It's here — the long weekend we've all been waiting for! Memorial Day weekend is one of the most beloved weekends of the whole year, and this year in North Oakland County, there is NO shortage of amazing things to do with your family. From honoring our veterans at heartfelt local ceremonies to swinging swords at a medieval faire, this weekend has a little bit of everything.
Read on for our full guide to making the most of Memorial Day weekend 2026!
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HONOR & REMEMBER: PARADES & CEREMONIES
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Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend — it's a meaningful time to pause, reflect, and honor the men and women who gave everything for our freedom. Bring your kids to one of these local parades and ceremonies. It's one of the best ways to teach them what this holiday truly means.
LAKE ORION MEMORIAL DAY FESTIVITIES
Monday, May 25 · Downtown Lake Orion
Hosted by American Legion Post 233 – Charlton-Polan Post
FREE
Lake Orion's beloved annual Memorial Day tradition is back, and it's a full morning of meaningful events right in our own backyard.
Here's the full schedule:
📍 8:00 am — Check-in for the Orion Veterans Memorial Day Run/Walk begins on the Paint Creek Trail near Children's Park. Choose a 5K or 5-mile route. Proceeds support the Orion Veterans Memorial. Registration required.
📍 9:00 am — Rifle salute ceremony at Eastlawn Cemetery, 690 Grampian Ct.
📍 10:00 am — Ceremony and rifle salute at Children's Park, 201 S. Broadway St., Downtown Lake Orion.
📍 10:15 am — Parade steps off from Blanche Sims Elementary School (465 E. Jackson St.). The parade travels south on Florence Street to East Flint Street, to North Broadway Street, to Elizabeth Street, ending at the Ehman Center.
Want to participate in the parade? Call (248) 693-2782.
💡 Tip: Stake out a spot along North Broadway Street in Downtown Lake Orion for great parade viewing. Bring lawn chairs and a little American flag for the kids to wave!
OXFORD MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY & PARADE
Monday, May 25 · 10:00 am SHARP
Centennial Park, Downtown Oxford
FREE
Info: (248) 628-2543
Oxford's touching annual tradition begins at Centennial Park in Downtown Oxford. The ceremony includes the placing of dog tags on crosses honoring those who died in service — a powerful and moving tribute, especially for older kids. After the park ceremony, the parade heads north on Washington Street, then west on Burdick Street, to Ridgelawn Cemetery, where the American Legion Post will conduct a wreath-placing ceremony complete with a 21-gun salute, the National Anthem, and Taps.
ROCHESTER / ROCHESTER HILLS MEMORIAL DAY PARADE OF HEROES
Monday, May 25 · Rochester & Rochester Hills
Hosted by the Rochester Regional Chamber Foundation in partnership with the City of Rochester, City of Rochester Hills & Oakland Township
FREE
More info HERE.
This is one of the most beloved Memorial Day traditions in our coverage area — a full morning of ceremony, community, and celebration spanning two cities.
Here's the complete schedule:
📍 8:00 am — Memorial Day Ceremony at Mt. Avon Cemetery, 400 Sixth St., Rochester. A solemn and moving tribute to honor fallen veterans.
📍 9:00 am — The Memorial Day Parade of Heroes steps off from Mt. Avon Cemetery. The parade route travels through Rochester and Rochester Hills, ending at Veterans Memorial Pointe in Rochester Hills.
📍 10:30 am — Closing Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Pointe, Rochester Hills. A final tribute honoring those who served.
📍 11:30 am — Hot dogs at the Rochester Fire Station! Because nothing says community like sharing a meal together after a meaningful morning. 🌭
💡 Tip: The parade route runs through Rochester neighborhoods before heading south to Rochester Hills. Check HERE for the exact route and road closure details so you can pick the perfect spot to cheer on the marchers. In case of inclement weather, watch for updates — the Rochester events may move indoors to the Mausoleum and the Rochester Fire Station.
CLARKSTON / INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE
Monday, May 25 · 10:00 am
Lakeview Cemetery, 6150 White Lake Rd., Clarkston MI 48348
Hosted by American Legion Campbell-Richmond Post 63
FREE
Info: (248) 625-9912 (after 4 pm)
A truly beautiful and memorable ceremony for the whole family. The Clarkston Memorial Day Service at Lakeview Cemetery is a tradition that feels exactly the way Memorial Day should — solemn, meaningful, and full of community spirit. Highlights include:
🎺 Color Guard performing a rifle volley and raising of the flag
🎺 Playing of Taps
🎶 The Clarkston High School Band performing patriotic music
🌸 Ladies in Mourning — women in period clothing who lay flowers on the graves of veterans
This is a wonderful opportunity to bring your kids and help them truly understand what Memorial Day means. Watching the Ladies in Mourning place flowers on the graves of those who served is something children won't forget.
