It's a time of remembrance, but it's also a time to have fun and kick off the summer season with outdoor activities or indoor fun, if it's too hot you (if that's the case, we don't blame you!). Here are some events to help you make your plans:
Armed Forces History Museum 7th Annual Memorial Day Family Funfest Catch crocodile wrestling from Croc Encouters, a reptile photo booth, petting zoo, homing pigeon demonstrations, rock wall climbing, bungee jumping, bounce house, military vehicle rides, military dress up photo opps, the Bomber Girls (pictured above), WWII re-enactors, museum tours, and more. Mon., May 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $10/adults $5/youths. 2050 34th Way N., Largo. armedforcesmuseum.com.
City of Clearwater Centennial Parade Celebrate 100 years of Clearwater at a parade that begins at Highland Avenue and Drew Street and ends at Coachman Park. The parade route will travel West on Drew Street and will finish at Coachman Park in Downtown Clearwater with a fireworks display and Block Party. Sat., May 30, 6:30 p.m. MyClearwater.com/100.
1st Annual Public Works BBQ Cook-Off The first annual Pinellas Park BBQ cook-off brings a tender taste to your Memorial Day weekend. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Live entertainment, beer, fireworks, children’s rides, bounce houses, bubble runner and many more activities bring fun for the entire family. All proceeds go to People Helping People. Free. Sat., May 23, 3-10 p.m. England Brothers Bandshell Park, 5010 81st Ave. N., Pinellas Park. 727-541-0767.
Florida Aquarium Memorial Day Weekend In honor of Memorial Day weekend, the Florida Aquarium is offering a special admissions deal for veterans and their families. Any active duty, veteran, retired or drilling reservist or National Guard members of military will receive two free admissions into the Aquarium. In addition, up to 4 other family members can get in for only $10 each. The offer is only good with a valid military ID. Take advantage of this opportunity to allow The Florida Aquarium to show thanks to our nation’s veterans. Free-$10. May 23-25. The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-273-4000. flaquarium.org. Check Lowry Park Zoo and other venues for similar offers.
Florida Orchestra Let Freedom Ring This Memorial Day weekend, three performances will ring out. The Florida Orchestra, with three performances: Tampa, St. Pete., and Clearwater the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th respectively, puts on a patriotic fanfare to bring out the pride in any American citizen. “Let Freedom Ring: An American Salute” is an accumulation of the timeless musical American spirit. Purchase tickets soon for any of the three showings. Show the patriot in you! $15-45. Fri., May 22, 8 p.m.; Sat., May 23, 8 p.m.; Sun., May 24, 7:30 p.m. Carol Morsani Hall, Straz Center of the Performing Arts, Tampa. 727-892-3337. strazcenter.org.
Memorial Day at The Sail Located at the Tampa Convention Center, the Sail will be playing host this Memorial Day weekend to a plethora of activities in Memorial Day spirit. Live music and food and drink specials will take place throughout the event. The area’s only 360-degree waterfront bar located on Tampa’s RiverWalk is a prime location to spend Memorial Day. Drink and menu Specials. Sun., May 24, 11 a.m.; Mon., May 25, 2 p.m. Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa. 813-274-7778. tampaconventioncenter.com.
Oldsmar Freedom Self-dubbed the biggest Bay area Memorial Day bash, Freedom Fest VII offers three days of fun for the entire family at State Street in Oldsmar. With live music all weekend, including performers Stormbringer, Greg Billings and the Black Honkeys headlining Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively, street vendors, food, arts, and kid-friendly activities, the event will be partnering with Hope for The Warriors, a charity for post 9/11 veterans, to host Run for the Warriors on Sunday. A 7 a.m. opening ceremony kicks off a 5K run, a 10K run, and 1-Mile Walk/Run. Free. Fri., May 22, 5-11 p.m.; Sat., May 23, 12-11 p.m.; Sun., May 24, 12-10 p.m. 813-855-4233. oldsmarfreedomfest.com.
