Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend Near Greenville, SC: 2026 Events and Things to Do

Ceremonies, Remembrances, and Memorial Day Events: Greenville, SC

• CLOSEST MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: Memorial Day Parade in Gainesville, GA – Monday 25th at 10 am. The parade will start at the First Baptist Church on Green St. going south onto E.E. Butler Pkwy and end at the Bank of America on Spring Street. Gainesville is about two hours from Greenville.

• Palmetto Heroes Hike – Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 at 7 am
  Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N Academy Street, Greenville
  This forth annual event will honor our fallen first responders and military service members. Profits will benefit nonprofits serving first responders, the military, and veterans. Participants can choose a 12 or 6 mile hike along the Swamp Rabbit Trail and celebrate with an after-party at the arena. Registration is $60 and an after-party only pass is $30.

• Memorial Day Parade in Aiken – Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 at 10 am, Downtown Aiken, SC This parade is in Aiken, SC, which is about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Greenville.

• A Soldier’s Timeline – Monday, May 23rd, 2026 at 10:00 am
  Walnut Grove Plantation, Roebuck
  Take an immersive journey through the military history of the United States. From the battlefields of the American Revolution to the frontlines of modern conflicts, experience history like never before.

• Memorial Day Ceremony – May 25th, 2026 – 11:00 am
  110 Academy Street, Simpsonville Join in for the City of Simpsonville Memorial Day Ceremony to remember members of the military who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country, including those who fought and died in the American Revolutionary War that established the United States of America.

• City of Mauldin Memorial Day Ceremony– Monday 25th, 2026 at 11 am
  Mauldin Veterans Memorial on East Butler Road, Mauldin, SC
  The City of Mauldin will host a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25 at 11 am to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. The event will take place at the Veterans Memorial in front of the Mauldin Cultural Center.

Weekend of Memorial Day Events: Greenville, SC Area

• Greenville Scottish Parade – Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at 6 pm in Downtown Greenville

• Memorial Day Float-A-Palooza – May 23-25th, 2026 at Saluda Lake Landing. Get ready to kick off summer Saluda-style! Join in for a 3-day lakeside celebration packed with floating fun, DJ beats, delicious eats, refreshing drinks, and good vibes all weekend long! Tickets are $15 for general admission – Chill & Float $20 – Weekend Float pass $25

• Gallabrae – Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 starting at 9:30 am at Furman University, Greenville.
  The Greenville Scottish Games is the heart of Gallabrae and includes heavy athletic competition, piping and drumming, and lots of fun!
  Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the gate for ages 13+, and $10/ages 5-12, $15 at the gate.

• The Fair at Heritage Park – May 15th-26th, 2026 at 861 Southeast Main Street, Simpsonville.
  Enjoy all the rides and food of the county fair, plus a visit from the animals of Eudora Farms Exotic Petting Zoo. See the link for hours.
  Ages 10 and under Free / Ages 11 + $10 / Free Parking; Ride tickets are $1.25 each. $20 for 21 tickets. $50 for 55, $100 for 120.

• Jocassee Lake Tours – May 23rd – May 28th, 2026 at Devils Fork State Park, Salem.
  Enjoy the beauty of the Jocassee Gorges plus see waterfalls – and jump in the water – during this fun and educational boat tour for both kids and adults.
  Prices range from $65 and up.

• Take Flight 5K – Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, 8:30 – 10:00 am at Runway Park, 21 Airport Road Extension, Greenville.
  Register for the only day of the year when you get to run/walk on the runway of the busiest airport in the State of South Carolina. The morning will start by honoring veterans with a Memorial Day Ceremony, followed by the flattest 5K in the Upstate. Pets are not allowed.
  Registration cost: 1 mile: $25; 5K: $45

• Group Therapy Family Deal – Monday, May 25th, 2026
  Group Therapy, Greenville
  All families can play any available game for $30 Memorial Day. Pick axe throwing, mini golf, ice curling, or ping pong and the whole crew can play for $30 for one game. Fine Print: Taxes + 18% gratuity added automatically. Games are subject to availability. 

Memorial Day Weekend Day Trips

• Memorial Day at Stone Mountain Park – Friday, May 22nd to Monday, May 25th, 2026
  1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd Stone Mountain, GA
  Enjoy a day of adventure on family-friendly attractions like Dinosaur Explore, Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, and more during Memorial Day Weekend at Stone Mountain Park. Complete the evening with a special salute to the troops and epic fireworks all four nights of the holiday weekend.
  Attractions Passes are $39.99 for adults or $36.99 for children aged 3-11. | Lasershow tickets start at $5/person | Vehicle entry to the park is $20 for a one-day permit or $40 for an annual permit.

• Saturday Night Lights at the Tryon International Equestrian Center on Saturday from 5-9 pm. Enjoy an evening of lots of free activities for kids including magicians, a carousel ride, games, and horse jumping competitions.

• Carowinds near Charlotte, NC is offering free admission for military personnel during Memorial Day Weekend from May 22nd-25th, 2026. Friends and family can receive discounted rates as well.

Everyday Fun You Can Enjoy Memorial Day Weekend In The Upstate

• If you want to get wet in natural surroundings, check out our list of 20+ Swimming Holes Near Greenville.
• Greenville Rec waterparks all open on Memorial Day Weekend. Read our reviews of 7th Inning Waterpark, Discovery Island, and Otter Creek to see which one is right for your family.
• For water adventures, try kayaking or paddleboarding (either bring your own or rent one) at any of these area lakes.
• Go whitewater rafting in the Smokies or on the Chattooga River on the SC/GA border.
• You can go creek stomping at local watering holes, or check out tubing places not far from Greenville.
• If hiking is your favorite activity during some time off, try any one of these hiking trails.
• Take a day trip to one of these sandy mountain beaches.
• Spend the weekend with a trip to enjoy the ocean at one of these family-friendly beaches.
• Rent a boat on Lake Jocassee and tour the waterfalls.
• Explore our State Parks and work on that Ultimate Outsider title!
• Fly through the air on zip lines and ropes courses at Flying Rabbit Adventures in Greenville or Upstate Zipline at Keowee-Toxaway State Park.

What is your family planning for Memorial Day Weekend?