Memorial Day Weekend in Ann Arbor is the perfect blend of community tradition, outdoor adventure, and delicious local flavor, offering something for everyone as the city ushers in the unofficial start of summer. From meaningful ceremonies and lively parades to high-energy bar crawls and family-friendly runs, the weekend is packed with events that bring neighbors, visitors, and families together in celebration and remembrance. Beyond the festivities, it’s also an ideal time to explore the region’s thriving barbecue scene, where smoked brisket, ribs, and creative fusion dishes highlight the best of local culinary talent. Whether you’re looking to honor the holiday, enjoy time outdoors, or discover your new favorite BBQ spot, Ann Arbor and the surrounding area deliver a full weekend of experiences worth savoring.

Memorial Day Weekend Events in the Ann Arbor Area

Novi BBQ Festival: Ribs & Whiskey

Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk, 44175 W 12 Mile Rd, Novi
May 22nd, 5–10 p.m., May 23rd & 24th, 12–10 p.m., & May 25th, 12–8 p.m.

The Novi BBQ Festival: Ribs & Whiskey is set to bring bold flavors and high-energy entertainment to Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk over Memorial Day weekend, making it a can’t-miss event for food lovers and families alike. Running Friday, May 22nd, from 5–10 p.m., Saturday, May 23rd, and Sunday, May 24th, from 12–10 p.m., and Monday, May 25th, from 12–8 p.m., this four-day festival features an impressive lineup of 12 acclaimed pitmasters serving up everything from fall-off-the-bone ribs to smoky brisket, alongside more than 20 food vendors offering a wide range of bites. Beyond the BBQ, the event delivers a full festival experience with live tribute concerts each day, celebrating iconic artists like Billy Joel, Elton John, Journey, Stevie Nicks, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, and Michael Jackson, plus a lively mix of blues, rock, country, and more. Families will appreciate the dedicated Kids Zone with magic shows and face painting, while adults can enjoy bourbon sampling, a cigar lounge, artisan vendors, and exciting competitions like the National BBQ Competition and timed eating contests. With affordable admission, free entry for kids under 10 and first responders, and a packed schedule of food and fun, this festival is the perfect way to kick off summer in the Ann Arbor area. To purchase tickets in advance, please click here.

Ann Arbor Memorial Day Weekend Bar Crawl 2026

Check in begins at Brown Jug Restaurant, 1204 S University Ave, Ann Arbor
May 23rd, 4–10 p.m.

The Ann Arbor Memorial Day Weekend Bar Crawl 2026 kicks off at Brown Jug Restaurant on Saturday, May 23rd from 4–10 p.m., bringing a high-energy start to the holiday weekend with a walkable tour of some of Ann Arbor’s most popular nightlife spots. Designed as a festive kickoff to summer, the event invites participants 21+ to check in between 4 and 7 p.m. to receive a wristband that unlocks free entry into participating bars, exclusive Memorial Day drink specials, and access to a free after-party at a featured venue. Throughout the evening, crawlers can explore multiple stops across the city, enjoy themed patriotic party vibes, and take advantage of food specials and curated drink deals while mingling with hundreds of fellow attendees. The experience also includes a digital bar crawl map, branded event wristband, and professional photography to capture the night, making it one of the most anticipated social events of Memorial Day weekend in Ann Arbor. For those interested in attending, please click the event link above to purchase tickets.

Milford Memorial Day Run

300 Family Dr, Milford
May 25th, 8:30–10 a.m.

The Milford Memorial Day Run takes place on Monday, May 25th, from 8:30–10 a.m., offering an active and meaningful way to begin Memorial Day morning before the town’s annual parade. Participants can choose from a 1-mile run/walk, a 5K, or a combined “double” option for those looking for a greater challenge, with staggered start times beginning at 8:30 a.m. for the mile and double events and 9:00 a.m. for the 5K. Open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, the event blends fitness with community spirit, encouraging participants to honor the holiday while enjoying a scenic route through Milford. Every registered participant receives a commemorative finisher medal and race shirt (while supplies last), adding a celebratory touch to the experience. With its family-friendly atmosphere and strong local turnout, the Milford Memorial Day Run has become a cherished tradition that sets a reflective yet energetic tone for the day’s larger commemorations. Please click here to register for this run.

