Things to Do in Sarasota This Weekend: May 21-25, 2026 | Memorial Day Events & More
- Mike Payne
- Last Modified:
Memorial Day weekend in Sarasota has a different feel.
There are still plenty of ways to enjoy the long weekend — outdoor movies, markets, live music, the St. Armands Fine Art Festival, AquaPalooza, and Sunday evening music at The Bay.
But this weekend is also about remembrance.
Across Sarasota and Bradenton, you’ll find several meaningful ways to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country, including the Memorial Day 5K Hike, flag placement and a tribute at Sarasota National Cemetery, Bradenton’s Memorial Day Service, the Sarasota Memorial Day Parade downtown, and patriotic concerts on Monday evening.
So scroll through the top picks, choose what fits your weekend, and make a little time to remember why Memorial Day matters.
See you out there. — Mike Payne
Quick Weekend Snapshot:
🇺🇸 Memorial Day 5K Hike → J.D. Hamel Park, Sarasota — Saturday, 9:00 a.m.
🇺🇸 Sarasota National Cemetery Flag Placement → Sarasota National Cemetery — Saturday, 7:30 a.m.
🇺🇸 Memorial Day Tribute at Sarasota National Cemetery → Patriot Plaza — Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
🎨 St. Armands Fine Art Festival → St. Armands Circle — Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
🚤 AquaPalooza 2026 → New Pass Sandbar — Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
🥕 Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch → Waterside Place — Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
🎶 Sundays at The Bay: J Santi and the Vital Groove → The Bay Park — Sunday, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
🇺🇸 Bradenton Memorial Day Service → Donald L. Courtney Veterans Park — Monday, 9:00 a.m.
🇺🇸 Sarasota Memorial Day Parade → Downtown Sarasota — Monday, 10:00 a.m.
🇺🇸 Sarasota Memorial Day Tribute Ceremony → J.D. Hamel Park — Monday, 11:00 a.m.
🎺 Memorial Day Concert → Sarasota National Cemetery — Monday, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
🎶 Sarasota Concert Band Memorial Day Concert → Phillippi Estate Park — Monday, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
🌙 UTC Night Market → The Green at UTC — Thursday, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
🎬 Cinema at The Bay: The Big Lebowski → The Bay Park — Thursday, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
🎶 Free Music Friday Night Concert → Centennial Park, Venice — Friday, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
🎬 Movies Under the Stars: Zootopia 2 → The Green at UTC — Friday, 8:00–10:00 p.m.
Don’t want to search for this every weekend?
I send this out every Thursday morning so you don’t have to think about it.
If You Only Do One Thing This Weekend…
If you only do one thing this weekend, make time for a Memorial Day remembrance.
That could mean the Sarasota Memorial Day Parade downtown on Monday morning. It could mean the tribute ceremony that follows at J.D. Hamel Park. It could mean Saturday morning at Sarasota National Cemetery, where volunteers place flags and the community gathers at Patriot Plaza to honor America’s fallen military members.
The point is not which one you choose.
The point is that Memorial Day deserves at least a moment.
Sarasota Memorial Day Parade & Tribute Ceremony
Monday, May 25 | Parade 10:00 a.m. | Tribute Ceremony 11:00 a.m.
Downtown Sarasota / J.D. Hamel Park
Free
The Sarasota Memorial Day Parade steps off at Orange Avenue and Main Street with the theme “All Gave Some… Some Gave All.” The parade is expected to include veterans organizations, Sarasota Military Academy, public safety vehicles, color guards, antique military vehicles, civic groups, and more.
After the parade, a Memorial tribute ceremony will be held at J.D. Hamel Park on the Sarasota bayfront.
This is the kind of event that reminds you Memorial Day is not just the unofficial start of summer.
It is a day of remembrance.
Bring the kids if you can. Let them see the flags. Let them hear the names, the music, the silence, and the meaning behind the day.
If you only do one thing this weekend, make it something that helps you remember why Memorial Day matters.
Top Picks This Weekend
🇺🇸 Memorial Day 5K Hike
Saturday, May 23 | Registration 8:00 a.m. | Hike 9:00 a.m.
J.D. Hamel Park, Sarasota
Registration required
SRQ VETS hosts its 11th Annual Memorial Day 5K Hike to honor fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The hike begins at J.D. Hamel War Memorial Park, crosses the Ringling Bridge, and returns to the park for a community gathering with a cookout, music, and inflatables. Proceeds support SRQ VETS and its work helping local veterans and their families.
This is one of the stronger events of the weekend because it combines remembrance, community, movement, and support for local veterans.
🇺🇸 Sarasota National Cemetery Flag Placement
Saturday, May 23 | 7:30 a.m.
Sarasota National Cemetery
Free / Volunteers needed
Volunteers are needed to help place flags at Sarasota National Cemetery in advance of Memorial Day.
Families will place flags for loved ones first, followed by the remaining flag placement beginning around 8 a.m. Volunteers should bring a rubber mallet, a 6-inch Phillips screwdriver, and a 12-inch ruler.
