17 Fabulous Memorial Day Celebrations in Florida
There are way more than eleven Memorial Day celebrations in Florida. There are hundreds of Memorial Day ceremonies, celebrations, parades, and concerts around Florida. These seventeen celebrations, however, are big ones. From Memorial Day parades and fireworks to more somber Memorial Day ceremonies, they draw thousands of people. These are the celebrations we aim to attend at least once.
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Besides Fourth of July, Memorial Day is probably the most quintessential of American holidays.
Though only a federal holiday since 1971, the roots of Memorial Day stretch back to the days just after the Civil War in 1865. Since then, many communities have held some sort of celebration to honor their fallen soldiers. These Memorial Day celebrations originally included speeches, decorating gravesites with flags and flowers, and perhaps a parade.
Since then, the day has morphed into a 3-day weekend filled with fun, family, friends, and great memories.
Memorial Day vs. Labor Day vs. Veterans Day
This is a pet peeve of mine, not understanding the meaning and reason for each of these holidays. In the US, we celebrate our soldiers and military multiple times throughout the year.
Besides Memorial Day, there’s Veterans Day, Flag Day, and a variety of holidays celebrating the different military branches. For now, though, let’s talk about Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day vs. Labor Day. They each have a distinct and different reason for celebrating.
Memorial Day, held on the last Monday in May, honors the men and women who died in battle. It’s specifically for honoring soldiers who are no longer living.
Veterans Day, held on November 11 each year, honors all military veterans living or not.
Labor Day, held the first Monday in September, honors American workers and has nothing to do with the military or soldiers at all.
Memorial Day Celebrations in Florida
Towns, cities, veterans cemeteries, restaurants, and stores across Florida hold Memorial Day celebrations. No matter what your passion or your favorite type of entertainment, there’s probably a celebration to suit you.
These seventeen Memorial Day parades and ceremonies have been a staple in Florida entertainment for a long time and continue to draw thousands year after year. You’ll find beach parties, patriotic parades, and Memorial Day fireworks. So gather you tribe and make plans for an epic Memorial weekend.
1. Air & Sea Show, Miami – May 24-25, 2025
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The Air & Sea Show in Miami is actually one component of the larger National Salute to Heroes sponsored by Hyundai. The 2-day celebration includes a military display village, air show, offshore powerboat demonstrations, and extreme water sports.
The 2025 show runs from noon to 5:00 PM from 1st Street to 10th and 12th Street to 21st. It’s a fun family-friendly event which honors all of our military heroes.
The event is held on Miami Beach and is free. Yes. Free!
2. Great American Beach Party, Fort Lauderdale – May 24, 2025
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Kick off the summer with a fabulous beach party! The Great American Beach Party turns part of world-famous Fort Lauderdale Beach into a family-friendly mecca for a full day of entertainment and fun.
Highlights include a SOCOM Para-Commandos parachute jump, a military tribute, and the Walk of Fame ceremony. Activities for kids and families include water slides, a kids zone, and a sand sculpting contest. There will also be live music, a classic car show, and so much more.
3. Memorial Day Parade & Celebration, Davie – May 26, 2025
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Davie’s Memorial Day Parade lands on our list because it includes a parade and keeps the meaning of Memorial Day in the forefront through the entire celebration. Residents and visitors to this South Florida town enjoy the parade route from SW 70th Terrace to its end at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds. A ceremony and celebration follows the parade.
4. Honor Our Heroes 5K, Oldsmar – May 25, 2025
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The Honor Our Heroes 5K in Oldsmar expects more than 500 runners and all of their supporters. It’s a fun, family-friendly event which runs through Oldsmar waterfront streets and parks. Stick around after the run for snacks and drinks. All of the proceeds from this event benefits the local VFW and OldsmarCares.
5. Boca Raton Memorial Day Celebrations, Boca Raton – May 26, 2025
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This solemn observance is held every year at Boca Raton Cemetery to honor the sacrifice made for our freedoms. The hour-long ceremony features several guest speakers, a flag-folding ceremony, and a wreath presentation.
6. Patriotic Pops, Venice – May 24, 2025
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The Venice Symphony’s Memorial Day celebration in 2025 is a tribute to the Greatest Generation for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This multigenerational event will feature the symphony as well as special guest vocalists. Gates open at 5:30 and the show will start at 7:30 PM.
7. Memorial Day Ceremony, Largo – May 26, 2025
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This annual Memorial Day Ceremony is free to attend and is held at the Military Court of Honor at Largo Central Park. Honoring our fallen servicepeople, this ceremony features readings and presentations from local veterans and live musical performances.
8. Memorial Day Ceremony, Coral Springs – May 26, 2025
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This annual Memorial Day Ceremony is free to attend and is held at Veterans Park. Honoring our fallen servicepeople, this ceremony features readings and presentations from local veterans, Taps performance, a wreath presentation, and a salute volley.
