Tampa Bay Area Memorial Day Events Calendar

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day honors fallen soldiers. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. The following are a few ways the Tampa Bay area will mark the holiday, which is on May 29 this year.

Hiking With Heroes: Join members of the veteran community as they explore the mangrove and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island. $3. 9-11 a.m. Friday (May 26). Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-453-6500.

Memorial Weekend Bake Off: It’s a weekend of baking-themed beer releases with names like Key Lime Pie Berliner, Blueberry Cheesecake Berliner, Strawberry Cheesecake Berliner, Neapolitan Stout, Blueberry Donut Stout, Peanut Butter & Jelly Porter, Raspberry Lemonade Berliner and Watermelon Gose. No cover. 3-8 p.m. Friday-Monday (May 26-29). Rapp Brewing Company, 10930 Endeavor Way, Seminole. 727-544-1752.

Memorial Day Social: Wear a Hawaiian shirt for this luau featuring guest speakers including Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, a combat decorated USMC officer, an honor guard presentation and a contest for best Hawaiian shirt. Free. 5 p.m. Friday (May 26). Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club, 200 N Inverness Ave. 813-988-1791

“We Are Not Forgotten” Beer Release: The release of a Memorial Day-themed pale ale made with domestically produced ingredients and dedicated to those who have died serving the country. Benefits scholarships through Children of Fallen Patriots. No cover. 6-9 p.m. Friday (May 26). Dunedin House of Beer, 927 Broadway. 727-216-6318.

Memorial Day Cleanup and Flag Placement: Join other volunteers to clean up and place memorial flags around Crest Lake Park. Free. 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday (May 27). Crest Lake Park, 201 S Glenwood Ave., Clearwater. 727-562-4800.

Memorial Day Ceremony: Veterans Counseling Veterans provides a “safe space” for remembrance and grieving for those who lost a veteran or first responder to suicide. Free. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday (May 27). American Legion Post 5, 3810 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 407-516-8398.

Memorial Day Cookout: Rev up your engines for this motorcycle-themed cookout with free food and drinks, service specials, helmet discounts and a T-shirt swap. No cover. Noon-4 p.m. Saturday (May 27). Moramoto, 7807 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 813-512-6888.

Memorial Gulf Cruise: A two-hour catamaran sail in the Gulf of Mexico with dolphin watching, live entertainment, unlimited food and drinks. $120, $50 20 and younger. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday (May 27). Kai Lani Catamaran, 25 Causeway Blvd., Slip 49, Clearwater. 727-446-6778.

Soul Breeze Memorial Day Weekend: An outdoor comedy jam and R&B concert featuring music by the Beat Down Band and comedy by Ryan Robinson, Tarus Josey, Ms Quin and Tight Mike. BYOB welcome and outdoor-summer attire encouraged. $40. 4-10 p.m. Saturday (May 27). Tampa Sandbox, 9024 W Hillsborough Ave., Town ‘N Country.

Memorial Music Fest: Remember our heroes at this music marathon featuring Manna, Crimson Shadow, Alexis Mattey, Nicaea, Evan French, Almost to Feedback, The Baby Chimps and more. $12-$15. 5 p.m. Saturday (May 27). The Orpheum, 14802 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa. 813-248-9500.

All White Memorial Day Party: White attire is required for this 21-and-older only party with drink and bottle specials and music by DJs MT, Jazzy Jeff, Dreesey Baby and Tony Go Hard. $10-$15. 5-9:30 p.m. Saturday (May 27). 7th + Grove, 1930 E Seventh Ave., Tampa.

Memorial Day Weekend Camping Trip: Join Sawmill and Friends gay and lesbian camping club for a weekend of camping, music and drinking. Clothing optional. 21 and older only. $50 membership, $30 per night camping, $25 day pass. 11 a.m. Friday-Monday (May 26-29). Sawmill Camping Resort, 21710 U.S. 98, Dade City. 352-583-0664.

Memorial Day Party: The Eagles Club welcomes nonmembers for a party with music by Wilde Knights. Food available until 7 p.m. No cover. 6 p.m. Saturday (May 27). Hudson Eagles 3997, 6840 Beach Blvd. 727-868-3997.

Memorial Music and Motor Fest: An outdoor family festival with a car, truck and motorcycle show, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, monster truck rides, live music and fireworks. $15, $5 kids. 6-11 p.m. Saturday (May 27). Lead Foot City, 17109 Old Ayers Road, Brooksville. 844-532-3366.

