Memorial Day Weekend 2026 in the Lehigh Valley
Ceremonies, Festivals, Food & Family Fun
Memorial Day Weekend in the Lehigh Valley is more than just the unofficial start of summer. It’s a weekend filled with remembrance, community events, outdoor fun, live music, and opportunities to honor the men and women who gave their lives serving our country.
Whether you’re looking for Memorial Day ceremonies, family-friendly activities, festivals, or just ways to enjoy the long weekend around Bethlehem, Easton, Allentown, and beyond, there’s a lot happening across the region.
Memorial Day Ceremonies & Remembrances
One of the most important parts of the weekend is taking time to honor fallen service members.
Bethlehem Memorial Day Remembrances & Parade
Bethlehem will once again host Memorial Day remembrances and a parade on Monday, May 25. Ceremonies are scheduled at veterans’ gravesites before the parade steps off from the American Legion and proceeds toward Memorial Park. Learn More
These local ceremonies are always meaningful opportunities to support veterans, families, and the community while reflecting on the true meaning of Memorial Day.
SteelStacks Memorial Day Celebration
SteelStacks will host a multi-day Memorial Day Celebration from May 23–25 featuring the Hometown Heroes banner display, live music, and special remembrance programming including “A Time to Remember.” Learn More
It’s one of the Valley’s signature Memorial Day weekend destinations and combines reflection with community gathering in a uniquely Bethlehem atmosphere.
Festivals, Music & Weekend Events
Mayfair Festival of the Arts
Memorial Day Weekend also means the return of Mayfair, one of the Lehigh Valley’s most popular annual festivals. Expect live music, food vendors, artists, crafts, and family entertainment throughout the weekend. Learn More
Levitt Pavilion Summer Series
Outdoor concerts begin ramping up for the summer season over Memorial Day Weekend, making it a great time to bring lawn chairs, relax outdoors, and enjoy live music under the stars. Learn More
Easton Farmers’ Market
The historic Easton Farmers' Market continues Memorial Day Weekend with local produce, baked goods, coffee, flowers, and artisan vendors.
Downtown Easton is also expected to be busy all weekend with restaurants, patios, and outdoor events kicking off summer. Learn More
Outdoor Activities & Family Fun
Hawk Mountain Heroes Weekend
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is hosting Heroes Weekend throughout Memorial Day Weekend with free programs included with admission. Veterans and active military also receive special admission benefits.
If you’re looking for hiking, mountain views, and fresh air over the holiday weekend, this is one of the best outdoor options in the region. Learn More
Whitewater Rafting in the Poconos
For adventure seekers, Memorial Day Weekend whitewater rafting trips return in nearby Nesquehoning with dam-release rafting on the Lehigh River Gorge.
This is one of the classic Lehigh Valley/Poconos kickoff-to-summer activities. Learn More
Local Restaurants & Patios Will Be Packed
Memorial Day Weekend is also one of the busiest weekends of the year for local restaurants and breweries. Expect outdoor dining, live music, and packed patios throughout:
Fegley's Bethlehem Brew Works
Apollo Grill
River Grille
Edge Restaurant
Reservations are probably a smart idea if you plan to go out Saturday through Monday.
Don’t Forget What the Weekend Represents
As busy and fun as Memorial Day Weekend can be, it’s worth remembering why the holiday exists in the first place.
Across the Lehigh Valley, local veterans groups, municipalities, and organizations work hard every year to make sure the sacrifices of fallen military members are remembered and honored.
If you attend a parade, ceremony, or even simply pause for reflection with family, it’s a meaningful way to take part in that tradition.
However you spend the weekend — hiking, grilling, attending ceremonies, visiting festivals, or exploring downtown Bethlehem or Easton — the Lehigh Valley offers a little bit of everything to kick off summer the right way.