💡 Tip: Limited seating available. Please bring lawn chairs.
AUBURN HILLS MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
Monday, May 25 · 11:00 am
Avondale High School, 2800 Waukegan St., Auburn Hills 48326
Hosted by American Legion Post 143
FREE
Info: (248) 521-0009
Hosted by American Legion Post 143, this patriotic event features a classic hometown parade filled with marching bands, veterans groups, and community spirit. It’s a wonderful opportunity to teach kids the importance of Memorial Day while enjoying a morning out together. Bring your flags, line the streets, and help show your support for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. ❤️🤍💙 Following the parade, lunch will be at 96 Churchill Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326.
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ATTEND A FAMILY FUN EVENT
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SHELBY TOWNSHIP DOWN HOME DAYS CARNIVAL
May 22, 23, 24 & 25
Friday 4-11pm, Saturday & Sunday 12-11pm, Monday 12-6pm
Knights Park & Pavilion 11541 21 Mile Rd, Shelby Township, MI 48317
Parking: $5
Kick off Memorial Day weekend at the Shelby Twp Lions Club Down Home Days Festival! Enjoy carnival rides, delicious food, live entertainment, and family fun all weekend long! Bring the whole family and make some holiday weekend memories!
CANTERBURY VILLAGE MEDIEVAL FAIRE
May 23, 24 & 25 · AND May 30–31 · AND June 6–7
10 am–7 pm each day
2359 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion MI 48360
Phone: (248) 391-5700
Tickets HERE!
Parking: FREE
If your family has never been to the Canterbury Village Medieval Faire, THIS is your year! And if you're a regular — you already know how magical this event is. Canterbury Village transforms into a full-blown outdoor medieval adventure, complete with castle turrets, cobblestone paths, and more entertainment than you can fit in a single day.
🗡️ WHAT TO EXPECT:
• Medieval combat and knights in action
• Washing Well Wenches (a fan favorite — seriously hilarious!)
• Michigan Viking Alliance encampment — meet real Vikings!
• Live bands, belly dancers, jesters, magicians, and strolling performers
• Blacksmithing and glassblowing demonstrations
• Bow to Her Royal Majesty, Mary, Queen of Scots
• Tons of artisan vendors and unique finds
• Epic food — turkey legs, roasted corn, spiced almonds, hot pretzels, nachos, and more
• Mead and adult beverages for the grown-ups 🍺
• Indoor restrooms and air-conditioned buildings (yes, really!)
🎟️ TICKETS & TIPS:
Early bird ticket pricing ends May 18, so standard pricing applies this weekend. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. Under age 2 is always free. Parking is FREE. This is an outdoor event, so dress for the weather!
Can't make it Memorial Day weekend? No worries — the faire also runs May 30–31 and June 6–7. You've got three weekends to catch it!
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🏕️ GET OUTSIDE: OUTDOOR FUN THIS WEEKEND
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Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and with temps warming up, it's the perfect time to explore our amazing local parks. Check out our Parks & Playgrounds Guide HERE! Here are some top picks for outdoor family fun this weekend:
🏖️ SPENCER PARK BEACH OPENS FOR THE SEASON!
3701 John R Rd., Rochester Hills MI
Park Pass required ($35/resident annual or $3–$5 daily)
Big news — the swimming beach at Thelma Spencer Park in Rochester Hills reopens Memorial Day weekend 2026! After being closed all spring, the lifeguarded beach on beautiful 38-acre Carter Lake is back. Pack your beach bag, grab some snacks, and kick off summer the right way. The park also has watercraft rentals, picnic areas, a playground, tennis courts, and wooded nature paths.
Hours: 10 am to dusk. Swimming is lifeguarded when staff permits.
🏊 BALD MOUNTAIN STATE RECREATION AREA BEACH
3361 S. Lapeer Road, Lake Orion MI
Michigan Recreation Passport required
Bald Mountain's popular swimming beach is open for the season! With 4,600 acres to explore, this is a full-day destination. Hike the trails, fish on one of the many lakes, have a picnic, and cool off in the swim area. Note: The main entrance/beach area was under renovation this spring — confirm it has fully reopened HERE before heading out.
