of Commerce as a solemn observance to honor and mourn fallen US military personnel. Northville is worth the drive for the town alone — the parade is a good reason to finally make the visit.

South Lyon

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 9:00am
Launches from Bartlett Elementary, proceeds down 10 Mile through downtown South Lyon — ends at South Lyon Cemetery with ceremony | Organized by VFW Post 2502 and VFW Post 1224

South Lyon’s VFW-organized parade ends at the South Lyon Cemetery for a commemoration of the contributions and sacrifices of all veterans. A community-first parade in a town that takes Memorial Day seriously.

Holly

Monday, May 25/Tuesday May 26, 2026 — 10:00am
Downtown Holly, S. Saginaw & E. Maple St — ends at Lakeside Memorial Cemetery | American Legion Post 149 | 📞 810-348-9960

Holly’s parade begins downtown and marches to Lakeside Memorial Cemetery for Memorial Day services. A luncheon at American Legion Post 149 follows the ceremony. Verify the 2026 date as Holly’s parade has historically moved between Monday and a day close to it based on the calendar.

Dexter

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 10:00am
7530–7576 Ann Arbor St, Dexter MI 48130 | dextermemorialdayparade.com

Just northwest of Ann Arbor, Dexter’s Rotary Club-organized parade includes the American Legion, Scouts, vintage cars, youth groups, and churches. The procession begins north of Peace Park and ends on Alpine. Small town, well-run, genuinely community-driven tribute.

Milford

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 11:00am
510 W Commerce St, Milford MI — starts at American Legion Hall on Commerce Road, ends in Central Park on Main Street downtown

Milford’s parade runs through a picturesque village downtown that ends in Central Park — a solid southeast Michigan option for anyone in the Highland/White Lake/Milford corridor.

Mid-Michigan Memorial Day Parades 2026

St. Louis

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 10:00am
Downtown St. Louis, MI | Hosted by St. Louis Veterans of Foreign Wars

Near Alma in mid-Michigan, the St. Louis VFW organizes a parade with a 21-gun salute and a tribute to sailors lost at sea following the ceremony. One of those genuinely local, genuinely meaningful tributes that don’t get attention outside the community.

Wayland

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 11:00am
544 N Main St, Wayland MI 49348

South of Grand Rapids, Wayland’s parade features floats, antique cars, and costumes — and has a no-horn, no-sirens policy to keep the solemn tone of the day. Veterans take a cemetery tour before the parade with taps and a 21-gun salute. A quiet, respectful community parade that takes the meaning of the day seriously.

East Michigan & Blue Thumb Coast Memorial Day Parades 2026

Port Huron

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 11:00am
Starts at Quay Street, Port Huron — ends at Pine Grove Park

Port Huron’s parade on Michigan’s Blue Thumb Coast ends at Pine Grove Park, where fallen heroes’ names are added to the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial. One of the more historically grounded ceremonies in the state.

Harbor Beach

Monday, May 25, 2026 — 10:00am
Harbor Beach, MI — verify with Harbor Beach Chamber

Harbor Beach on Lake Huron hosts its annual Memorial Day parade — a small-town tribute in a city known for its lighthouse and marina. A worthy stop if you’re spending Memorial Day weekend on the Thumb.

Michigan Memorial Day Parades — Frequently Asked Questions

When is Memorial Day 2026?

Memorial Day 2026 is Monday, May 25. The holiday weekend runs Saturday May 23 through Monday May 25. Most Michigan Memorial Day parades take place on Monday morning, May 25. The major exception is Mackinaw City, whose Grand Parade is on Saturday, May 23 at 1pm.

What is the largest Memorial Day parade in Michigan?

The Fort Michilimackinac Grand Memorial Parade in Mackinaw City is the largest Memorial Day parade in Michigan, with more than 100 bands, floats, and acts. It’s held on the Saturday of Memorial Weekend (May 23, 2026) at 1pm and is free to attend. Dearborn’s parade is the largest in metro Detroit and the oldest continuous Memorial Day parade in the state, running every year since 1924.

What is special about Dearborn’s Memorial Day Parade in 2026?

2026 marks Dearborn’s 100th Memorial Day Parade — the centennial of Michigan’s oldest continuous Memorial Day parade, which has run every year since 1924. The parade features 90+ organizations, a military funeral procession, and a formal remembrance ceremony at Veterans Park. It’s the most historically significant parade in the state in 2026.

Are Michigan Memorial Day parades free?

Yes — all Memorial Day parades listed in this guide are free to watch as a spectator. The Fort Michilimackinac Pageant events in Mackinaw City are also free, which is unusual for a historical attraction of that scale.

For ceremonies, festivals, camping, and music events beyond parades, see our full Michigan Memorial Day Events guide. For more May events across the state, use our Michigan May Events Calendar.