25 Fun Ideas for a Memorial Day Party
Lauren Miolene
Editor
A Memorial Day party is the unofficial kick-off to the summer and the first of many outdoor parties this season. With that being said, if you’re planning to host this year, you’ll want to incorporate some unique and fun ideas for a Memorial Day party. This year Memorial Day is May 27, 2024, so it's time to start planning.
Warmer weather finally means spending hours in the sunshine with friends and family, pool parties, and of course barbecues. With festive entertainment options, unique food and drinks, and creative games and decor, this Memorial Day is guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind.
Here are 25 fun ideas for a Memorial Day Party:
Americana Band
What’s more festive than a classic Americana band to play for a Memorial Day celebration? As a rich blend of country, rock, and folk music, this style provides easy listening for any kind of summer time celebration. Hire a local Americana band to play all night long.
Face Painter
Nothing screams “summer” more than getting your face painted! Hire a local face painter to transform guests into works of art, their favorite characters, animals, and more with one of our talented artists.
Steel Drummer
Technically the first day of summer isn’t until June 21st, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get into the tropical mood a month early. Steel drums have an unmistakable sound that will transport listeners to an island paradise without leaving the backyard. Hire a steel drummer to provide luau vibes this Memorial Day.
Bartender
Shake things up this Memorial Day by hiring a bartender to serve at your celebration. These mixologists will be able to craft classic bar drinks, customized cocktails, and whip up mocktails for everyone to enjoy.
Party Inflatables
Bounce houses, obstacle courses, slides, oh my! Hire a party inflatables company to keep the kiddos (and maybe even some of the adults) entertained all day long during your Memorial Day event.
Country Band
Whether you listen to it year round or not, summertime is made for country music. As the unofficial kickstart to the season, you can never go wrong when you book a country band to play old-fashioned classics and today’s country hits. Put on your cowboy hat, boots, and listen to our country playlist to get the party started.
Magician
If hosting a group of little ones on Memorial Day, nothing will keep them entertained like a magician can. Hire a magician to perform a show or a strolling magician to perform tricks throughout the crowd.
DJ
Hire a DJ to play all your favorite summer songs during the Memorial Day weekend festivities. For larger events, professional DJs can also act as emcees and even bring the necessary equipment for a karaoke party.
Pro Tip: Get inspired for your DJ song requests with our Memorial Day playlist.
Food Truck
Don’t get stuck behind the hot grill this Memorial Day weekend, enjoy every part of your celebration by booking a food truck this year. Choose a food truck that provides BBQ, pizza, classic hot dogs, ice cream, or all the above!
Food and Drink Ideas for a Memorial Day Party:
Fireworks Piña Colada
If you like piña coladas then you’ll definitely love this deliciously festive version by Sweet Home Jones. Made with strawberries and Blue Curaçao, the fireworks piña colada is a refreshing flavor explosion that is perfect to sip on this summer. Get the full recipe here.
Kid-Friendly Patriotic Punch
Colorful, layered drinks are way easier to make than you think. Mom Endeavors creates this kid-friendly patriotic punch using cran-cherry juice, a blue raspberry drink, and a non-alcoholic piña colada mix that creates this beautiful and impressive effect. Complete the vibrant beverage with a Twizzler straw for an additional pop of color.
Red, White, and Blue Sangria
When a red, white, and blue cocktail is this easy to make, you need to serve it at your Memorial Day party. Using your choice of wine and fresh fruit, sangria is always a crowd pleaser. Swap the prosecco for apple juice or white grape juice for a delicious non-alcoholic version so everyone will be able to enjoy the vibrant cocktail. Visit Mom 4 Real for the full recipe.
Red, White, and Blue Deviled Eggs
What’s a summertime picnic without deviled eggs? Anyone can hang up American flags and red, white, and blue balloons for decor, but why not make your food spread just as colorful? Use your favorite deviled egg recipe and incorporate red and blue food coloring to create this festive party staple. For the full instructions visit Singing Through The Rain.
