Memorial Day weekend in the Brainerd Lakes Area is when summer starts to feel official; the locally-dubbed holiday and kickoff to summer.
The docks are in. Patios are open. Boats are back on the water. Live music starts filling the lakeside air. Nisswa, Crosslake, Pequot Lakes, Breezy Point, Brainerd, Gull Lake, Leech Lake, and the Whitefish Chain all come alive with that first real taste of summer.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend with family, a friends’ getaway, a lake cabin escape, or a last-minute Minnesota vacation, this is one of the best weekends to experience the B.L.A. like a local.
And yes — many Book the B.L.A. vacation rentals have already been claimed for Memorial Day weekend. But there are still a few good ones left.
Consider this your guide to doing Memorial Day weekend right in the Brainerd Lakes Area — with events, live music, local happenings, Memorial Day services, lake days, patio stops, and nearby Book the B.L.A. stays to make the weekend easy.
Area: Brainerd
Event: Family-friendly / Welcome Center activity
Location: Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center & Gift Shop
Time: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Event link: View event
Help rename Bigfoot at the Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center. It’s a quick, quirky stop if you’re driving into town, traveling between lake communities, or looking for a simple family-friendly activity to kick off the weekend.
Nearby stay: Hilltop Retreat keeps you within easy reach of Pequot Lakes, Breezy Point, and Brainerd-area weekend exploring.
Area: Crosslake
Artist: Mike Derus
Event: Live music
Location: The Wharf
Time: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Event link: View event
Start the weekend with lake views, dinner, drinks, and live music at The Wharf. Mike Derus is scheduled for Friday evening from 5:00–8:00 PM — the kind of golden-hour Crosslake plan that makes Memorial Day weekend feel like summer.
Nearby stay: Sundance Ridge Resort keeps you close to Crosslake, the Whitefish Chain, The Wharf, and the Friday night scene.
Area: Crosslake
Event: Paint and sip / Creative activity
Location: Kicks the Art Place
Time: 5:30 PM–8:00 PM
Event link: View event
A fun Friday night option for families, couples, friend groups, or anyone looking for something creative before the weekend fills up.
Nearby stay: Sundance Ridge Resort is the natural fit for guests looking to stay close to Crosslake activities.
Area: Crosslake
Event: Music bingo / Community event
Location: 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery
Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Event link: View event
Music bingo swaps numbers for song clips, making this an easy, fun Friday night stop for groups. Grab a drink, play along, and settle into the weekend.
Nearby stay: Sundance Ridge Resort keeps you close to 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery, Crosslake restaurants, and Whitefish Chain weekend plans.
Area: Crosslake
Event: Craft market / Flea market / Shopping
Location: Mission of the Crosslake Lutheran Church
Time: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Event link: View event
Browse local vendors, handmade goods, vintage finds, and flea market treasures at Crosslake’s first sale of the season. This is an easy Saturday morning stop before lunch, lake time, or afternoon live music.
Nearby stay: Sundance Ridge Resort puts you close to the market, Crosslake shops, dining, and Whitefish Chain fun.
Area: Brainerd
Event: Family-friendly / Welcome Center activity
Location: Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center & Gift Shop
Time: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Event link: View event
A quick family-friendly stop if you’re exploring Brainerd, shopping, grabbing coffee, or traveling between Brainerd and the lakes.
Nearby stay: Hilltop Retreat and Sundance Ridge Resort both offer easy access to a broader Brainerd Lakes Area weekend itinerary.
Area: Crosslake
Event: Bingo / Community event
Location: Crosslake Fifty Lakes American Legion
Time: 1:30 PM–4:00 PM
Event link: View event
Classic Crosslake afternoon plans: bingo, local company, and a little friendly competition before dinner and live music.
Nearby stay: Sundance Ridge Resort is ideal if your weekend plans are centered around Crosslake.
Area: Crosslake
Artist: Geoff Elvee
Event: Live music
Location: The Wharf
Time: 3:00 PM–6:00 PM
Event link: View event
After the craft market or a slow lake morning, head toward the water for Saturday afternoon live music at The Wharf.
Nearby stay: Sundance Ridge Resort is close to The Wharf and keeps the afternoon-to-evening plans easy.
Area: Brainerd
Event: Meat raffle / Community event
Location: b*merri Gastropub
Time: 4:00 PM–7:00 PM
Event link: View event
A casual Brainerd stop for guests staying in or traveling through the central Brainerd Lakes Area.
