Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer in Michigan City, bringing lake days, live music, local events, great food, and nonstop fun along the shore. It’s also one of the most exciting weekends of the year for our team at JOYRide because it’s our opening weekend! As visitors and locals head out to celebrate, we’ll be back on the streets helping people make the most of the holiday weekend with fun, convenient rides around town. We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend in our community. Wherever the weekend takes you, JOYRide is ready to get you there.
Washington Park Beach
No Memorial Day weekend would be complete without a visit to our beautiful beach in Washington Park. Bring the whole family and relax in the sun, walk along the pier, go for a swim, or hike the dunes. Insider tip: Be sure to get to the beach early! Memorial Day weekend is a notoriously busy time to visit the park.
Michigan City Food & Music Festival
There’s no better way to kick off the celebration than stopping by the Michigan City Food and Music Festival! The event takes place at the Guy F. Foreman Amphitheater in Washington Park and features live music, food vendors, and more! Stop by from 11:00 am-7:00 pm on Saturday, May 23rd, or Sunday, May 24th. If you need a ride to or from the festival, you can always take a JOYRide!
Learn more here: https://michigancityin.gov/city-event/mc-food-music-festival-2026/
Live At The Lakefront
Memorial Day weekend is also the opening weekend for one of our favorite seasonal venues. Live at the Lakefront is starting the weekend off strong on Friday, May 22nd, with Terrapin Flyer, a Grateful Dead tribute band! The show begins at 7:00 pm. Then, keeping the summer vibes rolling is tributes to Eric Church and Chris Stapleton on Saturday, May 23rd, at 8:00 pm. JOYRide is here to get you to the show and give you a lift home after your feet are sore from dancing all night!
Learn more here: https://www.liveatthelakefrontvenue.com/#dataItem-lcs4lwvx
Shoreline Brewery
If you’re looking for live music and a meal, Shoreline Brewery will have both this weekend, featuring Chester Brown for a live show on their gorgeous patio. The event takes place on May 23rd from 8:00-11:00 pm and is all ages, making it the perfect stop for those looking to relax, eat, listen to some tunes, and have a great time with the whole family.
Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/shoreline-brewery/chester-brown-at-shoreline-brewery/1571891544941373/
JOYRide
It’s JOYRide’s opening weekend! We’re so excited to be back for another great season. You can view our service area map for 2026 here. Our fleet covers the Uptown Arts District, Midtown, and the Lakefront/Washington Park area. We are also happy to offer you a joyful ride to the following:
- Lighthouse Place Outlet Mall
- Old Lighthouse Museum
- Barker Mansion
- Lubeznik Center for the Arts
- Washington Park Zoo
- Restaurants, Pubs, and Airbnbs within our service area
You can find hours on our Facebook or Instagram, weather permitting.
Carlson’s Drive-In
If you’re craving a classic summer meal, Carlson’s is a must-stop over Memorial Day weekend. Serving hot dogs, sandwiches, homemade root beer, and more, it’s the kind of spot that feels like summer in Michigan City. Enjoy car-side service or grab a seat at one of their outdoor picnic tables and soak in the holiday weekend atmosphere.
Learn more: https://joyridemc.com/places/carlsons-drive-in/
Bubble’s Ice Cream Parlor
Memorial Day weekend wouldn’t be complete without ice cream, and Bubble’s is a Michigan City favorite for frozen treats. Right across the street from Carlson’s, the ice cream parlor has 32 flavors of ice cream to choose from, in addition to fruit pies, cheesecakes, sundaes, and more.
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/BubblesIceCreamParlor/
Basecamp Marina Cafe & Beachside Provisions
If you’re heading to the beach this Memorial Day weekend, Basecamp is a must-visit stop along the harbor. From souvenirs and snacks to ice cream and beach-day essentials, they have a little bit of everything to make your day by the water even better. Forgot sunscreen, sunglasses, or a beach bag? No problem! Basecamp has you covered with all the last-minute items you might need. Whether you’re stocking up for the day or just stopping in for a treat, it’s the perfect place to kick off your beach weekend.
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/BasecampMC/
Memorial Day Weekend
No matter where the holiday weekend takes you, our community is full of ways to make it unforgettable. This insider’s guide will help you make the most of your holiday weekend and experience all the fun, flavor, and charm Michigan City has to offer.
