Memorial Day Weekend Events in Tampa Bay to Kick-Off Summer Break
Oh, how we've longed for this weekend to come—Memorial Day weekend, the “unofficial start of the summer season” is finally upon us, and it's safe to say we're all ready for some family-friendly fun this summer in Tampa Bay! (The first day of summer is actually June 21 in case you were wondering.)
Related: Florida Resident Deals at Theme Parks and Attractions
Before we go into some ways to celebrate the start of the summer season, it is important to remember the spirit of Memorial Day. While the holiday weekend is often referred to as the “unofficial start of summer”, it is also an important holiday for us all to stop, remember, and honor the men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect our country.
What is Memorial Day and why do we celebrate Memorial Day?
The holiday dates back to the spring of 1865 when the Civil War ended –a war that took the lives of 65,000 people and resulted in the nation's first national cemeteries. In the years that followed, families would honor the fallen soldiers each spring by decorating their graves with flowers, according to History.com.
In May of 1868, General John A. Logan proclaimed May 30, 1868 as Decoration Day to honor the lives lost.
Memorial Day would continue to be recognized on May 30 to honor our country's fallen heroes until 1968 when the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was established by Congress to mark Memorial Day on the last Monday of the month, giving federal workers a three-day holiday weekend. This year–Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25, 2026.
We encourage you to take a few minutes and read the entire article about the history of Memorial Day on History.com.
How to Honor Memorial Day 2026 in Tampa Bay
There are a few events where you and the family can honor our fallen heroes in Tampa Bay. Here are a few scheduled for this Memorial Day in Tampa Bay:
AquaGlow at Aquatica
- Dates: Select dates from May 15 to September 26, 2026
- Location: Aquatica Orlando
- Cost: $49.99+ per person
Your favorite nighttime splash party returns to Aquatica Orlando on select nights from May through September, bringing back high-energy dance parties, dazzling laser light shows, and unlimited complimentary soft drinks to keep you refreshed all night long. In addition to low wait times and a complimentary commemorative bracelet, there is early admission now at 4 p.m. – that’s TWO more hours added to your night during this exclusive, limited-capacity, family-friendly event!
Memorial Day Weekend at TradeWinds Resort
- Dates: May 22-25, 2026
- Location: 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
Kick off the season on St. Pete Beach with a long weekend packed with sun, fun, and star-spangled excitement! Join Tradewinds Resort for beachside games like our Frozen T-Shirt Contest and Cornhole Tournament, Watermelon Eating Contest , and Red, White & Blue Tie-Dye fun.
Celebrate in style with our Salute to Summer party, a high-energy Glow Bash, and our featured Twilight on the Lawn dinner experience—ending the night with a bang as fireworks light up the sky!
Florida Residents can save 20% off their stay with our exclusive resident rate, visit JustLetGo.com.
Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Dates: Select Dates, starting May 22-August 9, 2026
- Location: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Celebrate all summer long with the ultimate evening thrills that light up the park with extended hours, non-stop dazzling entertainment, and special summer eats & treats!
Memorial Day Run 5k/10k/13.1 Tampa
- Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
- Location: Courtney Campbell Trail
- Cost: $37.37+ per person
Honor, remember, and run for freedom this Memorial Day! Whether you're running solo or with friends and family, this event honors the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our country.
The Great American Block Party
- Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 3 p.m.-9 p.m.
- Location: The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel
- Cost: Free
Celebrate a milestone moment in American history at Celebrating America 250, a day filled with music, fun, and community spirit for all ages! Event activities include games, live entertainment, a car show, an evening concert, putt-putt, and more!
Memorial Day Weekend Moonlight Ziplining
- Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Location: Empower Adventures Tampa Bay
- Cost: $93.14 per person
Enjoy zip lining under the moon!
Hillsborough County 29th Annual Memorial Day Observance Ceremony
- Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Location: 3602 US-301, Tampa
- Cost: Free
Honor those we have lost at the 29th annual Memorial Day Observance on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Park. Special guests for this event include our American Gold Star Mothers, Major General John Gronski, U.S. Army (Retired), and Command Chief Master Sergeant Christopher Ottenwess from 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base.
The ceremony will also remember service members recently lost in Operation Epic Fury. Refreshments and fellowship with the military community.
Memorial Day Weekend at Caddy’s
- Date: Monday, May 25, 2026, 11 a.m.
- Location: 190 Boardwalk Place East, Madeira Beach
Join us this Memorial Day Monday for a day dedicated to those who serve and have served. Caddy's is showing their appreciation with 10% off for all heroes, including active duty military, veterans, and first responders.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Largo Central Park
- Date: Monday, May 25, 2026, 9 a.m-10 a.m.
- Location: Largo Central Park
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
- Date: Monday, May 25, 2026, 11 a.m.
