Ava McDonnell 
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, communities across Central Florida are preparing to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. From remembrance ceremonies and patriotic tributes to festivals, fireworks, and family-friendly gatherings, there are many opportunities to reflect, remember, and spend time together this holiday weekend. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful ceremony or a fun community celebration, Central Florida has something for everyone this Memorial Day.
Here’s a look at some of the Memorial Day events happening around Central Florida this year:
Commemorative Ceremonies
Clermont Memorial Day Observance and Vietnam Traveling Wall
The City of Clermont will host the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall throughout Memorial Day weekend at Waterfront Park and the Highlander Pavilion area. The Patriot Guard Riders will escort the wall into the city on Saturday, May 23, beginning at 8:30 a.m., with setup and public viewing to follow through Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Visitors who stop by can pay tribute to Vietnam veterans and learn more about the sacrifices made by service members throughout the war. The official Memorial Day Observance Program will take place on Monday, May 25, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will include music, military honors, guest speakers, and community tributes.
Orlando Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony
The City of Orlando will host its annual Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery on Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m. The ceremony will feature patriotic performances, guest speakers, and a wreath presentation honoring fallen military members. Community members are encouraged to attend the evening event to reflect on the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces. The annual ceremony remains one of Orlando’s longest-standing Memorial Day traditions.
Sanford Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony
Veterans Memorial Park, located at 110 W. Seminole Boulevard in Sanford, will hold its annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on Monday, May 25. Activities begin at 9 a.m. with patriotic music performances, military vehicle displays, and community booths before the official ceremony starts at 10 a.m. overlooking Lake Monroe. Veterans organizations and local leaders will speak during the ceremony while honoring those who lost their lives in military service. The event is free and open to the public and is expected to conclude around noon.
Oviedo Memorial Day Tribute – Taps at Sunset
The City of Oviedo and American Legion Post 243 will host their annual Taps at Sunset ceremony on Monday, May 25, from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at Center Lake Park, Oviedo. The sunset tribute offers a reflective atmosphere where families and community members can gather to honor fallen service members. The evening will include patriotic music, remarks from veterans and city officials, and the ceremonial playing of Taps at sunset. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating during the event.
Apopka Memorial Day Service
The City of Apopka and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10147 will host a Memorial Day service at the Veterans Memorial located at Edgewood/Greenwood Cemetery, Apopka, on Monday, May 25, at 11 a.m. The ceremony will include a presentation of colors, patriotic music, and remarks honoring local veterans and military members who died while serving the country. Residents, veterans, and military families are invited to attend and participate in the community observance. The annual event serves as a meaningful tribute for families throughout Northwest Orange County.
Winter Garden Memorial Day Community Ceremony
Winter Garden’s Memorial Day Community Celebration will take place on Monday, May 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. Presented by American Legion Post 63 and the City of Winter Garden, the ceremony will feature patriotic songs, wreath placements, and recognition of veterans and active-duty service members. Community members are encouraged to attend and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. The annual tradition draws residents from throughout West Orange County each Memorial Day.
Family-Friendly Events and Festivals
Promenade at Sunset Walk Memorial Day Weekend
Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee will celebrate Memorial Day weekend from Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25. Guests can enjoy free live music, themed car shows, artisan markets, DJs, and family-friendly entertainment daily from approximately 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. throughout the entertainment district. The weekend celebration also includes street performers, local vendors, and dining specials at surrounding restaurants. Admission and parking for the entertainment events are free.
Memorial Day Festival Orlando
The Memorial Day Festival Orlando will take place on Saturday, May 23, beginning at 4 p.m. at multiple entertainment venues throughout downtown Orlando. The festival is expected to feature live DJs, music performances, food vendors, and nightlife events throughout the evening. Organizers say the celebration is designed to bring together residents and visitors for a high-energy holiday weekend experience. Tickets and additional event details are available online through participating venues.
Orlando Fringe Festival
The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival continues through Memorial Day weekend with performances, art exhibits, comedy shows, and live entertainment taking place throughout Loch Haven Park. Visitors can experience local and international artists performing a wide variety of shows and interactive experiences. The outdoor festival lawn also features food vendors, live music, and activities for all ages. The annual event remains one of Orlando’s largest and most popular arts festivals.
Astro Skate Orlando Memorial Day Skate
Astro Skate Orlando, located at 866 S. Goldenrod Road in Orlando, will host its Memorial Day Skate event on Monday, May 25, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Families and friends can enjoy roller skating, games, music, and special holiday-themed activities throughout the afternoon. Complimentary hot dogs will be available for guests while supplies last at the beginning of the event. The indoor celebration offers a fun and affordable way for families to spend part of the holiday weekend together.
Poinciana Stars, Stripes & Sparkles
Poinciana Community Park will host the annual Stars, Stripes & Sparkles celebration on Monday, May 25, beginning at 10 a.m. Families can enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, and children’s activities before the fireworks display begins around 9 p.m. The event has become a popular Memorial Day weekend tradition for residents throughout Osceola County. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to arrive early for parking and seating.
Memorial Day Deals and Specials
SeaWorld Orlando Memorial Day Savings
SeaWorld Orlando is offering special Memorial Day weekend savings on admission tickets, annual passes, and Fun Cards for Florida residents and visitors. Guests can take advantage of discounted ticket pricing. Additional online-exclusive offers may also be available for a limited time.
Fun Spot America Memorial Day Specials
Fun Spot America Orlando, located at 5700 Fun Spot Way, is celebrating Memorial Day weekend with discounted passes and military appreciation offers from May 22 through May 25. Families can enjoy roller coasters, go-karts, arcade games, and classic amusement park attractions throughout the holiday weekend. The park is expected to offer extended hours and additional entertainment during peak evening times. Military families may also receive special savings with valid identification.
Westgate Resorts Memorial Day Packages
Westgate Resorts properties throughout the Orlando area are offering Memorial Day weekend vacation specials and staycation packages from Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25. Guests can take advantage of discounted nightly rates, resort packages, and family getaway deals at participating locations. Many resorts also feature pools, on-site dining, water parks, and entertainment activities throughout the holiday weekend. Memorial Day remains one of the busiest travel weekends in Central Florida each year.
Florida Aquarium Military Offer
The Florida Aquarium, located at 701 Channelside Drive in Tampa, is extending military appreciation offers throughout Memorial Day weekend. Active-duty military members and families can explore marine exhibits, interactive experiences, and conservation programs while taking advantage of special admission promotions. The aquarium’s holiday offers are part of ongoing efforts to recognize and support military families. Guests are encouraged to check admission details and reservation requirements before visiting.
Memorial Day is ultimately a time to remember and honor the service members who gave their lives for our country. Whether attending a remembrance ceremony, visiting a memorial, or enjoying time with loved ones over the holiday weekend, communities across Central Florida are coming together to reflect on the sacrifices that made those moments possible.
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