Looking for things to do Memorial Day weekend in Bradenton? 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 Bradenton 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 for Families
May 22-24 | 12PM to 5PM ~ Freedom Truck - US History is rolling into town! Step aboard the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum at Lakewood Ranch Library and celebrate America 250 through an immersive, interactive experience for all ages. The "Freedom Truck" brings museum-quality exhibits straight to our community with hands-on activities, multimedia storytelling, and interactive technology that explores America's founding, defining moments and the innovation shaping our future.
May 23-25 ~ Sarasota Jungle Gardens - May 23rd – 25th 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 | 8AM ~ 11th Annual Memorial Day 5K Hike - This meaningful Memorial charity hike brings together veterans, families, and supporters from across Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Proceeds directly support SRQ VETS, a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) providing emergency assistance to local veterans facing unexpected hardships. The hike begins at JD Hamel War Memorial Park, crosses the scenic Ringling Bridge, and returns to the park for a community celebration featuring a cookout, live music, and family activities.
May 23 | 7:30PM ~ The Venice Symphony Patriotic Pops - Don’t miss Star Spangled Spectacular—a thrilling, family-friendly celebration of America’s 250th anniversary filled with dazzling symphonic favorites, thrilling flyovers, and inspiring music honoring the heroes of the Revolution and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Purchase tickets in advance.
May 24 | 10AM to 4PM ~ AquaPalooza 2026 - Join us on Sunday, May 24 from 10 AM to 4 PM as 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 | 12PM to 5PM ~ Memorial Day Water Slide Party - Hosted by Big Topo Brewing Company. Enjoy giant water slides and Memorial weekend deals: 2 Hot Dogs + Fries for ONLY $8 and $4 Core Beers ALL DAY.
May 25 | All day ~ Free Entry to National Parks
May 25 | 9AM to 10AM ~ Memorial Day Ceremony and Remembering our Fall Exhibit - Join us Memorial Day weekend to honor our fallen heroes. Experience the Remembering Our Fallen photographic war memorial, a tribute to the men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including over 300 service members from Florida, from 9/11/2001 to Present. The display, located at Donald L. Courtney Monument Park, 176 Waterfront Drive (Bradenton), will be open for viewing at no cost.
May 25 | 10AM to 11:30AM ~ Memorial Day Ceremony in Venice - 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.
May 25 | 10AM to 12PM ~ Memorial Day Parade - The parade is planned to feature performances by the Sarasota Military Academy band and participation from local law enforcement agencies, veterans' groups, and more. The procession begins at 10 a.m. at Main Street and Orange Avenue, followed by a ceremony at approximately 11 a.m. at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park commemorating our fallen heroes.
May 25 | 11AM to 1PM ~ Memorial Day Picnic - Join us on Memorial Day, May. 25th 2026, doors open at 11:00am for our Memorial Day picnic. Flag Raising will be at 12:00 noon, followed by the Missing Man Table. There’ll be Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Corn and Ice Cream. $20 adults and $5 kids.
May 25 | 1PM to 5PM ~ Memorial Day Skate at Astro Skate - Join the fun for skating, music, and FREE hot dogs for the first 30 minutes! $8 admission plus skate rental.
May 25 | 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 25 | 5PM to 6PM ~ Memorial Day Concert - The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Joe Martinez, presents “Memorial Day — In Their Memory.” The patriotic and free public observance will feature the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and guest speakers. The program will include music such as “Semper Fidelis,” “God of Our Fathers,” “Hymn to the Fallen,” “Armed Forces Salute” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
May 25 | 5PM to 7PM ~ Annual Memorial Day Concert - The Sarasota Concert Band will perform a free Memorial Day concert at Phillippi Estate Park. 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!
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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