Michigan Memorial Day Parades: 15 Must-See Parades
Nothing kicks off summer like Memorial Day Parades in Michigan; the music, the decorations, and the smiles from the kids create an energy that is contagious.
That energy is even stronger in beautiful Michigan as we celebrate the return of summer.
The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick-off of summer in Michigan. It’s when we start planning which beaches and parks we will add to our Michigan summer bucket list. It’s also that long-awaited time when we get to pack up our sweatshirts and coats, and bring out our shorts and flip flops.
But before we plan those getaways, we welcome the summer with one of the best Memorial Day traditions: a parade!
We’ve found 15 of the best Memorial Day parades in Michigan. Read on to discover parades in every part of our great state, so that you can find a “Memorial Day parade near me.”
PRO-TIP: You can also use this as an excuse for a road trip this three-day weekend!
Memorial Day Parades in Metro Detroit
Beverly Hills, MI Memorial Day Parade
Where: 20500 W 13 Mile Rd, Beverly Hills, MI 48025
When: May 30, 11:00 am
Beverly Hills is nestled in the suburbs of Detroit and holds a Memorial Day parade every year. This year they are honoring all Beverly Hills healthcare workers for their work during the pandemic, and they have invited any other visiting healthcare workers to march alongside them during the parade.
If you’re feeling ambitious, show up for the four mile fun run at 9 am, or the two mile walk at 9:05 am. The precession starts at Wylie E Groves High School and ends at Beverly Park, where you can find a carnival full of rides and games until 2 pm.
Dearborn, MI Memorial Day Parade
Where: Michigan Ave and Greenfield Rd
When: May 30, 10:00 am
Located just east of the heart of Detroit, Dearborn is a historic city full of sights to see. The city has held their annual parade since 1924, making it the oldest continuous Memorial Day Parade in all of Michigan. It is also one of the largest – second only to Mackinaw City’s parade.
Dexter, MI Memorial Day Parade
Where: 7530-7576 Ann Arbor St, Dexter, MI 48130
When: May 30, 10:00 am
Right outside of Ann Arbor, head northwest and find the little town of Dexter, Michigan. The town may be small, but their Rotary Club is mighty and so is their Memorial Day Parade. The club has organized this parade to include the American Legion, girl and boy scouts, vintage cars, youth groups and churches, and much more.
Their procession will begin just north of Peace Park and ends on Alpine.
PRO-TIP: Go visit Jenny’s Farm and Cider Mill at 8366 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, MI 48130 for some authentic fruit jams, apple cider, fresh produce, and donuts. Her small business has taken off in a big way. As they celebrate their 96th year, they also celebrate their first parade since the start of COVID two years ago, meaning the celebration will be that much more exciting!
Memorial Day Parades in Northern Michigan
Harbor Springs, MI Memorial Day Parade
Where: Main St.
When: May 30, 10:00 am
The picturesque city of Harbor Springs in North Michigan is beginning their parade at 10 am, right on Main St, in view of Little Traverse Bay.
This parade is organized by the Smith-Hoover American Legion Post 281 each year, and their Legion’s Drum & Bugle Corps will be performing during the parade. The American Legion is also hosting a breakfast that morning before the parade, from 7-9 am.
PRO-TIP: Harbor Springs is the beginning of Michigan’s famed Tunnel of Trees. Follow Michigan’s M-119 along the coast of Lake Michigan and take in the scenic views, stunning any time of the year.
Mackinaw City, MI Parade
When: May 28, 1:00 pm
As Michigan’s largest Memorial Day Parade, located at one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Michigan, Mackinaw City has quite the reputation. They are also returning from a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, but they are coming back in full force.
Come see their seven high school bands, a clown band, and a drum core all in one parade. They will have four beauty queens, as well as antique cars, parade floats, and much more.
PRO-TIP: If you find yourself with a little extra time to cross the Mackinac Bridge, head to St. Ignace for the best breakfast sandwich you’ll ever have at Bently’s B-M-L Café at 62 N State St, St Ignace, MI 49781, only a 30-minute drive from Mackinaw City!
Memorial Day Parades in West and Southwest Michigan
Holland, MI Parade
Where: 8th St & Central Ave.
When: May 30, 9:00 am
Home of the Tulip Time Festival, Holland is a bustling city this time of year. Their parade will continue along 8th St and end at the Pilgrim Home Cemetery, where they will have their annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor fallen soldiers.
The parade will have colonial costumes, bands, and floats to enjoy. After the parade, drive through the city to see all of the tulips or get a ticket to see the tulip fields before they go out of season. If you’ve never been to Tulip Time, this is a must-see!
PRO-TIP: Holland is one of Michigan’s top travel destinations, thanks to its location on the shores of Lake Michigan. Spend some time visiting Holland State Park and beautiful Laketown Beach.
Muskegon, MI Memorial Day Parade
Where: Morris Ave
When: May 30, 9:00 am
The annual Greater Muskegon Memorial Day Parade is the kickoff to a great Memorial Day. The parade will march along Morris Ave and end at Hackley Park, where they have a Musical Memorial Day Ceremony played by the Mona Shore High School Marching Band.
