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 whom 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.
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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 10th 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.
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.
Harborwalk Village is celebrating all Memorial Day Weekend, with live entertainment Saturday night at the waterfront, where you can catch some great concerts on the mainstage.
Plus, the Vintage Flyover takes place on Sunday in Destin, Florida, followed by live music to keep the celebrations going. Then, at 9 pm, the Gulf’s sky lights up with fireworks over the Destin Harbor.
Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida
On Monday night, you won’t want to miss the flaming fire-spinning performance that takes place as the grand finale.
Put your dancing shoes on and feel the beats of the Silent Disco Party on Monday 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 fireworks performances on both Saturday, May 24th, and Sunday, May 25th. There will also be live music all weekend and free activities for the little ones on Sunday.
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2. Chillin’ in PCB (Panama City Beach, Florida)
Panama City Beach can be a busy beach hotspot, so don’t expect Florida’s Memorial Day Weekend to be any different.
It tends to be one of the busiest times of the year!
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.
Gulf World Marine Park in Panama CIty Beach is offering Florida resident discounts on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.
Get $3 off general admission, $75 off Dolphin swim programs, as well as $50 off other animal interactive programs, so you can get up close and personal with all types of animals at this marine park.
Can’t make it Memorial Day weekend, don’t worry! They are extending this Florida discount to every Sunday.
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3. St. Johns Rivership Cruise (Sanford, Florida)
The St. Johns Rivership Co. is hosting a deliciously beautiful Florida Memorial Day Weekend aboard the Sternwheeler Barbara-Lee.
Saturday and Sunday feature the St. Johns Rivership Lunch Cruise along the scenic St. Johns River. Spanning over 3 hours, you can dine and unwind on a mouthwatering 3-course meal at your private table.
Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida
There will be live entertainment and a full-service bar for an unforgettable afternoon.
If you were looking for breathtaking sunset views and a seafood feast, then the Sunday evening All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Boil Cruise is just what your Florida Memorial Day Weekend is craving.
This amazing thing to do on Memorial Day Weekend in Florida also takes place on select evenings throughout the month, cruising from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
You can reserve online at RivershipTix.com or call their office at 321-320-8466.
4. Florida Folk Festival (White Springs, Florida)
Ever wondered about life here in Florida through the different generations?
The Florida Folk Festival will be showcasing Florida’s traditions for 3 days from May 23rd – 25th.
Held in White Springs at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Florida’s heritage is being celebrated for its 73rd 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.
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.
It kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 23rd, and keeps crawling all weekend long. Concerts run all day on both Saturday, May 24th, and Sunday, May 25th, across several stages.
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.
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 10th annual Rubber Duck Race.
Green Cove Springs Riverfest takes place on Monday, May 26th, 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 forget to pay tribute to the veterans throughout all the fun and festivities.
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’roll’n, so this Florida Memorial Day Weekend is no different.
Friday evening brings the Promenade Racing Car & Truck Show with live entertainment and a DJ.
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 the DJ plays out the tunes while you stroll along and check out the cool cars displayed along Margaritaville Boulevard.
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 on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
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 event,s the Veterans Recognition Ceremony.
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.
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 24th, for an authentic Caribbean experience.
Fire-breathing, steel pans, and all the food, music, and culture will leave you crushin’ on the Caribbean.
But if you can’t make it out to all the days, then Sunday, May 25th, 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.
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 a must-see concert by Weezer and their special guests, Fountains of Wayne, at 7:30 pm. Tickets for this unforgettable evening are expected to sell out fast!
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.
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 3rd until May 26th, where you can come out and pick a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers and explore their maze-like paths.
A fun hayride, 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. The Venice Symphony Patriotic Pops (Venice, Florida)
One of Florida’s favorite Memorial Day weekend traditions is back, and it’s bringing the patriotic party to CoolToday Park!
The Venice Symphony Patriotic Pops is taking over the Wellen Park community in South Sarasota County on Saturday, May 24th for the best concert and multigenerational event.
Why We Love This Memorial Day Weekend Event in Florida
You can expect a spectacular lineup of WWII-era classics, film scores, vocal ensemble Liberty Voices performing cappella renditions of Americana and folk songs, and heartwarming tributes to our nation’s heroes.
Events like a special video presentation and a color guard ceremony will take place, and an incredible fireworks finale to pop off the night.
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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.
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 on May 26th.
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.
Up in the sky, out on the sea, and on land.
The Hyundai Air & Sea Show is held both on Saturday, May 24th, and Sunday, May 25th, and neither day is better than the other.
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.
While the Music Explosion brings amazing entertainment onto the stage with awesome performances by US Military Bands.
The skies are popping both day and night with air events!
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.
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 24th 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.
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!
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.
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!
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 May 7, 2025)