Morean Art Center Active and retired military enjoy free admission to all of the Morean this weekend, including the Chihuly Collection, Morean Arts Center, Glass Studio and Center for Clay. moreanartcenter.org.
Muralism Bloom Art Center celebrates one year of art community building with large-scale paintings, live bands and more. See story on p. 71. 5 p.m.-midnight, 910 Fifth Ave. N., St. Pete. $9. facebook.com/bloomartcenter. Read more about the artists here.
Shephard’s Beach Resort Annual Memorial Weekend Bash Party with young and sun lovers and see the rapper that brought us one of the catchiest hip-hop hits of all time, “Low.” Singer-rapper LunchMoney Lewis is the star of today (pictured, right) with the potential song-of-summer hit “Bills.” Check website for schedule; events will be happening Friday night through Monday. $35 to get in to it all. 619 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach. shephards.com.
St. Augustine at 450: A Look at the Oldest European City in the U.S. Spanning from the earliest Spanish inhabitants all the way through the early 20th century, this new Tampa Bay History Center exhibition offers a glimpse into the complex social evolution of not just St. Augustine, but all of Florida. It includes several original maps, as well as artifacts such as a powder horn from the era of British control. Opens May 23; the Tampa Bay History Center is at 801 Old Water St., Tampa. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Adult Admission is $12.95. tampabayhistorycenter.org.
Tampa Bay Margarita Festival A few ingredients for the perfect paradise getaway this weekend include good music, great people and fantastic tequila, all of which can be found at the 3rd Annual Tampa Bay Margarita Festival at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa. The Grand Tequila Tasting kicks off the festival Friday, May 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Tampa Museum of Art. There you can try unlimited samples of more than 40 different tequilas. On Saturday, May 23, enjoy a variety of margaritas noon-11 p.m., with a full line-up of bands, topped off by headliner Smash Mouth. A fireworks show will end the festival with a bang. $14-$21 in advance; $25 at the gate. tampamargaritafest.com.
The Tempest: La Isla Es Mia Actor and freeFall Theatre artistic/executive director Eric Davis imagined what Shakespeare’s Tempest would be like if it were set in Florida, and came up with this one-man play, an all-new adaptation grafts a second storyline that appropriates events in Cuban history. James Oliver directs. Sundays, 2 p.m., Saturdays, 2 & 8 p.m., Fridays, 8 p.m. and Thursdays, 7 p.m. Continues through June 14; discounted previews this Friday night and Saturday afternoon $23-$41. freefalltheatre.com.
Thunderdome at the Social (Memorial Sunday) In honor of Mad Max: Fury Road, the bar is hosting the Thunderdome at the Social dystopian disco party. DJs Mad Mario, Imperator Peach, and RK3 will mix ’90s, indie dance, and goth/industrial. In addition to the jams, a costume party will dominate the night, with all participating admitted free into the party and eligible for winning prizes. Dress as your favorite apocalyptic character to get in free. The Mad Max Trilogy and $3 drinks round off the evening along with stunning works of art created by artist Ken Echezabal. Sun., May 24, 9 p.m. $5 or free with costume. 1909 N. 15th St., Ybor City, event on Facebook.
Veterans Memorial Park Ceremony Colonel Richard J. Mayers, USAF, serves as keynote speaker for a ceremony titled “Memorial Day Remembrance, For God and Country.” 3602 U.S. 301 N., Tampa. 813-744-5502
West Bay Public House Enjoy some ’cue this Sunday at Out of the Pot’s First Annual Pig Roast with proceeds going to The Children’s Burn Foundation of Florida. Out of the Pot Catering will be having a Cuban-style pig roast, served with great beer specials, live music, silent auctions, raffles and baked goods. $11.50 Sun., May 24, noon-5 p.m. $11.50. 727-916-2468. 80 Clearwater-Largo Road S., Largo. Event on Facebook.
David Morris, Sarah Conner and Matthew Cruz contributed to this report.
This article appears in May 21-27, 2015.