Memorial Day in Orlando: Things to do this holiday weekend
It’s Memorial Day weekend in Orlando, offering many a three-day weekend to mark the unofficial start to summer in Florida. The holiday represents a time when people will gather for cookouts, beach excursions and social gatherings.
On Memorial Day, take a moment to remember America’s fallen heroes of the armed services, the true intention behind the holiday. Visit a war memorial or pay respects to deceased loved ones who were service members.
Here are ways to celebrate the holiday weekend in Central Florida.
The City of Ocoee holds a Memorial Day Ceremony to honor and thank service members. 1st Sgt. Daila Espeut-Jones, a retired combat veteran with 22 years of service in the U.S. Army, will be the keynote speaker. The event begins at 11 a.m. May 25 at 125 N. Lakeshore Drive in Ocoee. More information: 407-905-3100
The City of Sanford hosts a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park to honor those who gave their lives for their country. Seminole State College’s Brass Quintet presents a tribute beginning at 9 a.m., then a remembrance ceremony at 10 a.m. May 29 at 110 W. Seminole Blvd. in Sanford. More information: sanfordfl.gov
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Clermont brings a Memorial Day Celebration to the community at Waterfront Park. Attend the ceremony at 11 a.m. May 29 at 100 Third St. in Clermont. More information: clermontfl.gov
Woodlawn Memorial Park presents its 73rd Annual Memorial Day Service with an open invitation for community members to gather and remember those who fought for America’s freedoms. The program begins at 10 a.m. May 29 at 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road in Gotha. More information: facebook.com
ICON Park brings a special event with military vehicles and uniformed soldiers from the U.S. Army Kissimmee Recruiting Station. The Wheel, which will light up red, white and blue, offers a free ticket to all active and retired military personnel and a 50 percent discount to their accompanying family members from May 26-29. Explore these and other discounts throughout Memorial Day weekend at 8375 International Drive in Orlando. More information: iconparkorlando.com
Daytona Lagoon commemorates Memorial Day weekend by offering free admission to active and retired military members with valid ID. Take advantage of the deal May 27-29 at 601 Earl St. in Daytona Beach. More information: daytonalagoon.com
The 16th Annual Hurricane Party Music Festival takes over downtown Sanford with multiple stages and more than 30 bands, plus art, vendors and food trucks. The event pays “homage to Mother Nature for a tranquil hurricane season.” General admission tickets are $40 and VIP tickets are $65 each. The festival is from noon-2 a.m. May 27 in downtown Sanford. More information: facebook.com
Promenade at Sunset Walk Orlando hosts a four-day Memorial Day weekend celebration with live music, a car show, street performers and vendors, plus food and beverage specials. Festivities take place daily May 26-29 at 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee. More information: sunsetwalk.com
The City of Casselberry brings a “Rock N’ Blues Concert & Car Show” to the public during Memorial Day weekend at Lake Concord Park. The Georgia Thunderbolts will headline the concert, which includes openers Debbie D and Vintage Now and Steelin’ Peaches. The city will honor those who died in military service with a color guard display. The event is 4-9 p.m. May 27 at 95 Triplet Lake Drive in Casselberry. More information: casselberry.org
Boxi Park Lake Nona provides live entertainment, food and kid’s activities to celebrate Memorial Day. Find face painters and a balloon artist beginning at noon May 29 at 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. in Orlando. More information: boxiparklakenona.com
Orlando Fringe Festival brings performing art enthusiasts plenty of shows to enjoy during the holiday weekend before the event concludes its in-person festivities on May 29. After buying a $10 Fringe button, choose from dozens of shows taking place at venues within Loch Haven Park’s Orlando Shakes and around town. For more information, read Orlando Sentinel Fringe reviews or visit orlandofringe.org.
Snap! Orlando opens its latest exhibition, “Le SALON,” featuring “PETTY,” an installation by Ashley Taylor, and new works by Chris Robb, Kevin Haran, Kristin Hart, Kelly Joy Ladd, Jacob Bailes, Natalie Goulet, and Jada & David. Opening night features DJs and craft cocktails by The Courtesy Bar. A $10 donation is suggested for opening night, which is 7-10 p.m. May 26 at 420 E. Church St. in Orlando. More information: snaporlando.com
Art Cube Gallery in Parramore debuts its first exhibition with a soft opening of its shipping container gallery. “Familiar Faces” by Orlando-based artist Darby launches on Friday with a free event. Explore the exhibit 7-8:30 p.m. May 26 at 814 W. Church St. in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
Did we miss any Memorial Day weekend events? Send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