Nearby stay: Hilltop Retreat keeps you close enough for a Brainerd stop while still staying near Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes.
Area: Pequot Lakes
Event: Meat raffle / Fundraiser
Location: Pequot Lakes American Legion
Time: 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Event link: View event
A fun local Saturday night stop supporting the Pequot Lakes Fire District. This is a great add-on if you’re staying near Breezy Point, Pequot Lakes, or Pelican Lake.
Nearby stay: Hilltop Retreat keeps you close to Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point activities.
Area: Nisswa / Gull Lake
Artist: My Famous Friends
Event: Live music
Location: Quarterdeck Resort
Time: 6:00 PM
Event link: Add direct Facebook event link or Quarterdeck event page
Make your Gull Lake Saturday night easy with live music at Quarterdeck Resort. This is a great option for guests spending the day near Nisswa, Gull Lake, or Brainerd.
Nearby stay: Hilltop Retreat gives you access to the greater Nisswa / Gull Lake area while keeping Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes close, too.
Area: Brainerd Lakes Area
Artist: Brendan Flynn
Event: Live music
Time: 7:00 PM–10:00 PM
Event link: View event
Local favorite Brendan Flynn brings familiar tunes and weekend energy to the Saturday night lineup.
Area: Crosslake area
Artist: Mike Derus
Event: Live music
Location: Ox Lake Tavern
Time: 8:00 PM–11:00 PM
Event link: View event
If your group wants to keep the night going, Mike Derus takes the stage at Ox Lake Tavern Saturday evening.
Nearby stay: Sundance Ridge Resort is ideal for Crosslake and Whitefish Chain plans. Hilltop Retreat keeps you close to Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point. Long Bow Lodge, Blue Haven, and River End A-Frame are better fits if you’re planning a quieter cabin-forward weekend.
Area: Brainerd
Event: Breakfast / Community event
Location: Brainerd American Legion
Time: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Event link: View event
Start Sunday with a classic community breakfast at the Brainerd American Legion.
Nearby stay: Hilltop Retreat gives you access to Brainerd-area outings while keeping you close to Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes.
Area: Pequot Lakes
Event: Breakfast / Community event
Location: Pequot Lakes American Legion
Time: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Event link: View event
All-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, and sausage at the Pequot Lakes American Legion. This is an easy Sunday morning stop if you’re staying near Breezy Point, Pequot Lakes, or Pelican Lake.
Nearby stay: Hilltop Retreat is a strong match for guests planning a Pequot Lakes / Breezy Point weekend.
Area: Brainerd
Event: Family-friendly / Welcome Center activity
Location: Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center & Gift Shop
Time: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Event link: View event
A simple family-friendly stop while you’re out exploring, shopping, or making your way between Brainerd and the lakes.
Area: Crosslake
Event: Meat raffle / Community event
Location: 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery
Time: 2:00 PM–3:30 PM
Event link: View event
A laid-back Sunday afternoon stop in Crosslake. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy a classic local meat raffle before evening music or dinner plans.
Nearby stay: Sundance Ridge Resort makes Crosslake Sunday plans simple.
Area: Pequot Lakes
Artist: Muddy Waters
Event: Live music
Location: Pequot Lakes American Legion
Time: 4:00 PM–7:00 PM
Event link: View event
Muddy Waters brings country music to the Pequot Lakes American Legion on Sunday afternoon. A great early-evening plan before heading back to the cabin for sunset, dinner, or a bonfire.
Nearby stay: Hilltop Retreat is close to Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point.
Area: Crosby
Artist: Drew Peterson
Event: Live music
Location: Cana Wine Bar
Time: 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Event link: View event
Drew Peterson brings Americana storytelling, dry wit, and a warm Sunday-night sound to Cana Wine Bar in Crosby.
Nearby stay: River End A-Frame and Blue Haven are great fits for guests who want a quieter stay and don’t mind building in a scenic drive for local exploring.
Monday is a quieter day for local events and a meaningful day for remembrance. If you’re staying in the area through the long weekend, consider attending the Brainerd Memorial Day ceremonies before one last lunch stop, lake walk, or slow drive home.
Area: Brainerd
Event: Family-friendly / Welcome Center activity
Location: Explore Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center & Gift Shop
Time: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Event link: View event
One last fun stop before heading home — or before stretching the weekend just a little longer.
See the Memorial Day services section below for Brainerd’s remembrance schedule.
Live music is a big part of Memorial Day weekend in the Brainerd Lakes Area, and lineups can shift quickly as restaurants, resorts, breweries, and bars add shows closer to the weekend. Check the event links before heading out, but here’s what’s currently on the radar for kickoff-to-summer weekend.
