15 Fun Things to Do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida (2024)

Are you looking for the best things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida?

Florida’s Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start to summer.

It is a day to remember those who fought for our freedom and a day to spend quality time with those that we love.

With summer in the air, we want to get outdoors!

Whether it be burgers and brews, fireworks, music, and patriotic parades, there is so much to do. 

So, grab your stars and let freedom ring!

I have lined up 15 Memorial Day events in Florida where your patriotic heart can beat red, white, and blue.

Jupiter, Florida Rocky Beach Shore with people sunbathing on the sand. One of the best things to do in Florida for Memorial Day Weekend.
Jupiter, Florida

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Memorial Day Weekend in Florida At a Glance:  

  • Put your dancing shoes on and feel the beats of the Silent Disco Party as Destin delivers one of the most unique and fun Memorial Day events in Florida 
  • Come out to Palatka Florida’s Blue Crab Festival, a free family event that has been entertaining all ages for almost 30 years 
  • Watch Spring Run fill up with cute little duckies as they race to the finish line for the 9th annual Rubber Duck Race 
  • Have a blast in Miami Beach with an explosion of shows every which way you look at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show 
  • Orlando Carnival Downtown is one of the hottest Memorial Day events in Florida when the island comes to The City Beautiful 

Keep reading for a full guide to the best things to do for Memorial Day weekend in Florida.  

What to Expect on This Guide TODAY: show

1. Silent Disco Party and Fire Spinning (Destin, Florida)

Destin delivers one of the most unique and fun Memorial Day events in Florida right in the heart of Destin Harbor.

Crab Island Emerald Grande Vacation Rental Harbor Village Memorial Day Weekend Celebration. One of the best things to do for Memorial Day in Florida. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about Memorial Day weekend Florida.

Harborwalk Village is celebrating all Memorial Day Weekend, with live entertainment Saturday night at the waterfront where you can catch a great concert.  

Then the Vintage Air Show kicks off Sunday night with live music to follow in Destin, Florida. 

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

The Gulf’s sky lights up with fireworks at 9 p.m. and don’t miss the flaming fire-spinning performance that takes place.

Harborwalk Village Memorial Day Weekend Celebration in Destin, Florida. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about Memorial Day weekend events in Florida.
Image Courtesy of Emerald Grande Condominiums at HarborWalk Village

Put your dancing shoes on and feel the beats of the Silent Disco Party at 7 pm on Sunday as the Florida Memorial Day celebration continues.  

All ages can come and shake their booty and headphones are provided. So book your vacation rental at Emerald Grande ASAP.

Baytown Wharf will also be sounding off for the Florida Memorial Day weekend in Destin with firework performances on both Saturday, May 25th, and Sunday, May 26th, and music in the evenings.  

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2. Chillin’ in Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach can be a busy beach hot spot so don’t expect Florida’s Memorial Day Weekend to be any different.

Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach Florida. One of the best things to do for Memorial Day in Florida. Keep reading to learn more about Memorial Day weekend Florida events.
Aaron Bessant Park (Photo Courtesy of the City of Panama Beach, Florida)

It tends to be one of the busiest times of the year! 

Panama City Beach, Florida tourist area. Keep reading to discover all the fun things to do on Memorial Day weekend Florida.

You can find Panama City Beach’s Veterans Memorial within the 70-acre Aaron Bessant Park

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

They also host the city’s Veteran’s Memorial Ceremony and is a local favorite hangout for the Florida Memorial Day Weekend. 

Man and woman underwater diving. Keep reading to get the Full Guide to all the fun things to do on Memorial Day weekend Florida.

Paradise Adventures is offering a 10 % discount off their online tickets to those who want to spend the Memorial Day Weekend on the water to any active or retired military. Just be sure to have your ID on hand when you show up for your Adventure Tour, Sunset Sail, or Snorkel Excursion.  

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3. Music and Arts Festival (Tallahassee, Florida)

Florida Memorial Day Weekend gets underway in Tallahassee with the sounds of music and fun.

Tallahassee Cascades Park. One of the best things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida. Keep reading to find out more things to do on Florida Memorial Day weekend.

Raylene Reserve is the place to be for the Rhythm & Arts at Raylene event with a fun lineup of activities on Saturday, May 25th starting at noon.  

