ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Memorial Day was established to mourn and honor the nation's fallen service members. However, the weekend surrounding the holiday has become the unofficial start of summer and a hotbed for deals.
Auto club AAA says a record-setting 2.5 million Floridians are expected to travel for Memorial Day Weekend. Plenty of people will still be in town this weekend.
If you're looking for something to do, there's more than enough going on in and around the Tampa Bay area.
Here's what's going on:
Events
Where: New Pass Sandbar, Sarasota
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 26
What: "Kick-off Summer 2024 with your friends and family and raft up with fellow boaters to enjoy live music and giveaways."
How much: Free, but you need to register
Where: Curtis Hixon Riverfront Park, downtown Tampa
When: May 25-26. Gates open at 2:30 p.m.; the festival runs from 4-10 p.m.
What: This community-focused event will feature contemporary jazz performers and artists. Nonprofit UEG Productions, Inc. is putting on the event "with the goal of providing financial support to local non-profit community organizations that provide critical services to the underserved in the Tampa Bay area and music and arts education programs for youth."
How much: Tickets start at $90
Where: American Social, Tampa
When: 9 p.m. May 24
What: Three DJs playing a bunch of different genres — all on headphones. The listener gets to decide what their jam is. Done vibing or need a break? Slip off those headphones and talk with your friends or meet someone new.
How much: $10 for headphones
Where: MacDinton's Irish Pub, Tampa
When: All day May 26; 7-10 p.m. May 27
What: Drink specials, a cornhole tournament and discounted meals for veterans and active duty service members.
How much: Free to attend
Where: Eden Downtown, Tampa
When: 4-9 p.m. May 26
What: Live DJs, food, drinks in an indoor/outdoor party setting.
How much: Call or text 813-368-9002 for more information
Where: Bicentennial Park, Oldsmar
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 25.
What: Prizes, food, games and more. Hosted by Junior Chefs of America. Chef JaVin, a 2022 Sous Chef Graduate, will help warm up the contestants.
How much: $10 per child; parents get in free
Where: CrossFit9, 6th Avenue S, St. Petersburg
When: 8:30 a.m. May 25
What: "Mark your calendar for a day of sweat and camaraderie with 'Murph' on Saturday, May 25. We're partnering with Signatures for Soldiers for this charity event. 100% of proceeds benefit veteran causes right here in St. Petersburg."
The event was named in honor of U.S. Navy Seal LT Michael P. Murphy, who was killed in action on June 28, 2005, during Operation Enduring Freedom.
How much: Free, but donations are encouraged
Where: The Don CeSar, St. Pete Beach
When: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 26
What: Sit down in the King Charles Ballroom for an array of food and drinks, including complimentary wine, Horse Soldier Bourbon tasting and a specialty cocktail.
How much: Varies
Where: The Foodie Labs, St. Petersburg
When: 1 p.m. May 26
What: "Join us for a fun-filled day of FREE delicious food, FREE spirits and beer tastings - all for a great cause... Let's celebrate and honor our heroes together in this casual and welcoming atmosphere. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with your community and indulge in some mouth-watering dishes. All food & drink is donation-based with proceeds going to Vets2Success and Vet2Chef."
How much: Free, donations accepted
Where: Coachman Park, Clearwater
When: 10 a.m. parade; noon memorial service
What: "The Clearwater Honor Fest is a day of honor, remembrance and community spirit. Hosted at Coachman Park by the Florida Veterans Coalition and the City of Clearwater. This event isn’t just a commemoration; it’s an immersive experience designed to uplift, inspire and unite."
How much: Free
When is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day 2024 is on Monday, May 27.