- Location: 3810 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
- Cost: Free
The American Legion in Tampa is hosting its annual Memorial Day ceremony at the American Legion on Kennedy Blvd. Families are invited to honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women. The Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., and you may bring your American flag to wave.
MEMORIAL DAY party in the usA SKATING
- Date: Monday, May 25, 2026, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
- Location: SkateWorld Tampa, 7510 Paula Dr., Tampa
- Cost: $13 per person
Join in for some fun and exciting roller skating events this Memorial Day weekend! Wear red, white, or blue for $2 off admission.
2026 Clearwater Honor Fest
- Date: Monday, May 25, 6 p.m.
- Location: Florida Veterans Memorial Plaza, 450 South Lake Drive, Clearwater
Honor those who served with a National Anthem performance by Pranysqa Mishra, an American's Got Talent finalist, a solemn ceremony, vendors, and a candlelight vigil.
Memorial Day Military Offer at The Florida Aquarium
- Date: Over Memorial Day Weekend
- Location: 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa
- Cost: Free for active duty, veteran, and retired U.S. military members
The Florida Aquarium honored our service members with free admission in honor of Memorial Day weekend.
Things to Do Memorial Day Weekend with the Kids: Events in Tampa Bay
*Be sure to check out our Weekend Top Picks in Tampa Bay for even MORE family-friendly fun!
Head to Ananda Farm in Terra Ceia!
- Date: Memorial Day Weekend
- Location: Terra Ceia
- Cost: $16.20 per person (ages 2+)
Ananda Farm is a magical place where kids can run free and play in 15 different attractions, including an amazing tree house and two huge jump pillows. You can also nosh on farm-to-table, organically grown food and sip on a curated menu of cocktails and even pick your own flowers!
Laser Light Shows at MOSI!
- Date: Friday, May 22, 2026, various showtimes
- Location: MOSI-Tampa
- Cost: $40.14
Step inside America’s second-largest planetarium and experience vivid lasers, dynamic music, and dazzling special effects for an exciting mix of science, music, and light! Designed for all ages, each performance pairs stunning visuals with your favorite soundtracks from Pink Floyd! Before the lasers hit the dome, our astronomer will guide you through a live star show, taking you on a journey into the night sky. Tickets are limited, snag yours today before they sell out!
Spring Sunflower Season Maze and Activities at Sweetfields Farm
- Dates: Through May 25, 2026, on select days
- Location: 17250 Benes Rousch Rd., Brooksville
- Cost: $11.95-14 per person
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!
Sunflower Festival at HarvestMoon Farm
- Dates: Through May 25, 2026, on select days
- Location: 15990 Stur St., Masaryktown
- Cost: $13.95-15.95 per person
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!
Adventure Weekend
- Date: Monday, May 25, 2026, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center
Wings up! Kids can enjoy hands-on activities like a free guided tree climb, archery tag games, family-friendly activities and more! This event is open to guests of all ages with adult supervision.
Memorial Day Things to Do on the Water in Tampa Bay
Living in Tampa Bay, we are surrounded by water, whether you're looking for a day at one of the area's world-famous family-friendly beaches, beautiful crystal clear natural springs, or even the best water parks in Tampa Bay, including a brand-new giant man-made lagoon! There is something for every family.
If you are heading to the beach, don't forget the sunscreen–and check to see if your family's sunscreen made the top picks list in EWG's 2022 Sunscreen Guide.
If kayaking is on your list of things to experience this summer in Tampa Bay, check out some of the best places to go kayaking Tampa Bay! Keep in mind that weekends tend to get busy, so you may have some extra company on the water…it just won't be as crazy as the beach, so there's that. Speaking of kayaking, we loved our ‘Paddle Pals' tour for kids with Get Up and Go Kayaking in Shell Key!
More ways to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in Tampa Bay
We don't have to tell you–it gets HOT and the “unofficial start of summer” also means the OFFICIAL start of hot and muggy season in Tampa Bay! If you want to seek the crisp cool of the indoors, why not take a tour of the best museums in Tampa Bay with the kids! Glazer Children's Museum is always a favorite, and so is MOSI.
Looking for some thrilling adventures with the kids? Why not give zip-lining a try? There are some awesome places to go zip lining in Tampa Bay, including TreeHoppers in Dade City and TreeUmpf! in Bradenton.
Busch Gardens is also launching its Summer Celebration Memorial Day weekend with a new fireworks show and special entertainment. We highly recommend one of the animal tours like the Serengeti Safari!
After all that shopping or time out on the water, you might get hungry! Check out some of the best family-friendly restaurants in Tampa Bay! There are some great picks for kids, including our favorite go-to, the St Pete Pier, which not only has plenty of kid-friendly restaurants close by but also has so much to do for kids!
Getaway idea…
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