🌊 And the big news — WhoaZone returns in 2026 after being closed all of 2025! The floating inflatable water park opens Friday, May 23 - Memorial Day weekend. Tickets required; CLICK HERE for info and pricing. A Recreation Passport is required for park entry.
🎢 SEYMOUR LAKE TOWNSHIP PARK & KLR SPLASH PAD OPENS!
2795 Seymour Lake Road, Oxford MI
FREE to the public | Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Memorial Day weekend also marks the opening of the FREE KLR Splash Pad at Seymour Lake Township Park in Oxford! The splash pad is open daily 10 am–8 pm through Labor Day — no charge, no lifeguard (adult supervision required). Combine it with a visit to the massive Kids Kingdom medieval playground, disc golf, tennis, and more. This 132-acre park truly has it all. A perfect free family day!
🚴 HIT THE TRAILS
No holiday weekend is complete without a bike ride or a nature walk! Here are three great trail options right in our area:
• Paint Creek Trail — Michigan's first Rail-to-Trail, running 8.9 miles from Lake Orion to Rochester. Perfect for biking, walking, and rollerblading.
• Polly Ann Trail — 14.2 miles of peaceful trail connecting Orion Township, Oxford, Addison Township, and the Village of Leonard.
• Rochester Riverwalk — A gorgeous path through the heart of Downtown Rochester connecting the Paint Creek Trail and the Clinton River Trail. Passes parks, the library, and beautiful river views.
🌿 ORION OAKS COUNTY PARK
Orion Township, Oakland County Parks
Need to burn off some serious kid energy? Orion Oaks has 915 acres, over 14 miles of trails, a dog park, non-motorized boat launch, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. A beautiful spot for the whole family — including the pup!
🏕️ ADDISON OAKS COUNTY PARK
Addison Township, Oakland County Parks
Just a short drive north! Addison Oaks has 1,140 acres with camping, mountain biking, disc golf, swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and over 20 miles of trails. A great option if you want to make a whole day (or even overnight!) adventure out of it.
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🗓️ QUICK-REFERENCE WEEKEND PLANNER
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SATURDAY, MAY 23
⚔️ Canterbury Village Medieval Faire opens for the weekend · 10 am–7 pm · Lake Orion
SUNDAY, MAY 24
⚔️ Canterbury Village Medieval Faire continues · 10 am–7 pm · Lake Orion
MONDAY, MAY 25 — MEMORIAL DAY
🎺 8:00 am — Orion Veterans Run/Walk check-in · Paint Creek Trail, Lake Orion
🎺 9:00 am — Cemetery ceremony · Eastlawn Cemetery, Lake Orion
🎺 10:00 am — Ceremony at Children's Park · Downtown Lake Orion
🎺 10:15 am — Lake Orion Memorial Day Parade steps off · Downtown Lake Orion
🎗️ 10:00 am SHARP — Oxford Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade · Centennial Park, Oxford
🏖️ Spencer Park Beach opens for the season! · Rochester Hills
🌊 Water Warrior Island opens for the season! · Bald Mountain, Lake Orion
🎢 KLR Splash Pad opens for the season! · Seymour Lake Township Park, Oxford
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💚 COMING UP NEXT WEEKEND & BEYOND!
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Check our calendar HERE often so you don't miss a thing! The fun doesn't stop after Memorial Day! Here's what to look forward to:
• Canterbury Village Medieval Faire continues May 30–31 and June 6–7
• Oxford's Summer Concert Series kicks off June 18 at Centennial Park! Thursday evenings through August 13, 6:30–8 pm. FREE! Theme this year: OXFORD THROUGH THE DECADES (extra special — it's Oxford's 150th anniversary AND America's 250th birthday year!)
• Davis Family Farmers Market at Seymour Lake Township Park runs every Saturday through October 10, 9 am–2 pm. Shop local!
• Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday through October 31, from 8 am – 1 pm. Celebrating its 27th season!
• 2026 Summer Camps are filling up fast! Check out our 2026 North Oakland County Summer Camp Guide at lakeorion.macaronikid.com for the best camps in the area for every interest and age group.
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Have a safe, happy, and meaningful Memorial Day weekend! 💛
As always, verify event times, details, and hours with organizers before heading out — details are subject to change.
For more family fun events, visit us at lakeorion.macaronikid.com