Artist: Mike Derus
Location: The Wharf
Time: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Event link: View event
Artist: Geoff Elvee
Location: The Wharf
Time: 3:00 PM–6:00 PM
Event link: View event
Artist: My Famous Friends
Location: Quarterdeck Resort
Time: 6:00 PM
Event link: Add direct Facebook event link or Quarterdeck event page
Artist: Brendan Flynn
Time: 7:00 PM–10:00 PM
Event link: View event
Artist: Mike Derus
Location: Ox Lake Tavern
Time: 8:00 PM–11:00 PM
Event link: View event
Artist: Muddy Waters
Location: Pequot Lakes American Legion
Time: 4:00 PM–7:00 PM
Event link: View event
Artist: Drew Peterson
Location: Cana Wine Bar
Time: 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Event link: View event
Memorial Day weekend may be the unofficial start of summer, but it’s also a time to pause, reflect, and honor the servicemen and women who gave everything for our country.
For guests staying in the Brainerd Lakes Area over the long weekend, Brainerd hosts Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday, May 25, 2026, with events beginning at 9:00 AM and continuing into the afternoon. The Chamber listing includes the Laurel Street Bridge wreath ceremony, All-Veterans Memorial ceremony, parade, Evergreen Cemetery ceremony, and lunch at the Brainerd Legion.
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026
Area: Brainerd
Event: Memorial Day service / Ceremony
Time: 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Event link: View Memorial Day ceremonies
9:00 AM
Wreath placed in the Mississippi River at the Laurel Street Bridge.
9:30 AM
Short ceremony at the All-Veterans Memorial.
10:00 AM
Parade on 3rd Avenue.
10:30 AM
Main ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery, 1105 3rd Avenue NE.
11:00 AM
Lunch at the Brainerd American Legion, 708 Front Street, for veterans and their families. Donations are accepted, and others may purchase lunch.
3:00 PM
Taps Across America at the All-Veterans Memorial.
Before heading out, confirm timing with the event link in case of weather or schedule changes.
Memorial Day weekend is the perfect excuse to explore beyond your own lake home rental.
Use the Book the B.L.A. area guide to find more local favorites, restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, boutiques, trails, lake stops, family-friendly activities, and things to do across the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Whether you’re planning early morning coffee, brunch in town, lakeside sips, a casual patio lunch, or a slow scenic drive, our local area guide is here to help you spend the weekend like you actually know the area.
Because that’s the beauty of staying with Book the B.L.A. — you get more than a place to sleep. You get local insight, curated stays, and a better way to experience lake life.
The best Memorial Day weekends in the Brainerd Lakes Area are not overplanned — they’re layered.
A little shopping. A little live music. A lake morning. A patio lunch. A local raffle or market. A slow drive through town. A sunset you didn’t rush. A bonfire you’ll talk about all summer.
That’s the beauty of the B.L.A. You don’t have to choose between relaxing and doing something fun. You can do both.
Stay near Crosslake and the Whitefish Chain at Sundance Ridge Resort.
Stay near Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes at Hilltop Retreat.
Head north for a quieter cabin weekend at Long Bow Lodge.
Choose Blue Haven for a peaceful Mayo Lake stay.
Escape to River End A-Frame in Emily for a tucked-away up-north weekend.
Whether you’re searching for vacation rentals, vacation home rentals, lake house rentals, Minnesota cabin rentals, a lakefront vacation, or Brainerd Lakes vacation rentals, Book the B.L.A. by Woods to Water Vacation Homes helps you stay close to the moments that make the weekend memorable.
Memorial Day weekend availability is limited, and homes are already being booked.
If lake life is calling, this is your sign to answer.
Browse available Memorial Day weekend stays: View vacation rentals
A family vacation in the Brainerd Lakes Area is calling—and it’s packed with lakeside magic, outdoor thrills, and cozy moments that’ll make it one of your best family vacations yet! From pontoon rides and snowmobile trails to family-friendly dining and unforgettable seasonal events, every detail is designed to bring you closer together while giving you the peace of mind you deserve.
Explore even more family-friendly activities and dining options in our Area Guide, and don’t forget to check out the Woods to Water Blog for the latest updates on local events and insider tips.
Picture this: lazy mornings by the lake, afternoons filled with laughter, and evenings under the stars. Your adventure starts here. Book your stay with Book the B.L.A. today, and let the memories begin!
