And every party needs a soundtrack. This Memorial Day Playlist is just right for mellow barbecues, beach bonfires and relaxed get-togethers with friends and family.
Originally posted May, 2015 and updated to include even more songs.
For most, the last Monday in May means a day off of work and the first big BBQ of the year. Of course, it’s way more than that but sometimes a good party is the best way to remind your community what a holiday stands for.
What is Memorial Day?
I know that as life moves quickly past us, we sometimes forget what all of our national holidays are all about.
Memorial Day is celebrated the last Monday in May and honors the women and men who have died while serving in the military. It is sometimes commemorated with city-wide parades, visits to loved ones resting peacefully at the cemetery.
Although it’s easy to forget to stop and take a moment, I like to have a chat with my kids about what the day means for our country and for the families who have lost loved ones.
There is no right or wrong way to celebrate as long as you take a second to teach your kids the importance of our military bodies and why our freedom is so important.
But, just like happens with most holidays, you will mostly hear about super sales at the local malls and be invited to or host a big party.
Memorial Day Playlist
This Playlist for Memorial Day is upbeat, pop-y, easy to listen to and I think it will appeal to everyone. Except my kids.
My oldest is mostly into rap right now (Here’s a great post about how I use rap music to teach him about life). And it’s boring rap too. It’s all one beat and a monotone voice. I can take about 1 ½ minutes of it before I need to change it.
My youngest likes the quiet. No, not quiet, easy-listening music (like Yacht Rock). The quiet, as in no music at all. So that’s also not going to cut it for a party.
Memorial Day parties tend to happen outside to celebrate the start of grilling and pool season. These songs are designed to be in the background and provide a jovial atmosphere.
While your guests might not know all of these songs, they are all pretty pop-forward and have a sound that will be familiar to them.
Warm weather usually makes me want to play only classic rock, but since Memorial Day can sometimes be pretty gloomy, these songs really do help lift the mood.
Songs for Memorial Day
Use this link to find the playlist on Spotify:
Click here: Memorial Day Playlist
This playlist has over 2 hours of music on it to help you kick off your party. But let me be clear. When I say the word “party” in my head it’s very mellow. There are no beer bongs. There are kids running around. No one is drinking sloppily.
I’ve included some of my favorite upbeat songs like My Type by Saint Motel and Dreaming by Smallpools. But I’ve also included some newer stuff that I can’t get enough of like Boyfriend by Broken Social Scene and When Am I Going to Lose You by Local Natives.
If you need an even longer playlist that you can put on and not think about, use my Beach at Sunset Playlist. It’s over 10 hours and has chill vibes that will make you chair dance and is pretty great for people with a mix of musical tastes.
Looking for Songs that are More Patriotic?
While my Memorial Day Playlist is more of an overall vibe for your get together, use the links below to check out playlists that other people have created with more of a patriotic feeling.
- 25 Best Memorial Day Songs via Country Living
- 26 Songs to Celebrate the USA on Memorial Day via Mashable
- 10 Best Patriotic Songs via Heavy
More Playlists for Your Memorial Day Party
- Yacht Rock Playlist | This smooth sailing pop-rock will have you wishing you were sipping a wine spritzer aboard a yacht in the harbor.
- 90’s Alternative Playlist | The 90’s are so big right now. Why should your ears be left out? These alt-rock songs will make you so nostalgic for your Doc’s and sunflower print dress.
- Cleaning Playlist | This playlist will have you excited to clean your house leading up to the party. And again once all those messy party people leave…
In case you need cocktails to serve at your party, these recipes of perfect cocktails to make at home will have you covered! Or peruse these Smirnoff Sorbet Light Cocktails for people who prefer something lower calorie.
My two top dessert recipes are perfect for parties or potlucks (if you aren’t hosting this year!). Try this no-bake Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake Dessert and my Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake.
And for sure I’m making this delicious Rose and Pink Peppercorn Goat Cheese Log and these Roasted Cherry Tomatoes over Burrata!
This Memorial Day Playlist is the perfect background music to your party. Just remember to take some time during the day to think about the brave men and women who lost their lives fighting for the country that we love.
Pin this playlist for later or follow the playlist on Spotify for easy playing.
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