It is early, simple, and meaningful.
Sometimes the most powerful events are not complicated. You show up. You help. You remember.
🇺🇸 Memorial Day Tribute at Sarasota National Cemetery
Saturday, May 23 | 10:00 a.m.
Patriot Plaza, Sarasota National Cemetery
Free
Sarasota National Cemetery will host a Memorial Day tribute honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service to America.
The program includes Gold Star family stories, patriotic music, and a poetry reading. The public is invited to join in remembrance and visit the cemetery throughout the day.
If you have never been to Sarasota National Cemetery, this is a meaningful weekend to go. Patriot Plaza is one of the most powerful public spaces in the region, and Memorial Day gives the setting even more weight.
🇺🇸 Sarasota Memorial Day Parade & Tribute Ceremony
Monday, May 25 | Parade 10:00 a.m. | Ceremony 11:00 a.m.
Downtown Sarasota / J.D. Hamel Park
Free
The Sarasota Memorial Day Parade begins at Orange Avenue and Main Street and honors fallen military members with the theme “All Gave Some… Some Gave All.”
Expect veterans organizations, Sarasota Military Academy, public safety vehicles, color guards, antique military vehicles, civic groups, and more. A Memorial tribute ceremony follows at 11 a.m. at J.D. Hamel Park.
This is the marquee Monday event in Sarasota.
Line the parade route, bring the family, and take the extra time to stay for the tribute afterward.
🇺🇸 Bradenton Memorial Day Service
Monday, May 25 | 9:00 a.m.
Donald L. Courtney Veterans Park, Bradenton
Free
The Manatee County Veterans Council hosts Bradenton’s annual Memorial Day Service at the newly named Donald L. Courtney Veterans Park along the Bradenton Riverwalk.
The ceremony will include remarks from local leaders, patriotic presentations, and a moment of remembrance honoring those who gave their lives in service to the country.
If you are closer to Bradenton or prefer a formal morning ceremony, this is one of the most meaningful options on the calendar.
🎺 Memorial Day Concert at Sarasota National Cemetery
Monday, May 25 | 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Sarasota National Cemetery
Free
The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble presents a free outdoor Memorial Day concert with patriotic music honoring fallen heroes.
The event includes remarks by Operation Warrior Resolution CEO Kendra Simpkins and presentation of colors by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
It is a fitting way to close Memorial Day itself — music, reflection, and remembrance in one of Sarasota’s most meaningful settings.
🎶 Sarasota Concert Band Memorial Day Concert
Monday, May 25 | 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Phillippi Estate Park, Sarasota
Free
Sarasota County presents a free Memorial Day concert by the Sarasota Concert Band at scenic Phillippi Estate Park.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket, pack a few snacks, and enjoy an evening of live music near the gazebo. Ice cream will be available for purchase, and the event is weather permitting.
For those looking for a relaxed but still meaningful Monday evening option, this is a good fit.
🆓 Free Things to Do This Weekend
Looking for something to do without spending much? These are some of the best free events happening this weekend:
🌙 UTC Night Market — Thursday at The Green at UTC
🎬 Cinema at The Bay: The Big Lebowski — Thursday at The Bay Park
🎶 Free Music Friday Night Concert — Friday at Centennial Park in Venice
🎬 Movies Under the Stars: Zootopia 2 — Friday at UTC
🇺🇸 Sarasota National Cemetery Flag Placement — Saturday at Sarasota National Cemetery
🇺🇸 Memorial Day Tribute at Sarasota National Cemetery — Saturday at Patriot Plaza
🎨 St. Armands Fine Art Festival — Saturday and Sunday at St. Armands Circle
🥕 Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch — Sunday at Waterside Place
🎶 Sundays at The Bay featuring J Santi and the Vital Groove — Sunday at The Bay Park
🇺🇸 Bradenton Memorial Day Service — Monday at Donald L. Courtney Veterans Park
🇺🇸 Sarasota Memorial Day Parade — Monday in downtown Sarasota
🇺🇸 Sarasota Memorial Day Tribute Ceremony — Monday at J.D. Hamel Park
🎺 Memorial Day Concert — Monday at Sarasota National Cemetery
🎶 Sarasota Concert Band Memorial Day Concert — Monday at Phillippi Estate Park
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More Things to Do This Weekend
UTC Night Market
Thursday, May 21 | 6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
The Green at UTC
Free
UTC Night Market brings live music and a mix of local makers selling handmade goods, jewelry, art, gifts, and more.
This is an easy Thursday night option if you want to shop, sip, and stroll without making a big production out of it. It also gives you restaurants nearby if you want to turn it into dinner and a walk around UTC.
Sarasota Farmers Market
Saturday, May 23 | 7:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Downtown Sarasota
Free admission
The Sarasota Farmers Market remains one of the simplest and most reliable Saturday morning plans in town.
It works whether you want produce, coffee, baked goods, flowers, people-watching, or just a walk downtown before the day gets too hot. It is also one of those weekly events that gives visitors a better sense of the local rhythm.
