Looking for fun things to do Memorial Day weekend May 24-27? Top 5 events in Sarasota area

Patriotic parades, a free waterfront concert and more of the best things to do this Memorial Day weekend in Sarasota and Bradenton.

It's Memorial Day weekend in Sarasota and Manatee counties, and we have lots of fun events happening, ranging from family-friendly activities to events just for adults, taking place from Friday through Monday.

There are patriotic parades happening in downtown Sarasota and on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, as well as the return of the free concert series, Friday Fest, on the waterfront grounds of the Van Wezel.

In addition, there is the boaters bash AquaPalooza at New Pass and a patriotic concert and fireworks display at CoolToday Park. There are plenty of options if you feel like getting out and having a good time this holiday weekend.

1. Sarasota Memorial Day Parade

Memorial Day parade float with Navy personnel, American flags, and a Saluting Our Veterans banner.

Sarasota Memorial Day Parade returns to downtown on Monday. Herald-Tribune Staff Photo/Dan Wagner

Put on your most patriotic attire and head to downtown Sarasota for the annual Memorial Day Parade that will be held on Monday beginning at 10 a.m. at Main Street and Osprey Avenue. It will roll westward on Main Street and end at J.D. Hamel Park, where a ceremony will be held at approximately 11 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. 10 a.m. Monday; downtown Sarasota; free admission; sarasotafl.gov

2. Friday Fest on Van Wezel lawn overlooking Sarasota Bay

Woman in an orange shirt cheers with raised arms at a crowded outdoor event.

Friday Fest returns to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall lawn this weekend. Herald-Tribune Staff Photo by Thomas Bender

Van Wezel's free, outdoor summertime concert series returns with a performance by Hot Tonic Orchestra, which performs a high-energy blend of swing, Latin jazz, and popular music. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy food and beverages from local vendors. Bringing in food, beverages and coolers from outside Friday Fest is prohibited. 5-9 p.m. Friday; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami. Sarasota; free admission; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

3. Tribute to Heroes Block Party and Parade in Lakewood Ranch

Boy Scouts and adult troop members march in a parade carrying an American flag and Troop 125 banner.

Tribute to Heroes Block Party and Parade in Lakewood Ranch is Sunday. Carla Varisco, Carla Varisco.

The block party and parade in support of local veterans and heroes will include food, drinks and activities for the children, with attendees invited to bring chairs and pets (on a leash). 5 p.m. block party, 6:30 p.m. parade Sunday; Lakewood Ranch Main Street, 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch; free spectators, prices vary for parade participants; lakewoodranch.com

4. AquaPalooza at New Pass Sandbar in Sarasota

Boats and swimmers gather in turquoise water near a green shoreline.

AquaPalooza at New Pass Sandbar in Sarasota is Sunday. HERALD-TRIBUNE STAFF PHOTO/THOMAS BENDER

Boat, raft or whatever to New Pass Sandbar, which will be the place to be on Sunday for wet and wild partying with live music and giveaways in front of MarineMax's marina. Looking for nearby restaurants and bars? Be sure to stop by waterfront favorite Old Salty Dog or New Pass Grill. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; MarineMax, 1601 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; 941-388-4411; marinemax.com

5. Patriotic Pops Concert and Fireworks Display at CoolToday Park

Fireworks explode over the Venice Symphony concert stage as the orchestra performs beneath purple lights.

The Venice Symphony welcomed some 3,000 people to its fourth annual Patriotic Pops and Fireworks at CoolToday Park, Spring Training home of the Atlanta Braves in North Port, on Saturday evening, May 27, 2023. The event returns this weekend. THOMAS BENDER/HERALD-TRIBUNE

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with The Venice Symphony in a concert of great American music, including a salute to the armed forces, at the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves. The Liberty Voices, an eight-part cappella group, will perform Americana, folk and patriotic songs with the Venice Symphony. 5:30 p.m. gates, 7:30 p.m. show Saturday; CoolToday Park, 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, Venice; $23-$58; ticketmaster.com