Looking for things to do Memorial Day weekend in Livingston County? We've rounded up family-friendly Memorial Day events, outdoor fun, and meaningful ways to spend the long weekend together.
From parades and festivals to backyard BBQs and local adventures, Memorial Day weekend in Livingston County is the unofficial kickoff to summer for many families.
While you're enjoying the extra day together, it's also an important time to pause and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service of our country.
Memorial Day Weekend Events in Livingston County and beyond for Families
Searching for Memorial Day weekend events in Pinckney, Brighton, South Lyon and other local communities? Here are family-friendly events happening locally this weekend:
Brighton
- Brighton Memorial Day Parade -Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10 a.m. Brighton is one of the Metro Detroit communities scheduled to host a Memorial Day parade this year.
- Brighton Farmers Market -Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Brighton. A fun stop for families looking to shop local and enjoy the holiday weekend.
Howell
- Howell Memorial Day Parade- Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10 a.m. in downtown Howell. The parade begins at the Howell Carnegie District Library and heads east on Grand River to Barnard, then north to Lakeview Cemetery.
- Howell Sunday Farmers’ Market- Sunday, May 24, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Howell near the historic courthouse.
Hartland
- Hartland Memorial Day Commemoration- Hartland’s annual observance includes a Sunday evening ceremony at Hartland Cemetery, remembrance ceremonies, a Memorial Day Run/Walk, Pancake Breakfast, vendors and activities at Epley Park, and the annual parade at noon on Monday, May 25, 2026.
Pinckney
- Village of Pinckney Memorial Day Parade -Monday, May 25, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Pinckney. The event is described as a community tribute honoring fallen heroes and supporting the local American Legion.
South Lyon
- South Lyon Memorial Day Parade -Monday, May 25, 2026 at 9 a.m. Organized by VFW Post 1224, the parade starts at Bartlett Elementary, travels through downtown, and ends at South Lyon Cemetery with a commemorative ceremony.
Dexter
- Dexter Rotary Memorial Day Parade -Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10 a.m. A memorial ceremony at Monument Park follows the parade at approximately 11 a.m. The 2026 parade theme is“Honor and Country.”
See our full local events calendar here.
Have a Memorial Day event to share? Submit it to our calendar here!
What Memorial Day Is Really About
Memorial Day weekend is filled with fun for many families, but it's also a day to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
Here are a few meaningful ways families can recognize Memorial Day together:
- Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.
- Visit a local veterans memorial or cemetery.
- Display an American flag at home.
- Help your child create a red poppy craft, a symbol of remembrance following WWI.
- 👉🏽 Get more ideas for honoring Memorial Day with kids here.
Things To Do at Home Memorial Day Weekend
Looking for simple Memorial Day weekend activities for kids and families? Try one of these easy ideas at home:
- Host a backyard BBQ with sprinklers and lawn games.
- Take a family hike or nature walk.
- Organize a red, white, and blue bike parade around the neighborhood.
- Create patriotic sidewalk chalk art.
- Make an American flag pin with safety pins and beads. Get directions→
 JannHuizenga | Canva |
Memorial Day Facts for Kids
- Memorial Day began in 1868 as Decoration Day following the Civil War.
- It became an official federal holiday in 1971.
- Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May each year.
- Volunteers place hundreds of thousands of flags at Arlington National Cemetery annually.
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