Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start of summer – it’s a meaningful day to honor those who served while also creating cherished memories with loved ones. From backyard barbecues to patriotic crafts, there are countless things to do on Memorial Day that bring people together. If you’re looking for ways to make the long weekend special, this guide covers creative, fun, and family-friendly activities you’ll actually want to try.
Host a backyard barbecue with a creative twist

Firing up the grill is one of the most popular Memorial Day activities, but you can take your barbecue to the next level by adding a touch of creativity. Design personalized invitations, custom menus, or themed social media posts with ready-made Memorial Day templates. They’re an easy way to set the tone for your gathering and share the excitement with friends before they even arrive.
Create patriotic crafts and decorations

If you’re spending the day at home, crafting is a wonderful way to honor the spirit of Memorial Day. Try DIY flags, red-white-and-blue banners, or even digital stickers that you can use on your photos and posts. With a tool like Picsart’s Sticker Maker, you can design your own patriotic stickers and instantly add them to collages, posters, or party favors.
Plan a community tribute or family activity

Memorial Day is also about remembrance. Many communities host parades, ceremonies, or moments of silence to honor fallen heroes. Attending or organizing a local tribute with family and friends can make the day feel more meaningful. Capture those special moments and make them unforgettable by enhancing your photos with a powerful photo editor – perfect for creating keepsakes to share with loved ones.

After the events of the day, you’ll likely have plenty of photos worth saving and sharing. Instead of posting them as-is, experiment with filters, overlays, and AI-powered effects to make your images stand out. An AI Photo Editor makes it simple to transform ordinary snapshots into artistic tributes that carry the spirit of the holiday.
Other fun Memorial Day ideas
- Organize a backyard movie night featuring patriotic films
- Take a weekend road trip to a historical site or national park
- Host a themed picnic with red, white, and blue treats
- Put together a slideshow of family military history to honor relatives
- Try a charity run or volunteer at a veteran’s organization
Final thoughts
Memorial Day is the perfect blend of remembrance and celebration, giving us a chance to honor the sacrifices of others while spending time with the people we love. From barbecues to crafts, community tributes to creative photo edits, there are endless things to do on Memorial Day that make it meaningful and memorable.