Memorial Beach Party: Put on a patriotic bathing suit for this party with a “best beach look” contest, two drag shows hosted by Juno Vibranz and music by DJ Nan. No cover. 9 p.m. Saturday (May 27). Quench Lounge, 13284 66th St. N, Largo. 727-754-5900.

Memorial Day Beach Run: A 5K run for all ages, abilities and experience levels, with postrace trivia and “All American Medals” for all finishers. Benefits Finish Lines for Scholarships. $45. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday (May 28). Caddy’s Indian Shores, 20025 Gulf Blvd. 727-226-7223.

Memorial Bath Day: Dog owners can start their summer with a clean dog by bringing them to this dog wash with adult drinks and food from the Got Lobstah? truck. Benefits area rescue groups. $7 cover per dog, $10-$20 dog wash (depending on size). 1-6 p.m. Sunday (May 28). Dog Bar, 2300 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-317-4968.

Memorial Sunset Paddle: Remember those who have served or lost their lives serving the country as you watch the sunset and paddle the waters around the Memorial Park. $50-$95. 6:15-8:15 p.m. Sunday (May 28). War Veterans Memorial Park, 9600 Bay Pines Blvd., South Pasadena. 727-509-7629.

Splash Sunday: Wear beach attire to welcome summer at this Memorial Weekend Splash Sunday with music by DJ Mikhael Aaron, go-go guys and girls and special guests Kesha Mann, Athena S. Embers, Angelique Young-Cavalier and De Delovely. $5, $20 ages 18-20. 9 p.m. Sunday (May 28). Southern Nights, 1401 E Seventh Ave., Tampa. 813-559-8625.

Memorial Day Beach Yoga: Veterans and active duty can relax in a free yoga session. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Monday (May 29). Archibald Memorial Beach Park, 15100 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach. 727-914-6902.

Memorial Day Yoga: Bring water and a mat for an outdoor, lakeside yoga session. Free. 9-10 a.m. Monday (May 29). The Yoga House, 505 Eichenfeld Drive, Brandon. 813-763-2522.

Memorial Day at the Cemetery: The Orlando Devil Dogs — Young Marines Unit honors fallen soldiers with a presentation of the colors. Free. 9 a.m.-noon Monday (May 29). Bushnell National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Brooksville.

Red, White and Bee You: This Memorial Day celebration for kids includes dancing, arts and crafts, open play and a balloon drop. $16.95. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday (May 29). Little Explorers, 35225 U.S. 19 N, Palm Harbor. 727-286-6896

Memorial Day Special: The museum is honoring veterans, active military and Gold Star and Blue Star Families with free admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday (May 29). The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-892-4200.

Memorial Day Ceremony: The city of Largo marks the holiday with live music and a presentation of the colors by the City of Largo Fire and Police Department Honor Guard. Free. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday (May 29). Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. 727-587-6740, ext. 5014.

Memorial Day Community Fest: This family festival features games, carnival attractions, a bake-off, basketball tournament and free food (noon-2 p.m.). Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday (May 29). New Life Tabernacle, 6912 Williams Road, Seffner. 813-740-1868.

Memorial Day Grilling: Listen to live music by IRATE as you eat free grilled food. No cover. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday (May 29). Brandon Harley-Davidson, 9841 E Adamo Drive, Tampa. 813-797-6181.

Memorial Day Cars for a Cure: Spectators and kids choose winners of this all-makes-and-models car show with a bounce house, balloon art, vendors and barbecue. Benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. $25, $22.50 military, children free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday (May 29). Circle S BBQ, 14630 U.S. 19, Hudson. 727-233-9966.

Make a Splash: Kick off your summer at a Memorial Day pool party with music by Gordo. $30-$40. Noon-8 p.m. Monday (May 29). WTR, 7700 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa. 813-265-1234.

Memorial Day Pool Party: DJs Brianna Lee and Miketastic rock the pool deck for this party with dancing, drinks and food. Cabana rental available. No cover. 1-5 p.m. Monday (May 29). Hollander Hotel, 421 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 727-873-7900.

To Honor and Remember: There will be a parade of military vehicles, a remembrance ceremony and a reception with food and drinks. Anyone dressed or decorated in holiday decor is invited to join the parade. Free. 1:30 p.m. Monday (May 29). VFW Post 2550, 360 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. 727-733-6107.

Memorial Day Family Picnic: Join the VFW to pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate price at this potluck picnic with games, hot dogs, hamburgers and a raffle. Bring a side to share. Free. 2 p.m. Monday (May 29). VFW Post 4321, 2010 W Morrison Ave., Tampa. 813-374-2490.

This list originally appeared in the Tampa Bay Times.