After the celebration you will have plenty of time to lay out and play on the shores of Lake Michigan at Pere Marquette Park, my personal favorite beach in West Michigan.
Kalamazoo, MI Parade
Where: Starts at Michigan Avenue Downtown
When: May 30, 10:00 am
Kalamazoo’s annual Memorial Day Parade was another that was on hold for the past two years, but they are back and making up for lost time this year. They have a beautiful parade planned to travel through downtown Kalamazoo, hosted by their Rotary Club.
After the parade, you can go spend time at Mayors Riverfront Park, or check out our Ultimate Visitor’s Guide to Kalamazoo.
Saugatuck, MI Parade
Where: Culver St
When: May 30, 10:00 am
Saugatuck is one of the most well-known hidden gems in West Michigan, known for its quaint atmosphere and charming community. Their parade will start on Culver Street, following the coastline of Kalamazoo Lake and ending at Village Square Park.
The parade conveniently ends right near Saugatuck Chain Ferry, which you can take to cross the lake and go visit Mount Baldhead Park and its famous stairs. The stairs might look daunting at first, but the views are more than worth it.
After you climb them once you’ll want to go back again and again, and the trip is easier than you think it is. I went for the first-time last summer and have already done it two time since!
PRO-TIP: You might consider making a weekend out of it, and if you do dins a great place to stay in out Guide to the Best Hotels in Saugatuck.
St Joseph, MI Memeorial Day Parade
Where: Lake Blvd and Park St.
When: May 27, 12:00 pm
I never need a reason to visit the beautiful city of St Joseph in Southwest Michigan, but their Memorial Day Parade is a great excuse to spend a weekend there. This parade starts at the intersection of Lake Blvd & Park St, where it will head toward Lake Michigan.
The procession will be near the volleyball courts on Silver Beach and the Whirlpool Compass Fountain. Walking through downtown St. Joe is a beautiful way to spend any Friday afternoon.
PRO-TIP: After the parade, go to the Silver Beach Carousel located right next to the Curious Kids Museum Discovery Zone where they have a kids’ rock-climbing wall and other interactive exhibits for kids to enjoy.
Wayland, MI Parade
Where: 544 N Main St, Wayland, MI 49348
When: May 30, 11:00 am
South of Grand Rapids, Wayland will be hosting their own Memorial Day parade this year, complete with floats, antique cars, and costumes. A powerful ceremony for fallen soldiers will take place before the parade, as veterans take a cemetery tour to perform the taps and 21-gun salute honors. This parade has a no-horn, no-sirens policy to further honor fallen soldiers.
Mid-Michigan Memorial Day Parades
Midland, MI Memorial Day Parade
Where: Downtown Midland, MI
When: May 30, 10:00 am
Hosted by the Blue Star Mothers of Midland County, this parade in central Michigan is a scenic trip along the Tittabawassee River in downtown Midland. After the parade take a ten-minute walk south to The Tridge, the famous 3-in-1 bridge. It is a once-in-a-lifetime photo opp!
PRO-TIP: Midland is also home to one of Michigan’s top botanical gardens, Dow Gardens. Combine the parade with a visit to this beautiful spot in mid-Michigan.
St Louis, MI Parade
Where: Downtown St. Louis
When: May 30, 10:00 am
This parade in mid-Michigan near Alma is hosted by the St. Louis Veterans of Foreign Wars, who give a 21-gun salute and a tribute to sailors lost at sea after the parade.
During the parade you can find a bike decorating contest, marching bands from several schools, and much more. After the festivities, be sure to check out Lappien Park right on Pine River.
Memorial Day Parades in the Thumb Region
Harbor Beach, MI Parade
Where: Downtown Harbor Beach
When: May 30, 10:00 am
Home of the Harbor Beach Lighthouse and the Harbor Beach Marina, this little city in the Thumb of Michigan is always a solid choice for a weekend getaway. Their parade will march through downtown and end at Memorial Park, where they will have a service to honor fallen soldiers.
Spend time getting to know this little city over the weekend and visit their farmers market on Friday at 146 South Huron Ave, near the Murphy Museum.
Iron Mountain, MI
Where: Starts at East Ludington Street
When: May 30, 8:45 am
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to so many breathtaking views, and many of those are located in the town of Iron Mountain. Their Memorial Day parade has taken place for many years, under the direction of the Dickinson County Office of Veterans Affairs.
Their parade route and ceremony are in slightly different locations this year, however, due to some structural issues with their historic 126-year-old clocktower. The parade will start on East Ludington Street and head east to Iron Mountain Street. With such an early parade you can spend the rest of the day at Lake Antoine or at the Timberstone Golf Course.
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About the Author
Casey Johanson is a senior at Grand Valley State University and is passionate about writing and reading. An avid traveler around Michigan, Casey enjoys gardening and running. Her favorite places are typically the hidden beaches and secret scenic overlooks throughout Michigan that most people don’t know about. She loves trying to find places that people haven’t been before and loves writing about those places even more.