Spinach Artichoke Pinwheels
Everyone’s favorite party dip turned into a mess-free, handheld appetizer! Whip up your favorite spinach artichoke dip recipe (or buy your favorite pre-made brand), spread evenly on a flatbread or wrap, roll it up, cut, and serve to create these adorable spinach artichoke dip pinwheels.
Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
There’s no dessert as American as apple pie, but cutting and serving it is definitely the messiest part. Skip the hassle with these adorable pies that are already individually portioned and perfect for parties. Get the full recipe from Pure Wow to make these this upcoming Memorial Day.
Flag S’mores Dip
This might just be the cutest red, white, and blue dessert we have ever seen, and who doesn’t love s’mores? All you need for this recipe is marshmallows, colored sugar, butter or Crisco, chocolate chips, and graham crackers to create this festive and adorable dessert dip. For more inspiration and the full instructions, visit The Decorated Cookie.
Decor Ideas for a Memorial Day Party:
Painted Lawn Stars
When it comes to party decorations, the easier the better. With a DIY star stencil and spray paint that won’t kill grass, you can get the yard Memorial Day ready! The best part about this easy decor is that it’s not permanent and will grow out just in time to paint fresh stars for the 4th of July! Check out The Concrete Cottage’s beautiful painted lawn stars you’re going to want to recreate.
Paper Poppy Backdrop
The poppy flower is the symbol of Memorial Day used to honor the fallen and support people who have fought for our country. Feel inspired by The House That Lars Built with her gorgeous paper poppy backdrop. Using just red and black paper, scissors, a glue gun, and a stencil, she creates this beautiful piece that is perfect to incorporate into your party.
Tissue Paper Fireworks
One of the best things about preparing Memorial Day decorations is that you can also use them for 4th of July and Labor Day celebrations. Visit Hey Let’s Make Stuff for the supply list and instructions to craft these simple tissue paper fireworks you can use for all summer holidays.
Patriotic Lawn Chairs
Double your seating area as decor by turning old lawn chairs into a patriotic masterpiece. If you have a few old, wooden chairs that need a paint job, now is the perfect time for a DIY project! With red, white, and blue paint, get creative with different designs and patterns that will accent your celebration perfectly. Check out The Makerista for ideas and inspiration.
More Ideas for a Memorial Day Party:
Patriotic Corn Hole
One of the most popular yard games in the country is corn hole. Join in the bean bag toss fun during your Memorial Day celebration by crafting your own American flag corn hole boards (or find them online). Visit native + sol for everything you’ll need to create your patriotic game set that you’ll want to have during every backyard BBQ this summer.
Pro Tip: Corn hole is a summer favorite across the board (see what we did there?). Any boards will do if you don’t have a patriotic pair!
Red, White, and Blue Yard Jenga
Bigger is better, especially when it comes to party games! Keep guests entertained with a larger than life version of Jenga by Her Tool Belt. Find a jumbo wooden block set online or in your local craft store, and paint with different shades of red, white, and blue for a festive touch—it’s that easy!
Flag Balloon Darts
Not only will this balloon dart wall serve as a fun game for guests, but it will make an awesome decoration and backdrop for tons of #MDW Instagram pictures! Check out Giggles Galore for the step-by-step instructions to create your own.
Jumbo Beer Pong
Beer pong isn’t just for college kids! Turn this nostalgic party game into an outdoor summer activity to celebrate Memorial Day. Find your own jumbo pong set online or get creative by painting plastic bins to look like red Solo cups. Using volleyballs will also help take this game to the next level.
Pro Tip: Create your own rules; skip the alcohol for a family friendly version or have an adults only game.
Pie Eating Contest
Have a little extra fun during your Memorial Day picnic with a classic all-American pie eating contest. Make or buy cherry, blueberry, and apple pies to play off the colors of the American flag and prepare to get messy!
Choose between regular size or mini pies depending on what you envision, but regardless, you’re going to be entertained. Check out Kara’s Party Ideas for her patriotic pie eating contest.
Find more ideas for a Memorial Day party here on The Bash.
