DETROIT (WWJ) -- Looking for something fun to do with family, friends, or just for you this Memorial Day weekend?
There's lots going on all across Metro Detroit, so let's run down some of our top picks, courtesy of WWJ's Don't Miss List with Pat Vitale.
Movement Electronic Music Festival
- When: Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25
- Where: Hart Plaza, Downtown Detroit
- Details: This annual three-day festival features electronic music performances across multiple stages on the Detroit riverfront. The 2026 headlining lineup includes 999999999, ANNA, and Barry Can’t Swim, alongside dozens of local and international artists. Food trucks and regional vendors will be on-site. Festival hours are 2 PM to midnight on Saturday and Sunday, and 2 PM to 11 PM on Monday. Tickets are required. [More info]
Ya’ssoo Greek Festival
- When: Friday, May 22 (4 PM – 10 PM); Saturday, May 23 (Noon – 11 PM); Sunday, May 24 (Noon – 9 PM)
- Where: St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 43816 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Details: This annual cultural festival showcases traditional Greek food, including lamb shank, souvlaki, and specialty pastries. The event features traditional folk dancing, nearly 40 scheduled cooking and cultural demonstrations, a kid's activity zone with magic shows, and live music from groups like the Dave Bennett Quartet and Stigma. Admission is $4, and children 12 and under are free. [More info]
Detroit Zoo: Erb Discovery Trails Grand Opening
- When: Saturday, May 23 (Public Opening)
- Where: Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
- Details: The zoo officially opens its new 7-acre "Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails" to the general public this Saturday. The interactive space features an elevated canopy walk, an open-air goat brushing yard, and habitats for stingrays, bush dogs, alpacas, and prairie dogs. The zoo is running extended holiday hours, staying open until 8:00 PM from Friday through Sunday. Pre-purchased tickets or member reservations are recommended as parking is expected to fill early. (Note: Friday, May 22 is an exclusive member-only preview day from 9 AM to 8 PM). [More info]
Novi Barbeque Fest: Ribs & Whiskey
- When: Friday, May 22 – Monday, May 25
- Where: Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk, Novi
- Details: The third annual festival features 12 competitive barbecue trucks offering ribs, brisket, and international styles like Korean-Thai barbecue. The four-day event includes a people's choice voting format, a barbecue eating contest, a whiskey tasting area, a cigar lounge, and a dedicated kids' area with bounce houses and magic shows. Live tribute bands honoring artists like Billy Joel, Elton John, Stevie Nicks, and Journey will perform. Admission is $7 in advance or $10 at the gate. Children 10 and under enter free.
10th Annual Kensington Metropark Art Fair
- When: Saturday, May 23 & Sunday, May 24 (10 AM – 6 PM); Monday, May 25 (10 AM – 4 PM)
- Where: Maple Beach at Kensington Metropark, Milford
- Details: Celebrating its 10th year, this outdoor lakeside fair features more than 120 juried artists selling paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and handcrafted jewelry. The event also includes food trucks, live acoustic music, and a collaborative community mural project. Admission to the art fair is free, but a standard Metropark vehicle pass is required to enter the park grounds. [More info]
Hazel Park Memorial Festival Carnival
- When: Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25
- Where: Green Acres Park (75 W. Woodward Heights Blvd.), Hazel Park
- Details: Hosted by Big Rock Amusements, this community festival features a large carnival midway with rides, games, and classic fair foods. The event also hosts a craft sale, a Lions Club beer tent with daily live local music, and live pro wrestling at the community center on Friday night.
- Hours: Friday 4 PM – 10 PM; Saturday and Sunday Noon – 10 PM; Monday (Memorial Day) following the morning parade until 9 PM.
- Cost: Ground admission is free. Daily unlimited ride armbands are $32 at the gate, or $25 if purchased online before the festival begins. [More info]
Madison Family Spring Carnival
- When: Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25
- Where: Madison High School parking lot (915 E. 11 Mile Rd.), Madison Heights
- Details: This family-centric neighborhood carnival features a variety of roller coasters, spinners, youth rides, midway skill games, and classic carnival treats.
- Hours: The carnival gates open daily at noon and run through the evening all weekend long.
- Cost: Admission to the grounds is free. Unlimited ride wristbands are available for $32 at the gate, or $25 if purchased online in advance. Individual ride tickets are also sold on-site. [More info]
Livonia AM Rotary Carnival
- When: Thursday, May 21 through Sunday, May 31
- Where: Former Sears Parking Lot (29500 Seven Mile Road), Livonia
- Details: This major 11-day carnival, operated by Wade Shows, serves as a primary annual fundraiser for the Livonia AM Rotary Club. It features a large layout of high-thrill amusement rides, family kiddy rides, skill games, and classic fair concessions.
- Holiday Weekend Hours: Friday 4 PM – 11 PM; Saturday and Sunday Noon – 11 PM; Monday (Memorial Day) 1 PM – 11 PM.
- Cost: Parking and admission to the grounds are free. All-day unlimited ride wristbands are available on-site for $35 per day. Individual ride tickets can also be purchased. [More info]
Plus — Memorial Day Parades!
There are a bunch of these going on , all around the region (most of them on Monday). Pick your favorite, from St. Clair Shores, Royal Oak, Clawson, Sterling Heights, Dearborn or Novi, to Milford and more! We've poked around, and Little Guide Detroit seems to have the most comprehensive list. See it at this link.
