It’s Memorial Day weekend in Orlando, a three-day celebration of Florida’s unofficial start of summer with plenty of cookouts, beach trips, social gatherings, and more.
The holiday marks a time to remember America’s fallen military heroes, visit war memorials, and honor loved ones who were fallen service members.
Here’s how to celebrate and celebrate the holidays this weekend in Central Florida.
Ocoee Memorial Day Ceremony
The City of Ocoee honored fallen soldiers with a Memorial Day ceremony, featuring retired Army Lt. Col. Elizabeth Bledsoe as the keynote speaker. The event at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center will also feature an honor guard from the Ocoee Police Department, taps, the national anthem and post-ceremony refreshments. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. May 21 at 125 North Lakeshore Drive in Ocoee. More information: 407-905-3100 or ocoee.org
Eustis Veterans Memorial Unveiling Ceremony
The City of Eustis and Eustis High School AFJROTC will unveil a new Veterans Memorial at Greenwood Cemetery. The program will include the presentation of the colors, the national anthem, prayers, a memorial dedication, floral tributes, remarks from Mayor Emily Lee, a memorial service and a moment of silence. The event begins May 22 at 9 a.m. at 220 Hazelton Street in Eustis. More information: eustis.org
Orlando VA Healthcare System Anniversary Ceremony
The Orlando VA Healthcare System invites veterans, families, staff and community members to a ceremony where public health and military service leader Maj. Gen. Dennis Hinton (ret.) will be the keynote speaker. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the outdoor amphitheater located at 13800 Veterans Way in Orlando. More information: ,va.gov
orlando anniversary commemoration ceremony
The City of Orlando invites area residents to Greenwood Cemetery for a Memorial Day commemoration ceremony honoring the men and women of America’s military. The event will be held at 1603 Greenwood Street in Orlando on May 22 at 6 p.m. More information: orlando.gov
Orange County Memorial Day Salute
Orange County brings the community together at Cypress Grove Park to honor all veterans with a patriotic Memorial Service. The ceremony included a parachute team display, patriotic music, veteran pinning, guest speakers and a 21-gun salute. The prelude begins at 9:45 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 10 a.m. May 23 at 290 Holden Avenue in Orlando. More information: ocfl.net
Clermont Memorial Day Weekend
The City of Clermont is hosting a Memorial Vietnam Traveling Wall this weekend, which will be on display at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center starting Saturday, May 23rd. On Sunday, join us for Clermont’s Memorial Day program beginning at 11 a.m. May 25 at 3700 SUS Highway 27 in Clermont. More information: clermontfl.gov
Orange County War Memorial Ceremony
The Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council holds its annual War Memorial Ceremony to honor Orange County military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Their names will be inscribed on the Orange County War Memorial. The case will be held at 8 a.m. May 25 in Jury Room 180, Orange County Courthouse, 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. More information: ocfl.net
Winter Garden Memorial Day Community Celebration
Veterans Memorial Park’s Memorial Service: Honoring Our Nation’s Fallen Heroes honors local veterans who gave their lives during the war. The event, sponsored by Hugh T. Gregory American Legion Post 63 and the City of Winter Garden, will include a roll call of veterans, the laying of wreaths and patriotic songs to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. May 25 at 420 S. Park Ave. in Winter Garden. More information: cwgdn.com
Woodlawn Memorial Park Memorial Day Service
Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home hosts its annual Memorial Service, inviting community members to come together and remember those who fought for America’s freedom. The program, which includes taps, memorials and flag presentations, will begin at 10 a.m. May 25 at 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road in Gotha. More information: facebook.com
Mount Dora Memorial Day Ceremony
The City of Mount Dora invites area members to Pine Forest Cemetery to honor the men and women who gave their lives for America. The event will include a color presentation by the Umatilla High School Army JROTC, the national anthem, a tap performance, and featured speaker Commander. VFW Post 8087 President Laurie Turner. The event begins at 10 a.m. May 25 at 1699 N. Donnelly St. in Mount Dora. More information: mountdora.gov
Windermere anniversary events
Join the City of Windermere and Windermere Rotary Club for a patriotic ceremony, unveiling of colors, tribute to fallen heroes, national anthem, taps, and eulogy. The event begins at 10 a.m. May 25 at 520 Main Street in Windermere. More information: town.windermere.fl.us
Apopka Memorial Day Service
