Memorial Day isn’t just a day off from work or school — it’s a time to remember and honor those who have served our country. It’s also a perfect occasion to bring people together. Whether you’re planning activities for a school group, local club, or your neighborhood, there are plenty of Memorial Day activities to make the weekend memorable and meaningful for everyone.
Memorial Day Activities
Here are five great Memorial Day activities that can foster community spirit and remembrance:
Memorial Day Parade or Local Run
Rally your group to attend a local Memorial Day parade or sign up for a community 5K. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or lacing up your sneakers, it’s a meaningful way to show support and be part of something bigger. Bonus: it’s a great excuse to get outside and connect with neighbors.
Community Picnic with a Historical Twist
Host a picnic in a local park and include a storytelling session about the history of Memorial Day. Perhaps invite veterans to speak or have group members prepare short talks on what Memorial Day means to them. Host traditional games like sack races or tug-of-war to keep the fun going.
Collection:
Get your event planning started with this potluck collection to make sure you have enough food for everyone.
Memorial Garden Project
Plant a tree or flowers in a public space, schoolyard, or even your own yard as a living tribute to fallen heroes. It’s a simple gesture that grows over time, symbolizing both remembrance and hope. Invite others to join you in planting or dedicating their own greenery, and share photos or messages to create a virtual tribute wall.
Neighborhood Games and Gathering
Host a casual get-together with simple yard games and a short moment of reflection to honor the meaning of the day. Think cornhole, relay races, or a friendly kickball game—easy activities that bring all ages together without a lot of setup.
Letters and Art from the Heart
Encourage neighbors or group members to write letters or create art to thank veterans and active military. It’s a heartfelt way for kids and adults alike to express gratitude. Share finished pieces at your gathering or mail them together as a group.
More Easy Ways to Celebrate
Here are four super-easy, low-effort ways to honor Memorial Day—perfect for individuals, families, or small groups who want to participate without major planning:
Patriotic Movie Night
Host a casual movie night featuring a military-themed or patriotic film. Invite a few neighbors, roll out the blankets, and press play. No setup stress—just good company and thoughtful viewing.
Flags and Yard Signs
Place small American flags or homemade signs in your yard or along your street. It’s a simple and visible way to show respect and remind others of the day’s meaning.
Wear Red, White, and Blue
Encourage your community, school group, or neighbors to dress in patriotic colors for the day. It’s an easy, unifying way to participate and show support—even if you’re just running errands.
Share a Tribute Post
Post a message of remembrance or a veteran shoutout on social media. Include a photo or story to make it personal. It’s an effortless but meaningful way to honor the day and spark others to reflect.
Planning Your Memorial Day Activities with Cheddar Up
Cheddar Up makes organizing and funding your Memorial Day activity a breeze. Here’s how you can use this handy tool to pull off a successful event:
Collect Contributions Effortlessly
Whether you’re gathering funds for Memorial Day parade materials, picnic supplies, or garden tools, Cheddar Up allows you to create a custom collection page where members can contribute financially. This way, you won’t have to handle cash or checks, and everyone can see how their contributions are being used.
Manage Sign Ups and Participant Information
Keep track of who’s attending and what everyone’s bringing with Cheddar Up’s sign up feature. You can easily organize a potluck style picnic or assign tasks for the event day without any hassle.
Sell Tickets or Merchandise
If your Memorial Day event includes paid entry or you’re offering commemorative t-shirts, Cheddar Up can handle sales seamlessly. Everyone can buy tickets or order merchandise ahead of the event, ensuring you don’t have to deal with last-minute financial surprises.
Communicate and Update
Send updates and reminders through Cheddar Up to keep everyone informed about the event. This fosters a stronger community bond and makes future events even more successful.
Using Cheddar Up, you can focus more on what truly matters — honoring our heroes and bringing your community closer together — without the stress of event logistics. Ready to start planning your Memorial Day activities? Dive into Cheddar Up to see how easy and impactful your event can be.
Before you go
Get started with Cheddar Up to effortlessly manage RSVPs, collect funds, and coordinate contributions for your Memorial Day activities. Everything is in one convenient place, ensuring your gathering is as memorable as it is meaningful.
