Best Things to Do at Lake Martin This Memorial Day Weekend

One of my favorite guest memories from last Memorial Day — a family of eight pulled up to the dock on a Friday afternoon, kids already in their swimsuits before the car was even unpacked. By Sunday night, the parents told me it was the first time in years they'd actually unplugged together. No schedules, no screens — just the lake, good music, and a weekend that felt twice as long as it was.

That's what Memorial Day at Lake Martin does to people. And this year, the weekend is stacked.

Whether your crew is 4 or 14, this is your complete guide to things to do at Lake Martin this Memorial Day weekend — every event, activity, and meal worth planning around from May 22 through May 26, 2026. And if you haven't locked in your rental yet, don't wait. Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25 this year, and holiday weekends on Lake Martin fill up fast.

Why Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Martin Hits Different

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial opening weekend of summer on Lake Martin — and the lake celebrates accordingly. Stretching across more than 40,000 acres with 750 miles of shoreline, Lake Martin is one of Alabama's largest and most beloved lakes. By Friday afternoon on Memorial Day weekend, the water is warm, the docks are full, and the whole community comes alive.

Families enjoying Lake Martin Alabama on Memorial Day weekend from a private lakefront dock

This isn't just a regular weekend at the lake. Free concerts, an art festival with 92 artists, guided nature tours, lakefront dining, and miles of open water — it's a full three-day family adventure without ever needing to drive more than 20 minutes from your rental.

Key Insight: Memorial Day is the most-booked holiday weekend on Lake Martin. If you're reading this and haven't booked yet — check availability now. Properties at Lake Life Living are filling up fast.

Your Memorial Day Weekend Itinerary at a Glance

Here's a day-by-day look at how we'd plan the perfect family Memorial Day weekend on Lake Martin:

Day	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Thursday, May 21	Arrive, unpack, jump in the lake	Explore the coves by boat or kayak	Mother MoonPie at Zazu's Verandah, Dadeville Square
Friday, May 22	Breakfast at The Grand Bakery	Boat rental, swim at Chimney Rock or Peanut Point	River Dan live music at Martin's on the Lake
Saturday, May 23	Yoga on the Green (7–8am, free!)	Art on the Lake — 92 artists at Russell Crossroads	RXR Fest Night 1 — The Bank Walkers & Webb Wilder
Sunday, May 24	Art on the Lake (last day, 9am–4pm)	Wind Creek State Park — hiking, marina, putt-putt	Dinner at Kowaliga Restaurant
Monday, May 25	Guided Nature Tour at Wilson Road Trailhead	Last swim off the dock	Pack up, head home smiling

RXR Fest: Free Live Music All Weekend Long

RXR Fest is the headline event of Memorial Day weekend at Lake Martin — and the best part? It's completely free.

Families enjoying free live music at RXR Fest at Russell Crossroads Lake Martin Alabama

Held on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads, RXR Fest runs Friday and Saturday, May 22–23, from 6:30–9:30pm. This year's lineup features four acts across two nights:

🎸 Friday Night: The Bank Walkers (Lake Martin's favorite cover band) + Mississippi Hall of Famer Webb Wilder

🎶 Saturday Night: Russell Craig followed by Connor Kelly & The Time Warp

The vibe is laid-back and completely family-friendly — bring a blanket, grab food from the vendors, and let the kids run around on the green while the music plays. It's the kind of evening where you look up and realize two hours just flew by.

Pro Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early if you're bringing young kids — the Town Green fills up quickly on Saturday night. Grab a spot near the back where little ones have room to dance (and wander).

Russell Crossroads also has Catherine's Market, SpringHouse Restaurant, Fanny's, and Bru 63 Coffee all within walking distance — so you can make a full evening of it.

Art on the Lake & Morning Yoga — A Slower Side of the Weekend

Not every Memorial Day moment needs to be high-energy. That's where Art on the Lake and Yoga on the Green come in.

Art on the Lake runs Saturday and Sunday, May 23–24, from 9am–4pm at Russell Crossroads. This beloved annual event brings together 92 artists from Lake Martin and across the Southeast, showcasing everything from hand-thrown pottery and reclaimed wood creations to original paintings, jewelry, and handmade crafts. Admission is free, browsing is encouraged, and there's almost always something that catches a kid's eye — and a parent's wallet.

Start Saturday morning right with Yoga on the Green — a free, all-levels class at the Town Green at 7am–8am on May 23. It's a peaceful way to ease into the day before the crowds arrive, and honestly, stretching lakeside with the morning mist still on the water is something worth waking up early for.

Kick Off Thursday Night: Mother MoonPie at Zazu's Verandah

If you're arriving Thursday — and we always tell our guests to arrive Thursday — don't miss Mother MoonPie performing live at Zazu's Verandah on the Dadeville Square.

The show runs Thursday, May 21 from 6:30–8:30pm, inside the air-conditioned Listening Room. Mother MoonPie is a Lake Martin-based Rock/Country quintet with a Southern Americana sound and a setlist that spans the '60s to today. It's intimate, free to the community, and a genuinely great way to settle into the Lake Martin spirit before the weekend fully kicks off.

The Dadeville Square is also a fun spot to walk around before or after — grab dinner nearby and make a little night of it.

Get On the Water: Lake Activities for Every Age

The lake itself is always the main event. Lake Martin's 40,000+ acres of warm Alabama water means there's room for everyone — from toddlers splashing at the shoreline to teenagers launching off two-story docks.

