Memorial Day commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. It is a holiday many of us spend doing family gatherings, backyard BBQs or enjoying a nice evening out with friends and family.

Where you’re out at a local event or home with family, we hope you take the time to honor those who died to give you those freedoms.

Here are some local events going on in the Tampa and Orlando areas:

TAMPA

Blast Friday: Home Cookin’ III Street Party

May 26, 5:30 p.m. — 10 p.m.

Kick off your Memorial Day Weekend at Blast Friday in downtown Clearwater. The free concert features legendary local bands—the Greg Billings Band the Black Honkeys—along with food trucks, beer, wine, and activities for the whole family. Event info.

Honor Our Heroes 5K Run

May 27

Honor our service men and women by running in a 5K through the charming city of Oldsmar and along the northern portion of upper Tampa Bay. Celebrate with a post-race party. Race registration is $20-38 and includes a custom Honor our Heroes t-shirt, two post-race craft beers, one meal and other giveaways. Event info.

Light Up Tampa Bay Memorial Day Weekend Celebration

May 28, 6 p.m. — 10 p.m.

Celebrate our fallen heroes this Memorial Day weekend with live music, entertainment, family-friendly activities and a festive waterfront fireworks display. Event info.

Memorial Day Ceremony - "For our Freedom, Happiness & Lives--A Grateful Nation"

May 29, 11 a.m. 

Residents are invited to attend the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Florida National Cemetery. The ceremony will include a rifle salute, presenting the nation's flag and military flags, a flyover, and patriotic songs performed by Linda Burnette and The Villages High School Choir. Seating is limited and those attending are encouraged to arrive early, wear comfortable clothing, and bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit upon. The cemetery is located at 6502 SW 102nd Avenue Bushnell, FL  33513. For more information, call 352-793-7740. 

Memorial Day Tribute

May 29, 11 a.m. 

Lakeland Memorial Garden and Polk County Veterans Council will pay tribute to the men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation. Guests speakers include: Major General Jake Polumbo, USAF (Ret.) & Mrs. Aileen Payne (Mother of fallen U.S. Marine Cpl. Ron Payne, Jr.), Musical Tribute, Dove Release & Bag Piper. Following the tribute, there will be a complimentary lunch provided by Lakeland Memorial Garden. Donations will be accepted to send care packages to troops. The tribute will be held at 2125 S. Bartow Hwy., Lakeland. For more information, call 863-686-2125. 

Memorial Day Sunset Clearwater

May 29, 7 p.m.

Honor those who have lost their lives fighting for our country at this ceremony with music, a keynote speaker and a wreath presentation at Largo Central Park. Event info.

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Country 500

May 26 — 28

Memorial Day weekend in Daytona Beach is going to be country in a good way. This weekend will kick off the inaugural Country 500 Music Festival at Daytona International Speedway--a weekend long affair that will bring some of country music’s top acts to this legendary venue for a rocking good time. Event info here.

MegaCon

May 25 — 28

An estimated 100,000 people are expected to attend during the busy Memorial Day Weekend. One of the biggest draws to MegaCon will be the appearance of Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee, in his final Florida appearance. Event info here.

Orlando Fringe Festival

May 16 — 29

25 years strong, the Orlando Fringe Festival has become a Memorial Day weekend tradition in these parts. Held at Loch Haven Park, the Fringe is one of the largest of its kind in the United States and is worth a visit for the whole family. Event info here.

Memorial Day Patriotic Remembrance

May 29, 11 a.m.

The ceremony is a free and family-friendly event to show dedication and appreciation to local veterans and members of the military. Event info here.

NATIONAL

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally

May 28, 8 a.m.

The Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally brings together motorcycle riders from all over the U.S. to honor POWs and MIAs who served their country during the Vietnam War. This “ride for freedom,” which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, draws more than 900,000 riders, featuring a route that starts at the Pentagon and winds through West Potomac Park. Event info.

National Memorial Day parade

May 29, 2 p.m.

The National Memorial Day Parade ushers marching bands, youth groups, floats, performers and, of course, veterans, down Constitution Avenue. This televised parade is the largest of its kind in the U.S. and honors those who have served or presently serve in the U.S. military. Event info.

MEMORIAL DAY CLOSURES

St. Petersburg residential trash and recycling collection will change slightly during the Memorial Day holiday week. 

The only changes for trash and recycling pickup days are: 

  • Monday collections for garbage and recycling will be made on Tuesday. 
  • Tuesday collections for garbage and recycling will be Wednesday.
  • Thursday and Friday collections will remain the same.

Several St. Petersburg city government facilities will be closed on Memorial Day, May 29: 

  • Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
  • The St. Petersburg Greenhouse
  • City Hall and Municipal Services Center downtown
  • Libraries
  • Recreation Centers
  • The Coliseum
  • Enoch Davis Center
  • Jamestown Apartments-Townhomes office and Dwight H. Jones Neighborhood Center
  • Mahaffey Theater Duke Energy Center for the Arts
  • Sunshine Center and Sunken' Gardens business office

These city facilities will be open on May 29: 

  • Three City Golf Courses (Mangrove Bay, Cypress Links, and Twin Brooks
  • Municipal beach concession stand (Treasure Island)
  • Municipal Marina Ship's Store
  • North Shore Aquatic Complex and 8 Neighborhood Pools
  • Sanitation Department Brush Sites
  • Sunken Gardens' attraction