Glacier Highlands Memorial Day Parade

Begins at Greenbrier Park, 3705 Frederick Dr, Ann Arbor & ends at Glacier Highlands Park, 3600 Larchmont Dr, Ann Arbor
May 25th, 10 a.m.

The Glacier Highlands Memorial Day Parade is a beloved Ann Arbor tradition that offers a meaningful yet family-friendly way to honor the holiday. Beginning at Greenbrier Park and winding through the neighborhood streets before ending at Glacier Highlands Park, this long-running community parade has been a staple since the 1960s and remains one of the city’s only Memorial Day parades. Starting at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25th, the event invites residents of all ages to participate, especially kids, who are encouraged to decorate bikes, wagons, and strollers in patriotic style and join the procession. Along the route, you’ll often see local groups, a fire truck displaying a large American flag, and neighbors gathering to celebrate together. The parade concludes with a brief memorial service at Glacier Highlands Park, offering a moment of reflection to honor fallen service members, followed by a relaxed community atmosphere with food, treats, and time to connect with neighbors.

Dexter Memorial Day Parade

Monument Park, Dexter
May 25th, 10–11 a.m.

The Dexter Memorial Day Parade returns to Monument Park in Dexter on Monday, May 25th, from 10–11 a.m., offering a meaningful community tradition presented by the Rotary Club of Dexter as part of the celebration honoring 250 years of the United States. With the theme “Honor and Country,” the parade brings together a wide range of local groups, including veterans organizations, schools, scout troops, churches, civic groups, youth sports teams, and community performers, who are encouraged to participate by submitting applications through the Rotary Club in advance. The procession officially begins after a 8:30 a.m. marshaling time and winds through town before concluding at Monument Park, where a Memorial Day ceremony takes place at approximately 11 a.m., immediately following the parade. The event emphasizes patriotic spirit, with flags, banners, and music all expected to align with the day’s commemorative theme honoring those who lost their lives in military service. As one of the most significant observances in the Dexter area, the parade not only highlights community pride and involvement but also reflects the broader meaning of Memorial Day as a time of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude.

B-25 Air Adventure Flights

Michigan Flight Museum’s Roush Aeronautic Center, 48075 Tyler Rd, Van Buren Township
May 25th. Flights at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., & 4 p.m.

The B-25 Air Adventure Flights offer a rare and unforgettable opportunity to experience aviation history firsthand during Memorial Day weekend at the Michigan Flight Museum’s Roush Aeronautic Center. On Monday, May 25th, guests can take to the skies aboard the legendary B-25 “Rosie’s Reply,” a beautifully restored World War II-era twin-engine bomber, with flight departures scheduled at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. Each approximately 25-minute flight accommodates up to six passengers, giving participants an intimate and thrilling ride in one of the most iconic American aircraft of the era, the North American B-25 Mitchell. Designed as an “escape the ordinary” experience, the flights depart from the Roush Aeronautics Center and offer sweeping aerial views along with the unmistakable roar of vintage engines. With pricing set per seat at $525 per person and discounted rates available for museum members priced at $475, this one-of-a-kind adventure is a bucket-list experience for aviation enthusiasts and anyone looking to make Memorial Day weekend truly memorable. Please click here to purchase tickets.