9. Memorial Day Ceremony, Fort Myers – May 26, 2025
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This annual Memorial Day Ceremony is free to attend and is held at the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens. The day honors fallen men and women in our military through remembrances and reflection. Anyone from the community is welcome to visit as everyone’s presence helps honor our soldiers.
10. Memorial Day Ceremony, Parkland – May 26, 2025
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This annual Memorial Day Ceremony is free to attend and is held at the P-REC gymnasium. Honoring our fallen servicepeople, this ceremony features readings and presentations from local veterans as well a live musical performances. The event begins at 5:30 PM, and there will be light refreshments available after.
Other Memorial Day Celebrations in Florida
Though there are many Memorial Day ceremonies throughout Florida on Memorial Day weekend, there are also other parties, festivals, and celebrations where visitors can have a great time with friends and families. If you’re ready to try something different than backyard barbecues or days at the beach, try one of these Memorial Day Weekend festivals in Florida.
11. Memorial Weekend Craft Festival, Delray Beach – May 24-25, 2025
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The 27th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Memorial Day Weekend Craft Festival on 4th is a celebration of art and heroes. The festival is in Delray Beach’s walkable downtown district and will feature all sorts of crafts, from original artwork to detailed glasswork and everything in between. There is also a green market selling produce, flowers, baked goods, gourmet sauces, and more.
12. Memorial Day River Fest, Green Cove Springs – May 26, 2025
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This Memorial Day festival in Florida takes place along the banks of the historic St. Johns River. The all-day event features a fireworks show, live entertainment, kids activities, and more than 100 vendors. It’s a fun, family-friendly event reminiscent of small town celebrations across the nation.
13. Florida Folk Festival, White Springs – May 23-25, 2025
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In its 73rd year, the Florida Folk Festival at Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park embodies everything that makes Florida unique. Through the 3-day celebration, 300 performers will entertain through music, dance, and storytelling. There will also be a variety of food and crafts. If you love cultural traditions, this is a must-see event.
14. Orlando Carnival Downtown, Orlando – May 23-25, 2025
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Held across three days, the big event happens on Sunday night with the Orlando Downtown Carnival, a festival, concert, and parade all rolled into one. Orlando Carnival is modeled after the carnivals from the Caribbean and Latin American countries. While other Memorial Day events will feature red, white, and blue, at this event, you’re sure to see a kaleidoscope of colors.
15. Family Wonder Days, Naples – May 24-25, 2025
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Naples Botanical Gardens is one of the best botanical gardens in Florida, and this special event is one of the many reasons why. The family-friendly Family Wonder Days encourages visitors to Walk. Observe. Navigate. Draw. Explore. and Read. (Yep, W.O.N.D.E.R!) For these two days, the botanical garden will feature scavenger hunts, games, and other activities amongst the lush plants.
16. Jacksonville Jazz Festival – May 22-25, 2025
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Jazz aficionados – head to Jacksonville this Memorial weekend for the 2025 Jacksonville Jazz Festival. The weekend kicks off with a piano competition on the 22nd and is followed by three days of free concerts in downtown Jacksonville. Headliners include Kool & the Gang, Janelle Monae, and The Roots.
17. Palatka Blue Crab Festival, Palatka – May 23-25, 2025
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Haven’t heard of Palatka? You probably aren’t alone. Normally the town southwest of St. Augustine lives a quiet existence along the St. John’s River. But on Memorial weekend, it comes alive for the annual Blue Crab Festival. The family-friendly event takes place along the scenic waterfront and features concerts, food trucks and other vendors, and activities.
Closing: Memorial Day Ceremonies in Florida
Memorial Day is a day to honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifices defending our freedoms. Though there are many joyful celebrations on Memorial Weekend, it’s important to remember why we celebrate. Taking part in one of these Memorial Day celebrations in Florida, whether a parade, a beach party, or a speech, brings together family, friends, and the entire community.
Other Event Pages
Looking for other festivals and special events in Florida? Check out all of our Florida festival pages below.
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Lots of great ideas if you are in Florida. I love seeing all the red, white, and blue.
I was about to ask the event dates and you have it all completely listed when I scrolled down! Thanks for this great guide! Are there any unique local traditions in Florida related to Memorial Day that travelers should be aware of?
These options are amazing! I‘ll definitely keep this guide handy for the next time in Florida
I love the variety of options with some great inclusive festivals too – thanks for this round up!
I do find the variety of festivals in Florida is pretty great!
It’s so helpful to get these recommendations from a local because I wouldn’t have a clue where to start with finding fun things to do over Memorial Day in Florida. The beach party sounds like a blast, shame about the sunset festival because that sounds cool too. Which is your favourite event?
Thanks, Amabel. I’m a fan of EDM and have always loved Sunset Music Festival so it was disappointing to see it cancelled for 2024. I hope they bring it back next year. Other than that, I love parades and enjoy the one in Lakewood Ranches since it’s not too far from home.