Things to Do at Lake Martin, Alabama for Memorial Day Weekend 2026
- May 11
- 4 min read
Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Martin is the unofficial start of summer! The lake fills up with boats, live music, waterfront dining, and community events happening all around the shoreline. If you’re planning a trip or just looking for things to do locally, this is one of the best weekends of the year to experience the lake - live the lifestyle.
And if you’re thinking about making Lake Martin more than just a weekend destination, this is also one of the best times to explore the area, tour lake homes, and get a feel for different communities around the water.
Below is your 2026 guide to the best events, activities, and must-do experiences for Memorial Day Weekend.
RXR Fest at Russell Crossroads
One of the biggest Memorial Day weekend traditions is RXR Fest at Russell Crossroads. This free outdoor concert series brings live music, food, and a relaxed community atmosphere right to the Town Green.
Expect:
Live bands throughout the weekend
Food vendors and local pop-ups
Lawn chairs, blankets, and a laid-back crowd
A perfect early evening hangout spot
It’s one of the easiest ways to get that classic Lake Martin weekend feel without needing a boat.
Art on the Lake (Town Green at Russell Crossroads)
Another standout event is Art on the Lake, happening Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Russell Crossroads.
This event features:
Local and regional artists
Handmade goods, art, and crafts
Paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more
A walkable outdoor shopping experience
It’s a great daytime stop before heading out on the water, or even while exploring nearby lake communities and neighborhoods.
Kick Off Memorial Day Weekend with Electric Avenue at Prime Steakhouse
Memorial Day Weekend officially kicks off Friday night with Electric Avenue performing live at Prime Steakhouse at 7:00 PM.
Known for their high-energy 80s hits and crowd-favorite throwback music, Electric Avenue always brings a fun atmosphere to the lake and is the perfect way to start the holiday weekend.
Tickets:
Live Music at Prime Steakhouse (Drake White + Adam Hood)
One of the biggest nights of the weekend happens Friday, May 23 at 6:30 PM at Prime Steakhouse!
Country artist Drake White will be performing live with special guest Adam Hood, making it one of the most anticipated shows of the weekend.
Tickets:
Shake the Lake at Lake Martin
A newer Memorial Day tradition is Shake the Lake on May 24 at Martin’s @ Lake Martin. It brings a steady crowd all weekend and turns into a go-to evening spot during Memorial Day Weekend.
Expect:
Live music each night
Multiple food truck options
Dancing and an exciting crowd
A casual, laid-back atmosphere
It’s an easy stop for anyone looking to keep the night going after boating, relaxing at home, or dinner around the area.
Spend the Day on the Water
No Memorial Day weekend at Lake Martin is complete without time on the lake itself.
Popular activities include:
Renting pontoons or ski boats
Swimming in coves near Chimney Rock and Sandy Creek areas
Tubing, wakeboarding, or just floating with friends
Hopping from restaurants and scenic areas throughout beautiful Lake Martin
Waterfront Dining & Lake Lifestyle
Between events, Lake Martin’s waterfront restaurants and dock hangouts are busy all weekend long.
This is one of the best times to experience:
Dock-and-dine culture
Exciting patios full of live music and lake energy
Long, relaxed meals that turn into gorgeous sunset spots
This is also when many visitors start to realize something important; this isn’t just a vacation spot - it’s a lifestyle.
If you’re thinking about making Lake Martin home, The Good Life Lake Realty helps people explore different areas of the lake, tour homes, and understand what it’s like to live here full-time or part-time. Memorial Day weekend is actually one of the best times to see the different communities in action.
Explore Lake Martin Homes While You’re Here
If you’re visiting for the weekend, it’s also a great opportunity to explore lakefront living firsthand.
Driving the shoreline, visiting different coves, and seeing how each area feels on a holiday weekend can give you a real sense of what owning property here is like, from quiet deep-water escapes to more social, activity-filled neighborhoods.
The Good Life Lake Realty can help you:
Tour lake homes while you’re in town
Learn about different areas of Lake Martin
Understand rental potential and investment opportunities
Find the right fit for full-time or vacation living
End the Day with a Lake Martin Sunset
No matter how you spend your day, the best way to wrap up Memorial Day weekend is watching the sunset over Lake Martin. Find a quiet cove, cut the engine, and take it all in. It’s the moment that makes people start thinking about coming back or staying for good.
Whether you’re here for the events, the water, or to explore what life on Lake Martin could look like, it’s one of the best weekends of the year to experience it all.
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