The Ann Arbor Area’s Best BBQ Spots for Memorial Day Weekend

Biercamp

1643 S State St, Ann Arbor

Biercamp is a beloved Ann Arbor BBQ and smokehouse known for its small-batch, handcrafted approach to comfort food and craft beverages. Established in 2011 as a family-run shop on South State Street, Biercamp has built a loyal following thanks to its commitment to making everything in-house, from fresh-ground meats and sausages to smoked and cured specialties prepared using treasured family recipes. Guests can enjoy a full menu of sandwiches, sausages, baskets, and rotating sides in the relaxed, all-season outdoor beer garden, or grab everything to go for a Memorial Day picnic or backyard gathering. In addition to its food menu, Biercamp offers a curated selection of craft beers and ciders available by the pint, growler, or half growler, making it a great stop for pairing local drinks with smoky flavors. The cooler is always stocked with house-made favorites like bratwurst, bacon, jerky, smoked fish, pickled vegetables, and even vegetarian options, reflecting the shop’s wide appeal and dedication to quality sourcing from farms that prioritize humane, natural practices. Voted “Best BBQ” by Current Magazine, Biercamp stands out as a must-visit destination for authentic, locally rooted BBQ in Ann Arbor.

Ricewood BBQ

1928 Packard St, Ann Arbor & 245 N Maple Rd, Ann Arbor

Ricewood BBQ is a modern, casual BBQ favorite in Ann Arbor with two locations that bring a flavorful fusion twist to traditional smoked meats. Known especially for its signature rice bowls, Ricewood serves 8-ounce portions of proteins like brisket, pulled pork, pork belly, spare ribs, Szechuan chicken, and Szechuan tofu over white rice topped with scallions, tomatoes, and a bright soy vinegar finish. Guests can customize their bowls with add-on “bombs” such as house kimchi, sesame cucumber, pickled red onion, and red cabbage slaw, adding layers of crunch, spice, and tang. The menu also features hearty sandwiches on brioche buns, like brisket with pineapple BBQ sauce or pulled pork with gochujang aioli, alongside meat-by-the-pound options perfect for Memorial Day gatherings or backyard BBQ spreads. With approachable pricing, bold global flavors, and a laid-back atmosphere, Ricewood BBQ stands out as a go-to spot for both quick lunches and takeout feasts, especially for those looking to elevate classic BBQ with an inventive, Asian-inspired twist.

Smokehouse 52 BBQ

125 S Main St, Chelsea

Smokehouse 52 BBQ is a beloved downtown Chelsea barbecue destination known for its authentic, slow-smoked meats and deep-rooted passion for traditional pit BBQ. Founded in 2013 by Phil and Jenn Tolliver, the restaurant reflects Phil’s lifelong dedication to barbecue, shaped by his upbringing on a hog farm in Stockbridge and refined through his mentorship with championship pitmaster Mike “The Legend” Mills of 17th Street BBQ. The result is a menu built on patience, skill, and time-honored smoking techniques that deliver rich, flavorful barbecue staples perfect for any occasion. While Smokehouse 52 BBQ is closed on Memorial Day itself, as well as other major holidays, it remains a popular choice for planning ahead, with guests encouraged to pick up meats or full meals in advance for Memorial Day weekend gatherings, picnics, and backyard celebrations. Beyond its restaurant service, Smokehouse 52 also offers full-service catering, ranging from simple pickup meals for small groups to large-scale event buffets for weddings, corporate functions, and community celebrations, making it a trusted local go-to for dependable, crowd-pleasing BBQ in Southeast Michigan.

From Parades to Pit Smoke: Wrapping Up a Perfect Memorial Day Weekend in Ann Arbor

As Memorial Day Weekend comes to a close, Ann Arbor proves once again why it’s one of Michigan’s most vibrant destinations for celebrating the unofficial start of summer. From heartfelt parades and community runs to lively bar crawls and unforgettable special events, the weekend offers countless ways to honor the holiday while enjoying time with family and friends. Just as memorable are the area’s standout BBQ spots, where slow-smoked meats, bold flavors, and creative menus bring people together over great food and good company. Whether you spend your weekend cheering along parade routes, exploring local events, or discovering a new favorite barbecue joint, Ann Arbor delivers the perfect balance of reflection, celebration, and summer energy.