10 Great Memorial Day Party Ideas (2024)

Need some inspired Memorial Day party ideas? We get it! But keep in mind that even a perfectly planned event can be lackluster if the location isn’t ideal. For your next event, take the time to choose the perfect venue with Peerspace. The platform simplifies the venue booking process for both corporate and private events of all sizes and types.

Much like Airbnb, Peerspace lists “hosts” in your local area who are offering their spaces for rent by the hour. Prices vary from place to place, but options are available for even the smallest of budgets. Indoor or outdoor, upscale or casual, any event is possible with Peerspace.

So if you’re looking to host something special for Memorial Day, you can take the typical backyard BBQ up a notch. Here are some patriotic Memorial Day party ideas that will help you celebrate service members with everyone you love.

1. Book a special venue for the day on Peerspace

On Peerspace, you can find gorgeous backyard patios for your Memorial Day party. So if your yard is lacking in space, a backyard BBQ is still possible.

Here are a few of our favorite Memorial Day party options:

• This incredible industrial backyard space in Seattle, WA (pictured above) with space for 50 guests, an outdoor kitchen with a large grill, a lounge area, and a fire pit.
• This elegant gated home and beautiful patio space in Houston, TX with space for 35 guests, indoor and outdoor entertainment areas, and a large covered patio with a grill.
• This beautiful outdoor oasis in La Mesa, CA with space for 75 guests, a tropically inspired multi-tier deck, cabanas, fire pits, and two grills.
• This fun in the sun outdoor space in Bowie, MD with space for 50 guests, outdoor games, a grill, a pool, and speakers.

You get the idea! Some venues offer catering, and many outdoor venues have grills, pools, fire pits, and decks. Just check off the amenities you are looking for under “Filters,” and you’ll have a list of perfect places to choose from in your area.

Another perk that comes with using Peerspace is that your venue’s local host fully supports your event. Reach out to yours with any questions or requests and they’d be delighted to help you. Beautiful spaces and bespoke service are what Peerspace is all about! We’ll share more Memorial Day party-perfect venues ahead alongside our other party ideas.

2. Host an outdoor BBQ and cook up something tasty

We couldn’t leave a BBQ off of this list. It’s an easy party that requires minimal planning, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a blast. To prepare, gather an assortment of meats to make kebabs or whatever you would like to serve, and some veggies, too, to grill for your vegetarian guests. 

Buy patriotic paper plates, cups, and napkins, as well as a mix of red, white, and blue utensils for functional decor.

In addition to typical BBQ sides and appetizers like coleslaw, corn on the cob, potato salad, and cornbread, whip up some patriotic side dishes like “American flag” fruit kebabs with strawberries, bananas, and blueberries for layered yogurt parfaits.

3. Set up a burger and hot dog bar

This Memorial Day party idea is a spin on the classic BBQ. To host your very own burger and/or hot dog bar, set up a table with all of the usual fixings like ketchup, mayo, mustard, salsa, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, chili, cheese, bacon, relish, tomatoes, lettuce, sauteed mushrooms, onions, Thousand Island dressing, pickles, jalapenos, and avocado.

Create an assembly line where guests can assemble sliders or full-sized burgers and hot dogs. To accommodate vegetarian and vegan guests, consider serving some veggie patties and hot dogs as well. If you are serving hot dogs, buy paper trays from Michael’s craft stores or party stores for easy serving. 

In the D.C. area and looking for a well-equipped venue to cook up your burgers and dogs? Then check out this spacious D.C. with a massive 5,000-square-foot backyard. You’ll have access to the entire home and its roomy yard, that includes a furnished deck with a grill. There will be plenty of space here to cook food and setup a table packed with all your condiments, sides, and main dishes.

Check out our Fourth of July decoration ideas to help inspire your patriotic gathering!

4. Treat your guests to patriotic sweets

Get festive by serving some flag-themed summer sweets. Shaved ice, sorbet, Italian Ice, and ice cream can be served and arranged in order of red, white, and blue flavors. Or, to make it simple, serve the classic Firecracker popsicles (or make your own if you prefer homemade, real fruit popsicles).