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

This Memorial Day Weekend Bash features a music and art festival jam-packed with great band performances and booths of local vendors and some of the most talented artists.  

Cascades Park in Tallahassee. Keep reading to find out more things to do on Florida Memorial Day weekend.

Pack up a blanket, grab a chair, and come dive into some delicious from the local food trucks that will be set up to keep your bellies happy.  

It’s a laid-back Saturday afternoon out in Tally that the whole family can enjoy.  

Then on Sunday, The Mae West Band rocks The Fish Camp keeping the energy going for the Memorial Day weekend in Florida.  

4. Florida Folk Festival (White Springs, Florida)

Ever wondered about life here in Florida through the different generations? 

Florida Folk Festival will be showcasing Florida’s traditions for 3 days from May 24th – 26th. 

Florida Folk Festival in White Springs. Keep reading to learn more about Florida Memorial Day weekend events.

Held in White Springs at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Florida’s heritage is being celebrated for its 72nd year.

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

You will hear the sounds of over 300 performances, dance to the concerts into the night, learn how to square dance, or kick back and relax to a jam session. 

Florida Folk Festival White Springs Instagram Page. Keep reading to find out more about Memorial Day weekend events in Florida.
Florida Folk Festival Instagram Page

The Florida Folk Festival is one of the Memorial Day events in Florida that is interactive with demonstrations and workshops. 

I bet you haven’t made your own pine needle basket before!

5. The Blue Crab Festival (Palatka, Florida) 

Palatka Florida’s Blue Crab Festival is a free Memorial Day weekend family event that has been entertaining all ages for almost 30 years.

Palatka Blue Crab Festival Schedule for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida. Keep reading to find out more about Memorial Day weekend events in Florida.
2023 Image Courtesy of Palatka Blue Crab Festival

It kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 24th, and keeps crawling all weekend long. Concerts run all day on both Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26 across several stages. 

Palatka Blue Crab Festival. Keep reading for the full guide to things to do on Memorial Day weekend in Florida.

Gatorland Water Ski Show Team puts on a crabulous show on the waterfront! 

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

There’s a crab cook-off, local vendors with jewelry, arts and crafts, and a gigantic kid’s zone.  

Blue Crabs at Palatka Blue Crab Festival. One of the best things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida. Keep reading to find out more things to do on Florida Memorial Day weekend.

So, scuttle on over and be sure you and the gang don’t miss out on this annual tradition. 

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6. Green Cove Springs Riverfest (Green Cove Springs, Florida)

Florida Memorial Day has Spring Run filling up with cute little duckies as they race to the finish line for the 9th annual Rubber Duck Race. 

Green Cove Springs River Fest 2023 for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida. Keep reading to find out more things to do on Florida Memorial Day weekend.
2023 Image Courtesy of the City of Green Cove Springs, Florida

Green Cove Springs Riverfest takes place on Monday, May 27 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Face painting, bouncy slides, and pony rides keep the kid’s zone packed with so much to do. 

And for the adults, there are over 100 food and craft vendors and lots of live entertainment.

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

Memorial Day events in Florida never forgot to pay tribute to the veterans throughout all the fun and festivities. 

Green Cove Springs Rubber Duck Race 2023 for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida. Keep reading to learn more about Florida Memorial Day weekend events.
Image Courtesy of the City of Green Cove Springs, Florida

Green Cove Springs Riverfest recognizes the day with military vehicles on display along with MVPA memorabilia.

Catch the Dreamland Squadron perform an aerial flyover in honor of Florida Memorial Day. 

Then the night closes off with fireworks over St. Johns River, so try and stay to the end if you can!

7. Memorial Day Weekend at Sunset Walk (Kissimmee, Florida) 

Sunset Walk’s Promenade is always rock’n n roll’n so this Florida Memorial Day Weekend is no different.    

Bento Restaurant Exterior Orlando Kissimmee Florida Sunset Walk. Keep reading to find out more about Memorial Day weekend events in Florida.

Fired Up Fridays car show serves up nostalgia followed by tributes to the 1980s and 1990s.

Margarita Boulevard lines with classic and modern cars of Show Car Saturday Night at 4 p.m.

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

It’s a party in the USA as DJ Scotty B plays out the tunes while you stroll along and check out the cool cars displayed along Margaritaville Boulevard.  

