Memorial Day weekend is the ‘unofficial’ start of the summer season and for many of us, it’s a long holiday weekend which means you’re probably looking for a few things to do around town. We’ve got you covered! Memorial Day is Monday, May 29, 2023 so let’s get planning!
There are several Memorial Day weekend events like music fests, farm events, and more –and even ways to recognize the true meaning of this holiday–ceremonies to honor our country’s fallen heroes who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Veterans are even being recognized with free admission to select Tampa area attractions.
2023 info is being added as announcements are made. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Memorial Day Weekend Events in Tampa Bay
Veteran Civilian Arts Ensemble Showcase
Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 6pm
Straz Center/Tampa
In honor of Memorial Day weekend, this collaboration is designed to create an opportunity for our civilian members to gain a deeper understanding of the veteran experience and engage with former active military.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Largo Central Park
Monday, May 29, 11am – 12pm
Largo Central Park in Largo
Join the community for this free annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor our country’s fallen heroes. There will be live music, readings, and presentations by local veterans.
The American Legion “U.S.S. Tampa” Post 5 Memorial Day Service
Sunday May 28, 8pm and Monday May 29, 11am
3810 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
The American Legion in Tampa is hosting its annual Memorial Day ceremony at the American Legion on Kennedy Blvd. This is the 100th year the ceremony has taken place here–first honored in 1922. Families are invited to honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women. The Memorial Service will be held at 11 am and you may bring your American flag to wave along Kennedy Blvd. Wreath registration will also be available.
Memorial Day Weekend Cruises
May 27-29, 2023
Pirate Water Taxi
To celebrate Memorial Day, military members can ride the pirate water taxi for free between May 27th and May 29, 2023, with the purchase of one full-priced ticket (Adult or Child).
Location: Departing from Tampa Convention Center Dock. Offer includes one (1) comp per transaction for any active duty, veteran, retired, or drilling reservist or National Guardsman. Must present a valid Military ID.
Memorial Day Military Offer at The Florida Aquarium
May 26-29, 2023
Tampa
The Florida Aquarium honored our service members with free admission in honor of Memorial Day weekend. Active and retired military members will receive one free admission with the purchase of one general admission.
Memorial Day at The James Museum in St. Pete
May 29, 2023
St. Petersburg
This Memorial Day the museum is honoring those who serve our country with free admission to the museum for Veterans, Active Military, Gold Star and Blue Star Families.
25th Annual Memorial Day Remembrance in Tampa – 2023 TBA
Veterans Memorial Park: 3602 US-301, Tampa
The James A Haley Veteran’s Hos[pital in Tampa welcomes the community to honor the ultimate sacrifice paid by our military members during a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. The keynote speaker is Air Force Col. Benjamin Jonsson, commander, 6th Air Refueling Wing, at MacDill Air Force Base.
Rest Haven Memorial Park Memorial Day Service – 2023 TBA
4615 E Hanna Avenue, Tampa
Sgt. Melvin Collins started the event to honor Black fallen soldiers. “A program for us, by us.” It is sponsored by a local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and several community organizations. In 2022, the program celebrates 26 years of honoring Black men and women who died in military service. The group meets on the Saturday morning before Memorial Day to plant flag on hundreds of graves honoring Black men and women soldiers. They return on Memorial Day for a formal program. The event is free and open to the public. (Post written by Nat Alie and Kiva Williams)
**If you have kiddos with you, our media partners at Tampa Bay Parenting are sharing some awesome things to do with the kids on Memorial Day weekend!
Other Events Going on Memorial Day Weekend in Tampa Bay
Spring Sunflower Season Maze and Activities at Sweetfields Farm
Now through May 29, 2023
Masaryktown (Hernando County)
Get outside in the fresh country air and enjoy the beautiful gardens, cute animals, and fun activities out on the farm. Admission also includes Sunflower Maze, Hayrides, Picking Fields Access, Tree House Play Area, Tumbleweed Rollers, Play Jumbo Foosball, Pitcher Pump Duck Races, Peddle Tractors, visit with the Animals and more!
Last Weekend! Sunflower Festival at HarvestMoon Farm
Now through May 29, 2023
Masaryktown (Hernando County)
Visit HarvestMoon Fun Farm for a fun, healthy and wholesome day out on the farm with your entire family or with friends. During the Spring Season, pick a beautiful bouquet of Sunflowers through their maze-like paths, visit the petting farm, jump on the jumping pillow and more! Last day is May 29.