If frozen sweets aren’t your thing, you can also bake a layered red, white, and blue cake with strawberry filling or frost and arrange cupcakes to look like an American flag. For more patriotic dessert ideas like funnel cakes and cherry pie, check out this Delish article.

5. Serve some festive drinks to keep everyone in the party mood

Raise a glass this Memorial Day and toast all of the brave soldiers who have fought for America. Use grenadine and other colorful mixers to get your drinks party-ready. Or, celebrate patriotically with all-American beers like Budweiser and Coors.

To make a layered red, white, and blue cocktail, check out this recipe. You can also make layered slushies using pina colada mixed with red and blue-colored flavorings.

6. Star-spangle the space with decorations 

Whether you are hosting your Memorial Day party indoors or outside, you can find a way to decorate for the occasion. Pick up some American flags; banners; red, white, and blue balloons; paper lanterns; stars; pinwheels; flowers; and candles.

Keep kids busy at the party by asking them to help with decorations. They can also make any of these Memorial Day crafts to help spruce up the yard or venue.

Note: Remember to fly any adjustable flags at half-mast out of respect.

7. Keep your guests entertained by adding some games into the mix

Every backyard bash needs some games to keep everyone entertained, especially if there are kids attending. Set up some classics like cornhole, bocce ball, horseshoes, and racquetball, and be sure to have footballs or beach balls for everyone to toss around.

When you rent a venue on Peerspace, you might even find a place with a pool table, ping-pong table, or foosball table, so the games will be included! One fun example is this open game room in Alexandria, VA. While here, you and up to 30 guests can enjoy the arcade games, shuffleboard, and pinball games in its comfy lounge setting. This venue has a kitchenette, but no cooking can be done on-site, so you may either want to serve a catered meal or party here after your Memorial Day grilling feast!

Labor Day may signal the end of summer to some, but our Labor Day party ideas will signal the start of an amazing party for you!

8. Give back with a fundraiser

Use your party to remind everyone what Memorial Day is all about. Give back to veterans or families of fallen soldiers by hosting a fundraiser in your neighborhood. Rally everyone you know and then plan a bake sale or car wash.

Or, for a more upscale fundraiser, ask around and see if you can get catering and/or a bar service donated and have everyone contribute a donation to pay for their “ticket” for attending your dinner party. This is a meaningful Memorial Day party idea that can also be a whole lot of fun to host.

9. Turn on the perfect patriotic playlist 

Every party needs music. For a Memorial Day party, you’ll want a collection of the most all-American songs, like “Born in the USA,” any of “The Star Spangled Banner” renditions, “American Pie,” and “Party in the U.S.A”. You can also pay tribute by playing popular wartime songs, like the ones on this World War II list.

10. Celebrate in a sky-high venue with skyline views

Who says your Memorial Day party ideas have to take place in a backyard? Take your party to new heights by booking a sensational Peerspace rooftop venue! Simply click the link, enter your location, and just see what spaces pop up.

As an example, our friends in Irvine, CA can book this stunning rooftop lounge that includes plenty of comfy seating, four gas grills, ping pong tables, multiple TVs, fire pits, and amazing views.

You still get to enjoy all the fresh air you want, plus you can book a space with the amenities we mentioned earlier, like BBQ grills and lawn games. A rooftop venue gives you a whole new perspective on the day (literally and figuratively!) letting you look out at the beautiful neighborhood in the country you’re proud to call home.

Memorial Day party ideas: conclusion

This annual day of remembrance is more than a day off or a good time for a BBQ. This Memorial Day, celebrate everyone who has given their life to protect America in a big way with these Memorial Day party ideas. Book the perfect holiday party rental venue through Peerspace, gather your loved ones, and let these suggestions help you create a beautiful occasion.

Find unique Memorial Day party ideas on Peerspace