May 26, 2018: A program honoring America's fallen soldiers and their families will take place in honor of Memorial Day at Sarasota National Cemetery with special guests and dignitaries. Purple Heart recipient David Taylor will be the key note speaker. Taylor is a US Army veteran. Local artists will perform a medley of patriotic music as the lives of fallen troops are honored and remembered. Patriot Plaza has ample seating, however, visitors may bring lawn chairs should they prefer seating with a back. Ceremonies will begin at 10:00 a.m. Free admission. Patriot's Plaza, Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL.
May 26 - 27, 2018: It's the inaugural St. Armand's Seafood & Music Festival taking place in St. Armand's Circle Park featuring seafood prepared fresh on site along with drinks. Enjoy your foodie experience while jamming to live musical performances on stage by some of Florida’s and the region’s top musical talents. Music will be from such genres as R&B, jazz, classical, calypso, reggae and more. Performers this year are, on Saturday: Nostaljah, Hard Luck Society, Kettle of Fish and Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues. Sunday performers are: Act 3, RJ Howson, Sarasota Steel Pan Band and Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio. There will also be a marketplace of arts and crafts exhibitors and select from a variety of fine products. While at the event, the Humane Society, co-sponsor, will have their "Big Mac" mobile adoption center onsite. Free general admission. VIP tent admission $130. Various food & drink prices. Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. St. Armand's Circle, St. Armand's Key, Sarasota, FL.
May 27, 2018: It's the special "A Tribute to Heroes" Memorial Day Parade on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday evening. The parade will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Local bands and choir groups, drum lines and dance teams, floats, kids decorated bike contest, food, drinks and live entertainment. There will also be before and after parade festivities. Pre-parade block party starts at 6 p.m. with the street festivities continuing after the parade. Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL
May 28, 2018: The 2018 Sarasota Memorial Day Parade's theme is: "All Gave Some. Some Gave All." 130 band members from Blair High School from Omaha, Nebraska will join in the parade and the Sarasota Military Academy will represent local area high schools. The following units will participate in the parade: City of Sarasota Police Color Guard, Sarasota County Sheriff's Color Guard, Sarasota County Fire Department Color Guard, EMS units, Vets on Bikes, American Legion Post 30, VFW Post 3233, DAV Chapters 3 and 97, Vet Center, Vietnam Veterans, Goodwill/USF Veterans, MIA/USF Veterans, Veterans for Common Sense, Sun Coast Retirees, Pear Harbor Survivor Capt. Robert O'Neil, Local Dignitaries, SAR/DAR, Ex-POW's, Woman Navy Veterans, WWII Female Veterans, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Red Cross, MOA group. The Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee encourages all Sarasota residents to line Main Street as we recognize the sacrifices, courage, and patriotism demonstrated by our Viet Nam Veterans. Parade organizers are hoping for an Air Force fly over at 10 a.m. The parade starts at exactly 10 a.m. from Osprey and Main in Sarasota. There will be a fitting Memorial Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at Chaplain J. D. Hamel Park at the West end of Main Street.
May 28, 2018: Snook Haven along with the Suncoast Blues Society present the 7th Annual Myakka River Blues Festival on Memorial Day. This year's headliner is The Rusty Wright Band from Michigan. The lineup also includes The Dale Robbins Band from Australia, Harmonica Wizard Dockta D from Baltimore, Sarasota Slim, Nitro Boseman and many more. Snook Haven is off the beaten path, near the riverbed in a natural cove with true old Florida ambiance. Two stages with non-stop music. Tickets: $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door. 11a.m.- 6 p.m. Snook Haven Restaurant on the Myakka River. 5000 E Venice Ave, Venice, FL
