The three-day Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching, giving Michigan families a chance to honor fallen military personnel and gather for the unofficial start to summer.
In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026, schools, U.S. Post Offices, banks, some businesses and non-essential government agencies will close.
In addition to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the holiday weekend — May 23-25 — is considered the unofficial start to summer as many gatherings are held outside, while the official start to summer lands on Sunday, June 21.
Cities across Michigan are planning commemorations for fallen service members with services at cemeteries and memorials, as well as parades.
What to know about Memorial Day 2026.
When is Memorial Day this year?
Memorial Day is on Monday, May 25, 2026. The holiday is always the last Monday in May.
Is Memorial Day a federal holiday?
Yes. Memorial Day is both a federal and state holiday in Michigan, and workers typically get the day off. It became an official federal holiday in 1971 through an act of Congress. City, county, village and state offices all will be closed, along with federal agencies and courts.
After Memorial Day, the next federal holiday is Juneteenth, on Friday, June 19.
Where are parades scheduled in Michigan for Memorial Day weekend 2026?
Here is a look at a few of the many parades slated for Memorial Day, May 25, in Michigan:
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Memorial Day and Veterans Day often get mixed up because they both honor service members.
However, Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the military while Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2026, recognizes all who have served in the armed forces, including the living.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: When is Memorial Day? What to know about upcoming commemoration
Reporting by Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