Cinema at The Bay: The Big Lebowski
Thursday, May 21 | 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
The Bay Park, Sarasota
Free
Enjoy a free outdoor movie night under the stars at The Bay with a screening of The Big Lebowski.
Bring blankets, chairs, and friends. The Nest Café will be serving food, popcorn, and drinks, which makes this one of the easiest downtown Sarasota events of the weekend.
Free Music Friday Night Concert
Friday, May 22 | 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Centennial Park, Downtown Venice
Free
Venice keeps it simple Friday night with live music at Centennial Park featuring Al Fusco.
Bring your own chair or blanket and enjoy a relaxed evening downtown. No alcohol is permitted in the park.
Movies Under the Stars: Zootopia 2
Friday, May 22 | 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
The Green at UTC
Free
UTC hosts a free outdoor showing of Zootopia 2 on The Green.
Arrive early for pre-show fun beginning at 7 p.m., including face painting, concessions, and character visits from Nick Wilde and Lt. Judy Hopps. Showtime begins after sunset.
This is one of the better family-friendly Friday night picks if you have kids and want something easy.
St. Armands Fine Art Festival
Saturday, May 23 – Sunday, May 24 | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
Free admission
St. Armands Circle turns into an outdoor art gallery for the weekend with fine art and fine crafts from artists throughout Florida and across the country.
Expect sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed media, metalwork, fiber art, woodworking, and more.
If you want something walkable, browseable, and easy to pair with lunch or dinner, this is a strong weekend option.
AquaPalooza 2026
Sunday, May 24 | 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
New Pass Sandbar / MarineMax Sarasota
Free to attend by boat
AquaPalooza returns to New Pass Sandbar for a full day of boating, live music, and Memorial Day weekend energy on the water.
Boaters can anchor up and enjoy performances from Jah Movement, Dr. Dave Band, and Zach Regan and the 776.
This is very Sarasota — boats, music, sandbar energy, and a long holiday weekend. Have fun, but be smart and safe on the water.
Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch
Sunday, May 24 | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch
Free admission
Spend Sunday morning lakeside at the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch, featuring more than 100 local vendors with produce, flowers, baked goods, prepared foods, honey, spices, pet products, jewelry, and more.
There is usually live music, food, and a Kids’ Zone, making it one of the easiest Sunday morning outings in the area.
Sundays at The Bay: J Santi and the Vital Groove
Sunday, May 24 | 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
The Bay Park, Sarasota
Free
Wrap up Sunday evening with a free concert at The Bay featuring J Santi and the Vital Groove.
The trio blends blues rock, soulful guitar, heavy grooves, and modern riffs for a high-energy outdoor performance in the park.
If you want something simple before Memorial Day itself, this is a good way to enjoy the bayfront without overcomplicating the evening.
Sarasota Weekend Picks That Also Show How the Area Really Lives
This weekend has a different feel.
Yes, there are still outdoor movies, markets, live music, boating, art, and family-friendly events. You can start Thursday night at UTC Night Market or Cinema at The Bay, take the kids to Zootopia 2 at UTC on Friday, browse the St. Armands Fine Art Festival, spend Sunday morning at the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch, or close the weekend with music at The Bay.
But the real headline is Memorial Day.
This weekend gives people several ways to remember — the 5K Hike over the Ringling Bridge, flag placement at Sarasota National Cemetery, the Patriot Plaza tribute, Bradenton’s Memorial Day Service, the Sarasota Memorial Day Parade, and the Monday evening concerts at Sarasota National Cemetery and Phillippi Estate Park.
That mix says a lot about how this area lives.
Sarasota is not just beaches, restaurants, and real estate photos. It is also families showing up for parades, veterans organizations keeping traditions alive, volunteers placing flags, musicians playing patriotic concerts, and local communities creating space to remember people most of us never met but all of us owe something to.
One thing I tell relocation buyers and sellers all the time: Sarasota is not just about what a property looks like online. It is about how the area lives day to day — where people gather, how far things really are, what the weekends feel like, and which parts of town match your pace.
This weekend is a good reminder of that.
Whether you are already local, thinking about a move, or preparing to sell and want to better understand what draws people here, weekends like this give you a clearer sense of the lifestyle behind the listings.
If you want to talk through Sarasota neighborhoods, buying, or selling, I’m always happy to help.
For more local events happening this weekend, check out Sarasota Lifestyle’s growing events calendar.
That’s your Sarasota Memorial Day weekend — whether you are going out Thursday night, spending Saturday morning in remembrance, getting on the water Sunday, or honoring the day Monday.
That’s your Sarasota weekend—whether you’re going out Friday night, exploring Saturday, or keeping it simple Sunday. Want this sent to you every Thursday? Join Sarasota Weekly here →
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Hi, I’m Mike – real estate agent, photographer, and blogger. Come along as I dive into all things Sarasota, Florida, share insider tips and exciting stories that make this place special. For 20+ years, I’ve helped countless people buy and sell property. Before I transitioned to full-time real estate, I taught high school English & coached basketball.”
