What to Do This Memorial Day Weekend, from Parades to BBQs to Concerts

Eight events happening around northern Michigan

By Brighid Driscoll | May 18, 2024

Memorial Day Weekend, a time to honor and remember those who have served and fallen in the United States Armed Forces, has also become the unofficial start of summer Up North. Whether you’re a local or just visiting for the weekend, Northern Express rounded up some fun options to start Michigan’s favorite season.

May Swirl

May 23 | Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey
Savor art and flavor at CTAC’s May Swirl event on Thursday, May 23, from 5:30-8:00pm. Sip and relax during cocktail hour as you explore their vibrant new summer exhibitions. Great Lakes Wine and Spirits have carefully paired wines to complement treats from Symons General Store, including mouthwatering mini crab cakes and savory beef tenderloin crostini with house-made garlic sauce. Groove to the tunes of Owen James as you immerse yourself in creativity and culture; discover the stunning works of Michigan artists Robert and Susan Perrish; and dive into a curated group exhibition inspired by the PBS documentary Michigan: An American Portrait. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members, including appetizers and one drink ticket. Cash bar available. Purchase tickets at crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/may-swirl-1.

The New York Bee Gees

May 24 | City Opera House, Traverse City
Legendary band the Bee Gees captivated audiences worldwide with their distinctive sound and timeless hits. From disco anthems like “Stayin’ Alive” to ballads like “How Deep Is Your Love,” their music transcends generations, so why not enjoy a throwback concert with the New York Bee Gees and dance the night away? Executive Director Chad Lindsay says he’ll be doing exactly that. “My job is to make the City Opera House a fun place to be,” he tells us.

When Moxie Events, the company the New York Bee Gees are touring with, reached out to perform at the City Opera House, Lindsay knew there would be locals that would enjoy the concert. And while some folks think of classical music when they think of the Opera House, Lindsay is always thinking about what will make people excited. “Yes we have string quartets, but we also acknowledge that people like music from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. So I’m trying to bring in concerts that appeal to everybody.” Find tickets ($50-$69) at cityoperahouse.org/node/566.

Cherry Capital Comic Con

May 24-26 | Grand Traverse Resort, Acme
Embark on an unforgettable adventure this Memorial Weekend at a Cherry Capital Comic Con extravaganza! Jump into a world of imagination and creativity as you explore vibrant exhibits, meet your favorite comic book artists, and mingle with fellow fans. From captivating cosplay competitions to exclusive panel discussions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Featured appearances include Adassa, the voice actress and singer from Encanto, alongside artists and writers behind franchises like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, X-Men, and more. Get information and tickets ($10 and up) at cherrycapitalcomiccon.com.

Memorial Weekend BBQ

May 25 | MiddleCoast Brewing, Traverse City
It’s not Memorial Weekend without a good old-fashioned barbeque, and MiddleCoast Brewing is offering exactly that. Dive into a special menu featuring all your backyard BBQ favorites, complemented by cocktail specials and $5 pints. Groove to the tunes of One Hot Robot and DJ Joseph Rich while satisfying your competitive spirit with trivia and a pie-eating contest, with proceeds benefiting veteran focused nonprofit 22-2-None. It’ll be a day for delicious food, lively music, and friendly competition in support of a great cause! Check out MiddleCoast Brewing’s Facebook page for more details.

Bayshore Marathon

May 25 | Traverse City
We can’t talk about Memorial Day Weekend in northern Michigan without talking about the Bayshore Marathon. Since 1983, the Bayshore Marathon has captivated runners with its stunning routes along Grand Traverse Bay. A “must run” in the Midwest, it offers scenic courses for all levels, from kids’ runs to a full marathon.

Traverse City Track Club hosts the marathon, and Executive Director Lindsay McLaughlin can’t wait for Saturday. “This is the Bayshore Marathon’s 43rd year. It’s been the same course with a few minor tweaks over the years,” she tells us. This year, she’s especially excited for the kids’ marathon event, where young runners will be able to complete most of their miles before the Saturday and run the last 1.2 miles on the day of, so they can cross the big finish. “It’ll be really fun for them to cross the finish line with all of the hoopla of the day,” she says. Learn more at bayshoremarathon.org (limited spots in certain events remain).

Michigan Beer and Brat Festival

May 25 | Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville
Crystal Mountain’s 17th annual Memorial Day weekend Beer and Brat Festival is always a good time. Live performances by The Drew Hale Band and The RockShow will get you moving, with delicious food and drink from local vendors. Indulge in an array of Michigan-made microbrews, meads, ciders, wines, liquors, and gourmet brats sourced from northwest Michigan. VIP admission offers exclusive perks, including early access, shorter lines, preferred seating, and an extra hour with The Drew Hale Band. Savor these Michigan delights and get your tickets ($75+) at crystalmountain.com/event/beerfest.

Memorial Weekend Pageant

May 25-27 | Mackinaw City
Step back in time to 1763 in Mackinaw City! Fort Michilimackinac Pageant is the nation’s longest-running, free Memorial Day performance, in which over 400 cast members will bring history to life, recounting the dramatic events between the French, British, and Native tribes. Meet legendary indigenous chiefs like Miniavavan and Matchekewis, and witness the remarkable bond between Wawatam and Alexander Henry. Join the excitement with the Grand Parade, the largest Memorial Parade in Michigan, followed by historical reenactments at Colonial Fort Michilimackinac. Best part? It’s all free! Experience history like never before; find more information at mackinawcity.net/mackinawcity/event/Memorial_Weekend_Pageant/325/.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

May 26 | Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor
For over 60 years, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has epitomized the vibrant spirit of New Orleans music. Their latest album, So It Is, honors the city’s rich musical heritage while pushing boundaries, blending Afro-Cuban rhythms, Afrobeat, and jazz influences. Join them at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts, and be transported.

“This is going to be their first time playing at the Center, and we’re super excited to have them,” says Artistic Director Matthew Kacergis. “As we all know in northern Michigan, Memorial Day Weekend is a toss up of whether it’s freezing cold or a summer paradise. No matter what, we bring some fun and warmth on stage, and it’s a great opening celebration for the season.” Even if you’re not a jazz aficionado, Kacergis says there’s still a lot to love from this group. “I think they sort of defy genre—there’s something for everybody. It’s a way to travel to the heart of New Orleans without getting on a plane.” Get your tickets ($47-$92) at greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/preservation-hall-jazz-band.