Memorial Day weekend means sunshine, BBQs, and an extra day off with your favorite people. Whether you're hunting for kid-friendly events, outdoor adventures, or just an excuse to get out of the house — we've got you covered.
And while you're enjoying the fun, it's also a perfect time to pause and reflect on why this day exists: To honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country.
Below, you'll find the best family events, special deals and meaningful ways to spend Memorial Day weekend.
Family-Friendly Memorial Day Weekend Events
Looking for Memorial Day weekend plans? Here are events and deals happening this weekend for families:
May 24-26 ~ Sarasota Jungle Gardens - Enjoy FREE admission for all active and retired military personnel with purchase of same-day full priced adult admission May 24-26. Must buy online and use promo code MEMDAY24.
May 24 | 8AM ~ 10th Annual Memorial Day 5K Hike - SRQ VETS is hosting the 10th Annual Memorial Day 5K Hike to honor the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. The hike will start at JD Hamel War Memorial Park then over the Ringling Bridge, then back to the park for an afternoon of fun that includes a Cookout, Music, & Inflatables. A $35 donation when you pay in advance online tickets sales end 5/21/2024. $40 after online ticket sales are over on 5/14/25.
May 24 | 10AM ~ Memorial Day at the Sarasota National Cemetary - The Department of Veterans Affairs Sarasota National Cemetery will host a tribute honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service to America. Members of the Gold Star families will share their personal stories about loved ones who gave their lives for the nation’s freedom. Names of the fallen military members will be called aloud, and Taps will be played. The public is asked to join Gold Star families at 10AM and visit the cemetery through the day in remembrance.
May 24 | 7:30PM ~ The Venice Symphony Patriotic Pops - Venice Symphony Music Director Music Director Troy Quinn will lead the Venice Symphony in a concert of great American music including a salute to the Armed Forces. Liberty Voices, a world-famous eight-part a cappella group that sings Americana, folk and patriotic songs will perform with the symphony. Ticket prices vary.
May 25 | 10AM ~ AquaPalooza 2025 - Kick-off Summer 2025 with your friends and family and raft up with fellow boaters to enjoy live music and giveaways. The party will be at New Pass Sandbar, right in front of the MarineMax Marina, from 10am – 4pm. We look forward to seeing you out on the water! RSVP today and stay up to date on this event.
May 26 | 9AM ~ Bradenton's Annual Memorial Day Service - Please join the community in recognizing our Veterans who all gave some and some who gave all that we may live in freedom. At Bradenton Riverwalk. FREE.
May 26 | 10AM ~ Sarasota Memorial Day Parade - This year's parade features performances by the Sarasota Military Academy band and participation from local law enforcement agencies, veterans' groups, and more. The parade begins at 10AM at Main Street and Osprey Avenue and concludes at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park with a ceremony honoring our nation's fallen heroes.
May 26 | 10AM ~ Annual Venice Area Memorial Day Ceremony - Hosted by the American Legion NO-VEL Post 159. All veterans' organizations in the Venice area are invited to participate. The public is also invited. The VFW, Civil Air Patrol, Marine Corps League and numerous other organizations will also be participating. Mayor Nick Pachota will attend and be special guest speaker. Rifle Salute, TAPS and more.
May 26 | 11:30AM ~ Knights of Columbus Memorial Day Picnic - Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Corn and Ice Cream. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Flag raising at noon. RSVP by May 22. Adults $15, kids $5.-
May 26 | 3PM ~ National Moment of Remembrance - Memorial Day, at 3:00 pm, there is a National Moment of Remembrance, an annual event that asks Americans, wherever they are at 3:00 pm local time, to pause for one minute to remember those who have died in military service to the United States.
May 26 | 5PM ~ Annual Memorial Day Concert - Enjoy an evening of free music and remembrance by the Sarasota Concert Band at the Phillippi Estate Park gazebo. Bring your lawn chairs, gather your friends and family and enjoy a beautiful outdoor concert as we honor those who served.
Click here to see our full calendar.
Have a Memorial Day event to add? Submit it to our calendar here!
A Moment to Remember: What Memorial Day Is All About
While this is a weekend that can be packed with fun, it’s also a time for families to reflect on why this holiday holds meaning.
Here are three simple ideas you can do as a family to mark the day that honors those who died serving in the U.S. military.
- Observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day — a tradition called the National Moment of Remembrance.
- Visit a veteran's memorial or cemetery to pay respects.
- Display a flag at home or help your child make a red poppy craft — a symbol of remembrance after WWI.
- 👉🏽 Get more ideas here!
Just one small act of gratitude can leave a lasting impression on your kids.
Easy Weekend Fun Ideas for Families
Looking for at-home fun? Here are five ideas on how to mark the weekend at home:
- Backyard BBQ + sprinklers = Instant summer joy
- Family hike or nature walk with scavenger hunt
- Red, white, and blue bike parade around the block
- Chalk your sidewalk with patriotic messages
- Craft an American flag pin with safety pins and beads. Get directions here!
 JannHuizenga | Canva |
Quick Memorial Day Facts to Share with Kids
- Memorial Day began in 1868 as Decoration Day after the Civil War.
- It became a federal holiday in 1971, always on the last Monday in May.
- Volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery place over 400,000 flags each year.
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