Memorial Day Weekend in Lake County, OH
Forest Forms at The Holden Arboretum
Make Plans to Spend Your 2025 Memorial Day Weekend in Lake County, Ohio
Whether you're honoring those who served our country, celebrating with loved ones at outdoor picnics, enjoying a quick getaway, or traveling to kick off the unofficial start of summer, Lake County, Ohio has everything you need to make your Memorial Day Weekend memorable!
Parades & Ceremonies
Fairport Harbor - Memorial Day Ceremony - May 26 at 8:30A.M.
111 Water St, Fairport Harbor, OH 44077
Join us in honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Fairport Harbor VFW Post 7554 will hold three Memorial Day ceremonies:
8:30 a.m. – Ceremony on the pier (northwest of the north end of Water Street)
9:00–9:30 a.m. – Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park (301 Third Street)
9:30 a.m. – Parade to Zion Lutheran Cemetery (550 East Street)
Madison, OH - Memorial Day Parade - May 26 from 11:00 A.M.
52-76 OH-84, Madison, OH 44057
Parade steps off at 11:00 and ends in the Village Square followed by Memorial Day ceremony in the square at the pavilion. We look forward to seeing you there and honoring the brave men and women who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation.
Mentor, OH - Memorial Day Ceremony - May 26 at 9:30 A.M.
6881 Hopkins Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
The ceremony will be preceded by a solemn parade which will step-off at 9:30 AM from Memorial Middle School located at 8979 Mentor Avenue. It will proceed north to the cemetery, arriving at the Mentor Memorial Promenade.
Painesville City - Memorial Day Parade - May 26 at 10 A.M.
501 Main St, Painesville, OH 44077
The annual Memorial Day parade starts at Riverside Cemetery, makes its way down Riverside Drive to Madison Avenue and ends at Evergreen Cemetery.
This parade is managed by American Legion Post 336.
Willoughby - Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony - May 26 at 9:30 A.M.
Willoughby Sharpe Avenue Cemetery
Join the American Legion Post #214, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1500, and the City of Willoughby as we honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military for our country. Parade step-off will be at 9:30 AM in Downtown Willoughby, and the route will proceed to Sharpe Ave Cemetery, where a ceremony will be held.
Special Events You Can’t Miss
Holden Arboretum - Forest Forms - May 10 – September 7
Forest Forms features eighteen sculptures ranging in height from a playful five feet to a monumental twenty feet tall. These larger-than-life works include a majestic fox family, an intricate stack of flowers, an ethereal peacock, and much more and will be on display throughout the arboretum’s grounds. An avid nature lover, artist Huelani Mei uses a distinct “line work” style to convey the form, movement, and rhythm she observes in nature.
2025 Just Run Lake County Friends & Family 5K - Saturday, May 24
Lake Metroparks Fairport Harbor Beach Park. Fairport Harbor, OH, 44077
Non-profit youth program whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of children, promote physical activity, and address the epidemic of childhood obesity.
Strollers are permitted on the 5K route. Learn More
Rabbit Run Theater - Wait Until Dark - Friday, May 23, Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25
5648 W. Chapel Rd., Madison, OH 44057
Located near the shores of Lake Erie in Madison, Rabbit Run Theater is Ohio's premier barn theater, and one of the few barn theaters still in operation. Every summer, from the beginning of June through the end of August, Rabbit Run offers outstanding live theater in a beautiful sylvan setting in the heart of the Grand River Valley Wine District. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy the show! Learn More
The Captains - Only in Ohio Night - Saturday May 24
CELEBRATING THE BUCKEYE STATE! Tonight, The Captains are honoring everything that makes Ohio truly one-of-a-kind. From our iconic landmarks and quirky traditions to the proud spirit of the Buckeye State! Join the stands at Classic Auto Group Park as they celebrate the people, places, and pride that make Ohio stand out from the rest!
Get your tickets now and be part of a night that's all about what makes our state great. Fun, community, and unforgettable memories!
Painesville Car Cruise - Friday, May 23, 5 P.M. - 8 P.M.
1 Liberty Street, Painesville, Ohio 44077
Painesville’s famous Car Cruise is every Friday on the Square. Stroll through vintage, muscle and unique vehicles lining beautiful Veterans’ Park while enjoying music and snacks. See you every Friday starting May 16 through September 19, weather permitting. Hosted by the Downtown Painesville Organization (DPO). Learn More
Beach Days
Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park & Beach - Opens Memorial Day Weekend
Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park is featured in Coastal Living’s ultimate summer list, “The Best Beaches in America” as the Best Beach in Ohio.
Local’s Tip: Don’t forget to pop into the Fairport Harbor Creamery for hand-made ice cream and fresh bakery items or an afternoon pick-me-up at Julbean’s Coffee & Crepes.
9601 Headlands Road Mentor, OH 44060
The trademark of Headlands Beach State Park is its massive 35-acre Lake Erie beach. Enjoy sunbathing and swimming opportunities, go on the hunt for unique beach glass, or phenomenal Lake Erie sunset viewing. Picnicking is available throughout the park and a paved hike/bike trail that runs along the park’s back dunes provides excellent views of the beach and lake.
Local’s Tip: Call ahead and order a Cleveland-style pizza to enjoy beachside from Mama Robetro’s.
Grand River Valley Wine Country
Within a 10-mile radius you’ll find the area’s finest boutique and estate wineries, where you can sip and sample award-winning Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and our region’s famous Ice Wine. Visit our breweries and distilleries and enjoy expertly-crafted beers and sample small-batch spirits. Take a tour, learn how it’s made, and dine in a remarkable setting only found within the Grand River Valley Region of Lake County, OH.
Local’s Tip: Book a wine shuttle when you stay overnight at the Holiday Inn Express- Madison or Hampton Inn Madison. Contact individual hotels for pricing and availability before booking.
Rainy Day Back-Ups
We aren’t weather forecasters, but we do know in Northeast Ohio it is smart to plan for sun, wind, rain, and clouds! Here are a few indoor places to explore Memorial Day weekend in Lake County, OH!
Extend the weekend and stay the night at one of our hotels or boutique lodging in Lake County, OH, near Cleveland just 30 minutes east on the shores of Lake Erie.
Thinking about visiting Downtown Cleveland while you’re in the area? Be sure to check out their upcoming events at www.thisiscleveland.com/
Are you interested in joining our list? Email elyse@tourlakecounty.com to learn more about how to partner with Tour Lake County.