Margaritaville Resort Orlando Sunset Walk. Keep reading to find out the best things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida.

As Sunday rolls around you can enjoy food and beverage specials for Sunday Latin Sunday with DJs spinning out some of the best vibrant merengue, salsa, Latin pop, bachata, and plenty more! 

8. Rock N’ Blues Concert and Car Show (Casselberry, Florida)

Go vintage this Memorial Day weekend in Florida! It’s cars, cars, and more cars. 

Rock N' Blues Concert & Car Show in Casselberry Florida. Keep reading to find out the best things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida.

Enthusiasts can fall back in love with over 150 cars of yesteryear. 

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

From classic cars to hot rods and muscle cars, Cruisin Orlando brings back all the favorites at this free event.

Don’t forget your blanket and chairs for the concerts that sound off throughout the evening and after the events the Veterans Recognition Ceremony.  

 Florida festival concert at night. Keep reading to find out the best things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida.

This Florida Memorial Day Weekend takes place in Lake Concord Park and will have food trucks and vendors too along with awesome live music.  

9. Orlando Carnival Downtown (Orlando, Florida)

Orlando Carnival Downtown is one of the hottest Memorial Day events in Florida when the island comes to The City Beautiful. 

Ladies in festival clothing. Orlando Downtown Carnival. One of the best things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida. Keep reading to find out the best things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida.

Friday night starts the annual event off with Carnival on the Runway with carnival costumes out strutting the runway.

Then Saturday explodes in color at Tinker Field during the Orlando Carnival J’ouvert. Get ready for paint, water, and powder!   

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

Back in Time Lime is back again on Saturday, May 25th for an authentic Caribbean experience.   

Fire-breathing, steel pans, and all the food, music, and culture will leave you crushin’ on the Caribbean. 

Lady in Festival Clothing for Orlando Downtown Carnival. One of the best things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida. Keep reading to find out more things to do on Florida Memorial Day weekend.

But if you can’t make it out to all the days then Sunday, May 26th is when you want to party like a pineapple at this Florida Memorial Day weekend event. 

It’s the Mas Band Parade & Concert starting at 12 p.m. and lasting all day and into the night. 

10. Memorial Day Celebrations and Concert (Boca Raton, Florida)

Boca Raton honors the men and women of our military who have sacrificed their lives for our country. 

Memorial Day Celebration in Boca Raton. Keep reading to learn more about Florida Memorial Day weekend events.

The Florida Memorial Day ceremony takes place at 9 a.m. on Monday and is free for those who want to attend.

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

The evening delivers a concert under the beautiful Florida skies. 

Mizner Park Amphitheatre opens its doors at 6 p.m. for the free entertainment that runs from 7 p.m. until 8:30 pm.

Mizner Park Amphitheatre in Boca Raton. Keep reading to find out more about Memorial Day weekend events in Florida.

All are welcome to bring their chairs and blankets to get comfy. If you forget you can rent one for $5 and there is no rental fee for those that are active military and veterans. 

11. Sunflower Festival (Masaryktown, Florida)

Holiday weekends are the perfect time to get outside and enjoy some fresh air with the family and those you love most.

Sunflowers in Florida. Keep reading to find out more about Memorial Day weekend events in Florida.

Use this time to enjoy the quieter side of living and spend some quality time together at HarvestMoon Fun Farm. 

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

Their Sunflower Festival runs from May 4th until May 27th where you can come out and pick a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers and explore their maze-like paths.

Baby Goat at a farm in Florida. Keep reading to learn more about Florida Memorial Day weekend events.

A fun cow train, a 70 ft jumping pillow, and lots of farmatastic fun farm activities.

Come say hi to the farm animals at the Petting Farm and visit the adorable miniature cow, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, and all the other farm-friendly friends.  

It’s not just for kids there is adult fun to be had too at the ¨Silo Bar¨. You can pre-purchase your tickets online and children 2 and under are free.   

12. Tribute to Heroes Block Party and Parade (Lakewood Ranch, Florida) 

About half an hour outside of Sarasota, in Lakewood Ranch, is one of the area’s favorite patriotic annual parades over the Florida Memorial Day Weekend.

Tribute to Heroes Block Party and Parade in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Keep reading to find out more things to do on Florida Memorial Day weekend.

