Memorial Day is both a day of remembrance and the unofficial start to northern Michigan summer. School is nearly out, the days are longer, and the sun is making more frequent appearances.

We’ve rounded up a handful of events across the region to welcome in the start of summer.

SATURDAY
Beer and Brat Festival at Crystal Mountain
Welcome warmer weather with the Beer and Brat Festival at Crystal Mountain, with over 20 beverage vendors, six brat sellers, live music, and picnic tables on the lawn. The event runs from 4-8pm, and tickets are $40 in advance or $55 at the door. VIP tickets are also available for $70 and include early entry, a beer glass, and 20 food and beverage tickets. 
crystalmountain.com/events-activities/events/event-calendar/michigan-beer-and-brat-festival

Leland Air Exhibit and Reception 
Artists compete to capture the northern Michigan landscape with paintings done “en plein air,” meaning outdoors. Easels are set up at various locations around Leland and Leelanau County during the day, and in the evening, the finished works will be hung in the Leland Old Art Building for a reception. Tickets for the reception are $30 ($25 for members) and include local wine, appetizers, and the first opportunity to purchase the day’s artwork.
oldartbuilding.com/events/leland-air-opening-reception-exhibit

Northport Cars In the Park 
Come check out Leelanau County’s longest-running car show at Northport Cars in the Park. The show features an eclectic mix of cars, ranging from beautifully restored classic models to modern sports cars. Spectators can enter the show for free and peruse the wide diversity of car models on display. The event begins at 10am, and an awards ceremony is held at 3pm. Cars in the Park takes place at Haserot Beach, a block from downtown.
northportcarsinthepark.com

Elk Rapids Arts and Crafts Show 
This is the 32nd year of the show, featuring over 60 vendors across a variety of offerings, including ceramics, jewelry, coastal art, soaps and skincare products, home decor, woodworks, apparel, candles, photography, and more. The show is held on River Street downtown Elk Rapids and runs from 10am–4pm.
business.elkrapidschamber.org/events/details/elk-rapids-arts-crafts-show-52458

SUNDAY
Cherry Capital Comic Con
The event runs Friday-Sunday at Grand Traverse Resort, but we’ve slotted this into Sunday for a day of exhibits, panels, and much more. Hosted at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, the local comic con welcomes those who love comics, collectibles, cosplay contest or just plain fun. Saturday 10am-6pm ($25) or Sunday 11am-5pm ($15).
cherrycapitalcomiccon.com 

MONDAY
Memorial Day Events
Several Grand Traverse area events will observe the holiday. The Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition will host its annual ceremony at Veterans Park at 10am near 11th Street and Division featuring several speakers and a program. Veterans for Peace will hold a peace and remembrance ceremony in the Open Space. VFW Post 7731 will host their annual event at 10am at 7475 E. Duck Lake Road in Lake Leelanau. Amvets Post 114 in Elk Rapids will host a breakfast and then a full service at Veterans Memorial Park at 11am.

Stormcloud Summer Kickoff Party 
Stormcloud Brewing Co. in Frankfort is ringing in the start of summer with their annual Summer Kickoff Party held at the Parkview Taproom. Kick off summer than with some lawn games, beer slushies, and time in the sun with friends? There will be live music by Stonefolk from 4-7pm, multiple food trucks, and plenty of Stormcloud beer to go around. The event runs from 3-8pm.
stormcloudbrewing.com/events/summer-kickoff-party-1