Weekend Best Bet: Memorial Day Weekend

Celebrate Memorial Day with parades, performances and ceremonies in honor of our veterans Sunday, May 25 to Monday, May 26.

SUNDAY, MAY 25
Memorial Day at Sarasota National Cemetery —
Honor fallen veterans and their families at the Sarasota National Cemetery. The ceremony will include keynote speaker Manatee County Veteran Services Officer and Marine Corps veteran Lee Washington. The event takes place at 3 p.m. at 9810 State Road 72.

Jacobite Memorial Day Concert —
The Jacobite Pipe and Drum Band along with First Brass come together for the eighth annual Memorial Day Show at 3 p.m. at the Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road. The color guard from the Sarasota County Fire Department will also participate in the celebration. Admission to the indoor show is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Make sure to bring your old cell phone so it can be donated to “Cell Phones for Soldiers.” For more information, call 928-0296.

'Tribute to Heroes' Memorial Day Parade — 
In honor of the country's fallen soldiers, the annual "Tribute to Heroes" Parade will feature more than 40 businesses and nonprofit organizations, in addition to students and veterans, who will march to honor the military. From 5 to 9 p.m., Lakewood Ranch Main Street will transform into a frenzy of red-, white- and blue-wearing attendees, who will hear performances by the Braden River High School marching band and the Braden River Pipers, along with readings from guest speakers. Other activities include face painting and games. The traditional dove release will close out the ceremony. For more information, call 757-1530.

MONDAY, MAY 26
Downtown Sarasota Memorial Day Parade—
The annual Sarasota Memorial Day Parade invites families of all ages to celebrate those in service with drum lines and marching bands, area veteran groups and more at 10 a.m. on Main Street before heading  to J.D. Hamel Park on Gulfstream Avenue, where a ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. The ceremony will feature appearances from elected officials, color guard and live patriotic music.

'Salute to Veterans' Memorial Day Concert —
Remember and honor our nation’s heroes at this outdoor concert open to the public from 5 to 7 p.m. at Phillippi Estates Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail. Families are invited to bring coolers and lawn chairs to enjoy the live music. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under. There will be food and drink vendors on site. For more information, call 364-2263.