Lake Martin's warm, calm water and 750 miles of shoreline make it one of the best Memorial Day lake destinations in the South — here's how families make the most of it:

Swim from your private dock — Most of our Lake Life Living properties come with private docks, beaches, and direct lake access. You never have to leave the yard for a full day of fun.

Boat to Chimney Rock — One of Lake Martin's most iconic landmarks. Cruise over, anchor up, and let the kids climb and jump. Pack a cooler.

Peanut Point — A popular sandbar gathering spot where families anchor side by side. It's the social hub of the lake on holiday weekends.

Kayak the coves — Quieter, more intimate than open-water boating. Most of our rentals include kayaks right on-site. Check out our family vacation guide for more on exploring the lake by paddle.

Wind Creek State Park — Just 7 miles southeast of Alexander City, Wind Creek is one of the largest state-operated campgrounds in the US, with 586 campsites (187 waterfront) and a full marina. Day visitors can use the public boat launch, fishing pier, and hiking trails.

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park — A short drive from the lake, this National Military Park in Daviston is a fantastic stop for history-curious kids. Walking trails, Civil War history, and beautiful open land.

Key Insight: Wind Creek State Park's holiday weekend campsites typically book out months in advance. If you're staying in a Lake Life Living rental, you already have private lake access — but Wind Creek is a great day trip for the hiking trails and marina.

Where to Eat With the Family This Weekend

Lake Martin has a surprisingly strong dining scene for a lakeside community. From lakefront spots with live music to laid-back breakfast joints, here are our family favorites for Memorial Day weekend:

🍽️ Martin's at Lake Martin (10207 CR 34, Dadeville) — Lakefront views, great food, and live music on Friday night with River Dan. This one's a Memorial Day tradition for our guests.

🍖 Kowaliga Restaurant — A Lake Martin classic. The name comes straight from Hank Williams, and the food lives up to the legacy. Family-friendly menu, right on the water.

☕ The Grand Bakery (114 N Broadnax St, Dadeville) — Best breakfast in town. Get there early on Saturday — the line builds fast on holiday weekends.

🥗 Oskar's Cafe — A local favorite for lunch and dinner, with a relaxed atmosphere that works well for families.

🍔 Niffer's Place — Casual, kid-friendly, and consistently good. Perfect for a low-key dinner after a full day on the water.

☕ Bru 63 at Russell Crossroads — The coffee shop anchor at Russell Crossroads. Grab a latte before Yoga on the Green or Art on the Lake.

For a deeper look at dining and things to do around town, check out our Top 10 Things to Do in Dadeville, AL guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What events are happening at Lake Martin Memorial Day weekend 2026?

Memorial Day weekend 2026 at Lake Martin features RXR Fest (free outdoor concerts at Russell Crossroads, May 22–23), Art on the Lake (92-artist festival, May 23–24), Yoga on the Green (free, May 23), Mother MoonPie at Zazu's Verandah (May 21), and River Dan live music at Martin's on the Lake (May 22). Full event listings are available at lakemartin.com.

Is Lake Martin good for families with young kids?

Yes — Lake Martin is one of the best family lake destinations in the Southeast. Most vacation rentals include private docks, beaches, and shallow swim areas. Wind Creek State Park offers a playground, fishing pier, hiking trails, and a marina. The Memorial Day weekend events are all free and family-friendly.

When should I book a Lake Martin vacation rental for Memorial Day?

Book as early as possible — ideally 2–3 months in advance. Memorial Day is the most in-demand weekend of the early summer season on Lake Martin, and lakefront properties fill up well before the holiday. If you're reading this close to May 25, check Lake Life Living for last-minute availability.

What is RXR Fest at Lake Martin?

RXR Fest is a free, family-friendly outdoor music festival held at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads on Lake Martin. For Memorial Day weekend 2026, it runs Friday and Saturday (May 22–23) from 6:30–9:30pm, featuring four live acts including Webb Wilder and Connor Kelly & The Time Warp. No tickets required.

Are there good restaurants near Lake Martin for families?

Yes. Top family-friendly options include Martin's at Lake Martin (lakefront dining and live music), Kowaliga Restaurant (a Lake Martin landmark), The Grand Bakery in Dadeville (best breakfast spot), Oskar's Cafe, and Niffer's Place. Bru 63 and SpringHouse at Russell Crossroads are also popular stops.

Can you swim and boat at Lake Martin over Memorial Day weekend?

Absolutely. Lake Martin's water temperature is typically in the mid-70s by Memorial Day, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and boating. Most Lake Life Living rentals include private docks and direct lake access. The Wind Creek State Park marina also offers public boat launches and rentals for day visitors.

Book Your Memorial Day Stay at Lake Martin

Memorial Day weekend is less than a week away — and our calendars are almost full. Don't spend the long weekend watching from the sidelines.

When you book directly with Lake Life Living, you skip the Airbnb and VRBO service fees, get direct contact with us as your local host (we're right here on the lake), and have access to properties that come stocked with everything your family needs — kayaks, docks, firepits, and more.

Here are a few of our most popular family rentals still available this weekend:

👉 View all available properties at Lake Life Living →

Questions? Reach out directly — we're locals, we know this lake, and we'll help you find the right fit for your family. See you on the water. 🌊