Memorial Day weekend has a way of feeling like the official start of summer in Pittsburgh. The days stretch a little longer, the sun gets a little warmer, and suddenly, everything simply feels better when it happens outside.

Take this weekend as a way to slow down and gather your favorite people in the best way possible: a picnic. No overthinking or complicated hosting; just good food, great weather, and a day with the people you love. Here’s how to pull together a Memorial Day picnic that feels effortless, colorful, and very much like summer is finally here.

How to Plan Your Memorial Day Picnic

Gather Your Picnic Materials

Before you even think about the menu, think about the basics. You’ll need something to sit on, something to carry everything in, and a few small details that make the whole thing feel intentional instead of thrown together.

The key to perfecting your outdoor spread is a sturdy blanket, a basket or oversized tote, reusable cups, and napkins that don’t blow away the second a breeze hits. For a full breakdown of what to bring, check out our guide to Picnic Essentials, where we walk through everything from practical packing to little upgrades that make a big difference.

Create a Spread That’s Colorful and Delicious

Memorial Day food should feel like summer on a plate whether that’s fresh fruit or BBQ right off the grill. To add a touch of patriotic personality to your menu, think red, white, and blue in an elegant and tasty way. If you’re leaning into the holiday theme, our collection of Red, White, and Blue Recipes brings together dishes that feel festive without being fussy and even looks just as good as it tastes.

The rest of your picnic spread doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. Instead, a bowl of creamy and comforting potato salad can easily bring everything together. Check out our Potato Salad Recipes where there’s a version for every kind of picnic personality.

Shake up a Mocktail

Every great gathering needs a celebratory sip that makes everything brighter, especially when it’s a cold beverage during a summer gathering. While classic lemonade or iced tea always have their place, a mocktail adds some extra fun to the afternoon.

For something outside of the ordinary, our Pickleback Mocktail is equal parts refreshing and surprising. It’s like drinking the pickle juice at the bottom of the jar but way better with the use of Pittsburgh Pickle Co Picklexir . Bonus points if you make a big batch in advance and pour as guests settle in.

Fill in the Gaps with Pittsburgh Businesses

Even the most carefully-planned picnic usually has one or two missing pieces. Sometimes you’ll forget a dessert, need more ice than you thought, or even come up with a new idea just as you pull out of the driveway.

Luckily, Pittsburgh is full of small businesses that make it easy to round out your spread. You can pick up fresh-baked bread, a last-minute dessert, or add a little local flavor to your basket. Our guide to Pittsburgh Picnic Businesses highlights the spots that are great for filling in those delicious gaps.

Pick the Perfect Spot

The final step, and maybe the most important one, is choosing where your picnic happens. In Pittsburgh, the setting is half the experience.

Maybe you want something open and lively, where other picnickers are scattered across the grass and there’s plenty of room for family and friends. Or maybe you’re looking for something quieter, tucked away under trees for pure relaxation.

Either way, Pittsburgh’s parks have plenty of picnic spots for you to choose from so you can make your Memorial Day a dream come true.

Now the only step left is to enjoy yourself!

Story by Kylie Thomas

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