Sunday, May 26th Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street becomes center stage for the best block party in northeastern Sarasota. 

But get there early with your chair because thousands come out to celebrate every year.   

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

The fun begins at 5 p.m. with the pre-block party before the festive parade fills up the street at 8 p.m. 

Tribute to Heroes Block Party and Parade in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. One of the best things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida. Keep reading to find out more things to do on Florida Memorial Day weekend.  with boys watching the parade.

And bring everyone in the family, even the furry four-legged ones! They are welcome too, just don’t forget their leash.  

There will be food and drinks you can buy and lots of activities to keep the young ones busy. 

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13. Veterans Memorial Day Cruise (Naples, Florida)

With sunshine on your mind and vacation mode on, a Veterans Memorial Day Cruise is a brilliant way to end your Memorial Day weekend in Florida. 

Naples, Florida pier at the beach. One of the best things to do for Memorial Day in Florida.. Keep reading to find out more things to do on Florida Memorial Day weekend.

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

This leisurely free cruise aboard the Songo River Queen II takes place on the crystal-clear waters of Naples Long Lake. 

Naples Florida Boat pier. Keep reading to find out the best things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida.

It is designed for those who are actively or have served in the United States military and their immediate family. 

Just make sure to reserve your spot for you and your family.

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14. Hyundai Air & Sea Show (Miami Beach, Florida)

Miami Beach comes alive in an explosion of shows every which way you look.

South Miami Beach, Florida nightlife. Keep reading to find out the best things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida.

Up in the sky, out on the sea, and on land. 

F-16 Flying Falcon at the Hyundai Air Show Miami. Keep reading to find out more things to do on Florida Memorial Day weekend.

The Hyundai Air & Sea Show is held both on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, and no one day is better than the other.  

Miami, Florida nightlife at rooftop party with NikkyJ. Keep reading to discover all the fun things to do on Memorial Day weekend Florida.

Plus, the Magic City knows how to put on a show covering four city blocks along Ocean Drive! 

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

The sea comes alive with the Cigarette Offshore Powerboat Exhibit, jet ski freestyle exhibitions, and flyboard demonstrations. 

Power Boats Hyundai Air Show Miami. Keep reading to discover all the fun things to do on Memorial Day weekend Florida.

While the Music Explosion brings amazing entertainment onto the stage with awesome performances of US Military Bands.   

The skies are popping both day and night with air events!

Florida fireworks. Keep reading to find out the best things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida.

Known as “The Greatest Show Above the Earth” all 6 branches of the U.S. Military are on show keeping the skies filled with excitement. 

And the Veterans Florida Fireworks Extravaganza paints the sky with red, white, and blue!

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15. Great American Beach Party (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

Fort Lauderdale is world famous for its beach and a great American vacation hot spot throughout time.

Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida skyline by waterway. Keep reading to find out the best things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida.

 So it only makes sense that they host the Great American Beach Party in Fort Lauderdale

This traditional family-friendly event is held over the Florida Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 25 until 6:30 p.m. 

And best of all it’s free!!

Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida

The day is full of family activities with a kid’s zone and face painting. Enjoy the native village, live music and bands, an art show, and a classic car show.

Map of Great American Beach Party 2023 in Fort Lauderdale for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida. Keep reading to find out more about Memorial Day weekend events in Florida.
2023 Map (Image Courtesy of The City of Fort Lauderdale)

SOCOM Para-Commandos Parachute Jump entertains the skies followed by a tribute to the U. S. Armed Forces. 

A beach party isn’t complete without fun at the water! 

Las Olas Fort Lauderdale Florida. Keep reading to find out more about Memorial Day weekend events in Florida.

So don’t forget to check out the water slides and sand sculpting contest on the beach north of Las Olas Boulevard. 

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My Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do for Memorial Day Weekend in Florida

Florida is bursting with outstanding fun things to do for Memorial Day.

15 BEST Things to do in Florida for Memorial day Full Travel Guide
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Whether you reconnect with nature, immerse yourself in culture, or spend some time relaxing, there’s something for everyone.

Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!

 

Sarah Jordan Theme Park Writer and Florida Travel Expert Writer

About the Author

Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.

With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.

After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings. 

(Original Article Date: May 11, 2023/Updated by Editor on April 14, 2024)

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