Memorial Day Weekend in Price County 2026: Ceremonies, Event

Last updated: May 2026

Memorial Day Weekend in Price County 2026: Events, Ceremonies, and Where to Watch the Parades

Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer in the Northwoods. Cabins open, boats hit the water, and everyone who’s been waiting since November finally gets their weekend back.

But first — Memorial Day isn’t just a long weekend. It’s a day to remember people who didn’t make it home. The ceremonies, the flags, the silence at 3:00 PM — that’s the point. The cookouts and lake days come after.

Here’s what’s happening in Price County for Memorial Day 2026, where to find the ceremonies, and how to make the most of the weekend without forgetting why it exists.

Memorial Day Ceremonies in Price County

Phillips Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

Phillips holds the largest Memorial Day observance in Price County. The parade steps off at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 26, starting from the Phillips High School parking lot and winding through downtown to the Phillips Cemetery.

The ceremony includes:

Color guard presentation by local veterans
Playing of Taps
Reading of names on the veterans memorial
Guest speaker (typically a local veteran or elected official)

Where:Phillips High School → Downtown → Phillips Cemetery

When:Monday, May 26, 10:00 AM

Parking:Available at the high school and downtown public lots

Prentice Memorial Day Observance

Prentice holds a smaller, quieter ceremony at the Prentice Cemetery. It’s less formal than Phillips but no less meaningful. Local veterans and families gather for a brief service, Taps, and placement of flags on veterans’ graves.

Where:Prentice Cemetery

When:Monday, May 26, 9:00 AM

Note:Check with the Prentice Town Hall for any changes to the schedule

Park Falls and Ogema Ceremonies

Park Falls holds a Memorial Day service at the Park Falls Cemetery, typically at 10:00 AM. Ogema’s observance is smaller but well-attended — the whole community shows up. Both include flag ceremonies and a moment of silence.

Where to Eat and Drink This Weekend

Ripsaw Saloon — Memorial Day Weekend

Ripsaw Saloon opens its patio for the season on Memorial Day weekend. If the weather holds, it’s the best outdoor seating in Price County — and that’s not debatable.

Hours:Thursday through Sunday, normal hours

Patio:Open weather permitting

Specials:Check their Facebook page for weekend specials

Other Northwoods Options

Supper clubsin the area typically run Memorial Day weekend specials, prime rib, fish fry, the works
Phillips restaurantswill be busy; plan for waits on Saturday evening
Food truckssometimes set up near parade routes

See also: our complete guide to supper clubs within an hour of Price County for the full list.

Things to Do Besides the Ceremonies

Fishing

The walleye opener has been open for a couple weeks by Memorial Day. Bass season opens the Saturday before (May 24). Muskellunge season also opens that weekend. See our complete Price County fishing guide for the best spots.

ATV Trails

Trails are typically open by Memorial Day weekend, though conditions depend on spring weather. Check our weekly trail conditions report before you head out.

Camping

State park campgrounds and county campgrounds are open. The free camping options along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway are popular this weekend, arrive early or you’ll be sleeping in your truck.

Hiking

Timms Hill (the highest point in Wisconsin) is a short drive from Phillips. The observation tower has views across three counties. See our hiking guide for trails ranked by difficulty.

The 3:00 PM Moment of Remembrance

National Moment of Remembrance happens at 3:00 PM local time on Memorial Day. It’s 60 seconds of silence. Wherever you are, on a boat, at a cookout, on a trail, pause for one minute.

It’s not performative. It’s not political. It’s just one minute for people who gave everything.

Practical Details for 2026

Gas:Fill up before Friday. Stations in Phillips and Park Falls get busy.
Groceries:The IGA in Phillips and Trig’s in Park Falls will have extended hours but expect lines Thursday and Friday.
ATM:Bring cash. Some trail parking and food vendors don’t take cards.
Weather:Memorial Day weekend in Price County can be anything from 45°F and raining to 80°F and sunny. Pack layers.
Bug spray:Mosquitoes emerge around Memorial Day. Bring DEET.

What to Pack for Memorial Day Weekend

Price County weather in late May is unpredictable. You might get 75°F and sunny, or you might get 45°F and rain. Pack for both.

Layers:Morning ceremonies start cool. Afternoon lake time gets warm. Evenings drop fast.
Rain gear:A lightweight rain jacket takes up no space and saves your entire weekend.
Bug spray:Mosquitoes emerge around Memorial Day. DEET-based sprays work best in the Northwoods.
Cash:Some trail parking and food vendors don’t take cards.
Firewood:Buy it local. Don’t transport firewood, it spreads invasive species and it’s illegal in Wisconsin.

If You’re Just Visiting for the Weekend

If this is your first Memorial Day in Price County, here’s the short version:

Friday night:Fish fry at Ripsaw Saloon or any of the local supper clubs. Get there early.
Saturday:Fishing, ATV trails, or hiking. Pick one, you can’t do all three in a day.
Sunday:Slow morning. Brunch wherever you’re staying. Afternoon at Timms Hill or a swimming hole.
Monday:Memorial Day ceremony at 10:00 AM in Phillips. Then cook out, then drive home.

That’s the weekend. It’s not complicated. That’s the point After a day on the water,Ripsaw Saloonserves the best fish frys in the county.

See also:Our weekend weather preview

📊 Price County Data & Demographics
Live stats on population, income, housing, employment, and more, updated monthly from Census data.

View Price County Stats →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping in Price County Wisconsin?

Yes, Price County has several free camping options including Solon Springs County Park and select sites along the Flambeau River. Dispersed camping is also allowed in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

What is the population of Price County Wisconsin?

Price County has approximately 13,500 residents (2020 Census), with a median age of 52. The county has been slowly losing population since 2010.

What events happen in Price County Wisconsin?

Major Price County events include the Price County Fair (August), Musky Festival (June in Phillips), Park Falls Blueberry Festival (July), and Prentice Dairy Days. Check pricecounty.fun for a full calendar of events.

Where can you swim in Price County Wisconsin?

Popular swimming spots in Price County include Solon Springs County Park beach, Elk Lake public beach, and natural swimming holes along the Flambeau River. Water quality is generally good, monitored by the DNR from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

What are the best supper clubs near Price County?

Top supper clubs near Price County include Ripsaw Saloon in Prentice, The Brick in Phillips, Hilltop in Park Falls, and Coop’s in Fifield. Most serve the classic Wisconsin Friday fish fry and Saturday prime rib.

Memorial Day Weekend in Price County 2026: Ceremonies, Events, and Where to Watch the Parades