Looking for things to do Memorial Day weekend in Sarasota-Venice? We've rounded up family-friendly Memorial Day events, outdoor fun, and meaningful ways to spend the long weekend together.
From parades and festivals to backyard BBQs and local adventures, Memorial Day weekend in Sarasota-Venice is the unofficial kickoff to summer for many families.
While you're enjoying the extra day together, it's also an important time to pause and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service of our country.
Memorial Day Weekend Events in Sarasota-Venice for Families
Searching for Memorial Day weekend events in Sarasota-Venice? Here are family-friendly events happening locally this weekend:
May 22 Stay and Play early Memorial Celebration at Beneva Christian Church Stay and play with flag coloring, face painting , coffee, music, you can bring your favorite board game, children can prepare poster about Memorial Day history(optional) Snacks for your family (optional to share) Follow our group page for any news , follow ups and next meet ups. Group is inside worship centre. Hope to see you there! All ages welcome.
May 22-24 "Freedom Truck" at the LWR Library US History is rolling into town! Step aboard the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum at Lakewood Ranch Library from May 22 to 24, and celebrate America 250 through an immersive, interactive experience for all ages.
May 23 11th Annual SRQ VETS 5k Memorial Hike SRQ Vets invites you to the 11th Annual Memorial Day 5K Hike, held Saturday, May 23rd—the Saturday before Memorial Day. This isn’t just a walk. It’s a powerful community event to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while bringing together veterans, families, and supporters across Sarasota and Manatee counties. 8AM
May 23-25 🇺🇸 Memorial Day Promo at Sarasota Jungle Gardens Free admission for all active and retired military personnel with purchase of same-day full-priced adult admission. Must buy online and use promo code HONOR.
May 23-25 Memorial Day Weekend at Pop's Sunset Grill Spend the holiday weekend with waterfront views, ice-cold drinks, chef specials, and live music all weekend long -including Memorial Day Monday! Whether you’re joining us for brunch, lunch, sunset cocktails, or dinner with family and friends, there’s no better place to start summer.
May 23 Patriotic Pops @ CoolToday Park Join us on Saturday, May 23rd at CoolToday Park for STAR SPANGLED SPECTACULAR, an epic family-friendly celebration honoring America’s 250th anniversary with breathtaking music, thrilling flyovers, patriotic favorites, and unforgettable moments for all ages.
May 24 AquaPalooza boaters raft up, drop anchor, and enjoy live music from Jah Movement, Dr. Dave Band, and Zach Regan and the 776. Surrounded by great music, great people, and a lineup of incredible boats, this is what Memorial Day weekend is all about.
May 24 Memorial Water Slide Party NOON - 5PM, BEERGARDEN BBQ, Fun for the whole family! Big Top Brewing
May 25 Memorial Day with SipnBrewco Join us at the park for a fun-filled Memorial Day celebration! Bring the whole family for playground fun, yummy coffee & treats, Italian ice, and sweet memories together.
May 25 Sarasota Memorial Day Parade and Pop Up Library Come enjoy a fun filled parade that includes Sarasota County's Pop-Up Library! The City of Sarasota, in conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, will host the annual Memorial Day parade at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, in downtown Sarasota.
May 25 Memorial Day Ceremony | Patriots Park There will be a parade of colors, patriotic music, speeches, a wreath ceremony, rifle salute, and the playing of memorial taps. Venice Mayor Nick Pachota will present a City proclamation. 10AM
May 25 Memorial Day Picnic Hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Come out for a meaningful day of remembrance, community, and great food. Adults $20; Kids $5
May 25 🇺🇸 Memorial Day Skate Join the fun May 25 from 1PM–5PM for skating, music, and FREE hot dogs for the first 30 minutes! Grab your crew and come celebrate the holiday weekend with us!
May 25 Memorial Day Concert at Phillippi Estate Park For nearly 50 years, the Sarasota Concert Band has continued its treasured tradition of presenting a Memorial Day concert at the beautiful Phillippi Estate Park in Sarasota, FL. This year’s concert, titled “250 Years of Heroes and Sacrifice,” will take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th, at 5:00PM.
May 25 Memorial Day Concert Memorial Day Concert at Patriot Plaza Sarasota National Cemetery FREE ADMISSION
See our full local events calendar here.
Have a Memorial Day event in Sarasota-Venice to share? Submit it to our calendar here!
What Memorial Day Is Really About
Memorial Day weekend is filled with fun for many families, but it's also a day to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
Here are a few meaningful ways families can recognize Memorial Day together:
- Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.
- Visit a local veterans memorial or cemetery.
- Display an American flag at home.
- Help your child create a red poppy craft, a symbol of remembrance following WWI.
- 👉🏽 Get more ideas for honoring Memorial Day with kids here.
Things To Do at Home Memorial Day Weekend
Looking for simple Memorial Day weekend activities for kids and families? Try one of these easy ideas at home:
- Host a backyard BBQ with sprinklers and lawn games.
- Take a family hike or nature walk.
- Organize a red, white, and blue bike parade around the neighborhood.
- Create patriotic sidewalk chalk art.
- Make an American flag pin with safety pins and beads. Get directions→
 JannHuizenga | Canva |
Memorial Day Facts for Kids
- Memorial Day began in 1868 as Decoration Day following the Civil War.
- It became an official federal holiday in 1971.
- Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May each year.
- Volunteers place hundreds of thousands of flags at Arlington National Cemetery annually.
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