Join the City of Apopka and VFW Post 10147 in honoring the lives and legacies of fallen military heroes at the Veterans Memorial. The guest speaker will be David Shages, senior pastor of Apopka First Baptist Church, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 24 years. After the ceremony, everyone is invited to VFW Post 10147/Apopka Community Center for burgers and hot dogs prepared by Scout Troop 211. The event begins at 11 a.m. May 25 at 141 S. Edgewood Drive in Apopka. More information: facebook.com
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Members of the Seminole County Fire Department honor guard present Florida and U.S. flags during the 2022 Memorial Day Ceremony at the Seminole County Heroes Memorial in Sanford. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Sanford Veterans Memorial Event
The City of Sanford will host a Memorial Day event at Veterans Memorial Park to honor those who gave their lives for their country. Visit from 9 a.m. to see restored military vehicles, fire trucks, and law enforcement equipment. Join us for the event on May 25th at 10 a.m. at 110 W. Seminole Blvd. At Sanford. More information: facebook.com
Oviedo Veterans Memorial Tribute
Oviedo’s American Legion Post 243 will host a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. May 25 at the Oviedo Cemetery (118 Olin Street, Oviedo). Visit Center Lake Park (299 Center Lake Lane, Oviedo) at 7 p.m. for a brief tap ceremony. More information: oviedolegion.org
Memory and Honor – Memorial Day 5K
This walk and fun run will take place on the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Grande Lakes. Registration is $75 for the event, which begins May 23 at 7 a.m. at 4012 Central Florida Parkway in Orlando. More information: runsignup.com
Memorial 4-day weekend
Orlando’s Sunset Walk Promenade will host a four-day Memorial Day weekend celebration including live music, a Saturday night car show, street performers and a craft market, plus food and drink specials. The festival will be held daily from May 22nd to 25th at 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. In Kissimmee. More information: sunsetwalk.com
Memorial Day Weekend Rock and Roll Concert and Car Show
The City of Casselberry will be holding a “Rock and Roll Concert & Car Show” open to the public over Memorial Day weekend at Lake Concord Park. Southern Rock Revival will headline the concert, which will include undercards Pop Punk Dad Rock and About Tuesday. The city will commemorate those who died while serving in the military with a color guard display. The event will be held on May 23 from 4 to 9 p.m. at 95 Triplet Lake Drive in Casselberry. More information: casselberry.org
Doc Lackey’s Golden Mile
Lucky’s Lake Swim will feature a one-mile swim race with cash prizes awarded to the top three overall finishers in both the men’s and women’s divisions. Registration for the event, which will be held at 8 a.m. May 23 at 6645 Lake Cane Drive in Orlando, is $75. More information: luckyslakeswim.com
19th Hurricane Party Music Festival
The 19th 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 will bring “the first wave of sun and ska to historic downtown Sanford in 19 years.” General admission tickets are $45 and VIP tickets are $85 each (before fees). The festival will be held from noon to 2 a.m. May 23 in downtown Sanford. More information: facebook.com
Free admission to Florida state parks
Admission to Florida state parks is free on Memorial Day weekend. Please use from May 23rd to 25th. Find a park at floridastateparks.org
Kissimmee Collector Fest
The Florida Toy Show is an event with over 20,000 square feet of space and over 100 vendor tables. Find toys, games, comics, and more. Admission at 1875 Silver Spur Lane in Kissimmee is $15 on May 23 from noon to 9 p.m. and $10 from noon to 4 p.m. More information: facebook.com
orlando carnival downtown
Celebrate Caribbean culture with a multi-day festival. The weekend begins with Carnival on the Runway, a $20+fee fashion show on May 22nd from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at CAP Village in the Orlando Fashion Square Mall. Join Orlando Carnival Downtown “Jouvert” starting May 23 at 8 a.m. at Camping World Stadium (admission $41.75), then enjoy the free Pantastic Steelpan Jamboree at 437 N. Terry Ave., Orlando, May 23 from 3 to 10 p.m. The event culminates with a parade and concert beginning May 24 at 1 p.m. at Camping World Stadium (admission $29.90). More information: orlandocarnivaldowntown.com
orlando fringe festival
The Orlando Fringe Festival offers performing arts lovers plenty to enjoy over the holiday weekend before the event concludes on May 25th. After purchasing a $10 Fringe Button, choose from dozens of shows (free – $15 each) inside Orlando Shakes at Lock Haven Park and at venues throughout the city. For more information, read our Orlando Sentinel Fringe review or visit orlandofringe.org.
Find @PConnPie on Instagram or email pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date on travel, arts and events by subscribing to our newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