Sunset Music Festival
May 27-28, 2023
Tampa
Head to Raymond James Stadium for this two-day music festival on Saturday and Sunday. General admission starts at $79.96 and VIP packages are available starting at $159.95.
A few ways to explore Tampa Bay this Memorial Day Weekend!
Enjoy quiet time at Bok Tower Gardens
Visit Bok Tower Gardens. While peak bloom has ended, the gardens are still full of color and winding secret pathways to explore. Enjoy complimentary admission the first Thursday and Friday of the month beginning in May through September, thanks to Wawa. Registration is required.
Pack a picnic
Nothing says summer quite like lazing the day away on a picnic blanket in a local park. Go on a romantic picnic with our tips and favorite spots as your guide.
Explore the St. Pete Pier
The St. Pete Pier is the perfect spot for a date day or night. Take in the stunning ocean views and enjoy one of the many amazing restaurants, whether you want a casual lunch or dinner with a rooftop view.
Related: Best Things to do on Date Night at the St. Pete Pier
Book an easy getaway
Take a trip to Orlando and enjoy fireworks from the balcony of your hotel room. Orlando World Center Marriott will have fireworks on Sunday, May 28, at 9pm, followed by a Laser Show at 9:15. They will also have an array of family-friendly daily activities over the weekend such as arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, games, cornhole competitions, movies by the pool, dance competitions, and much more.
Dine outdoors
See how many of these restaurants with great outdoor seating you can make it to in the span of the long weekend.
Hop on a Brewery Tour by bus
Go on a brewery bus tour. Brew Bus Brewing offers this hop on, hop off tour experience every Saturday with routes visiting some of Tampa Bay’s finest breweries. Beer lovers can check out 8 craft breweries and destinations. Cheers!
Hang out at Sparkman Wharf
Sample local treats and enjoy some fresh air at Sparkman Wharf.
Take a sunset cruise
Beat the heat by taking a sunset cruise. Options range from kayaking and catamarans to a private chartered tiki boat thats BYOB.
Try an “Only in Florida” adventure
There are some things you just can’t do anywhere else. Enjoy a unique experience by trying one of these only in Florida adventures.
Play shuffleboard
Play shuffleboard at Nebraska Mini Mart. You can also play at Shuffle, Tampa’s shuffleboard themed bar with indoor shuffleboard. There will be a live music outdoors Saturday night over Memorial Day Weekend.
Go on a scavenger hunt
Go on an official photo scavenger hunt. Or, design your own by visiting some of Tampa Bay’s most Instagrammable spots for couples. Here are some of our favorites in Tampa and St. Pete.
Go for a bike ride
Pick from these best bike rides in Tampa Bay, perhaps a self-guided brewery bike down the Pinellas Trail?
Enjoy bottomless brunch
Start your celebration early and go all out with bottomless mimosas to complement your late morning meal. Or, take full advantage of being off of work on Monday with one of these spots for a Sunday boozy brunch.
Enjoy a beachy day date
Tampa Bay has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country – and plenty to choose from. Looking for a quiet and relaxing day or wanna be in the middle of all the action? Check out Our Favorite Spots in Tampa Bay for a Beachy Day Date.
Go zip lining
Get your adrenaline pumping by zipping through the air. Here’s our guide to the best zip lining spots.
DIY Dessert Tour
Hot dogs and burgers are cool and all, but how about visiting as many of these dessert spots as you can over the long weekend? Design your own dessert tour with our guide to Tampa Bay’s best dessert shops.
Pick your own sunflowers
U-pick season is in full swing in Florida but it won’t last long! The season typically winds down near the end of May/early June, so get out there and visit a local u-pick farm while you can. Farms are offering u-pick sunflowers, wildflowers, peaches, blueberries, and more.
Catch a movie
Missing the magic of the movies? Catch a flick at Tampa Theatre, which has reopened for in-person movies. Or pack some snacks and visit one of these local drive-in movie theaters for a nostalgic date.
Book a couples spa day
Take advantage of the day off of work and book a spa day with your favorite person. These local spas all offer special treatments for couples.
Munch your way through a farmers’ market
Pick up something delicious and locally grown at one of our Tampa Bay farmer’s markets. Then take it home to create a delicious meal combining local produce with your favorite meats on the grill.
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