Memorial Day weekend in Florida runs Saturday May 23 through Monday May 25, 2026, and the Sunshine State is packed: the Hyundai Air & Sea Show over Miami Beach, the Florida Folk Festival in White Springs, free admission at every Florida State Park, citywide parades, and a calendar full of concerts, shows, and bookable beach tours.
Our full upcoming events calendar is the fastest place to find what is happening near you. Below is our curated weekend planner organized by region and interest.
When Is Memorial Day Weekend 2026?
Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25, 2026, and the long weekend runs Friday May 22 through Monday May 25 for most travelers. Schools, courts, post offices, libraries, and city halls will be closed on Monday, but most grocery stores (Publix, Aldi, Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s) and pharmacies stay open. Costco is the notable closure.
If you are driving, plan for traffic. AAA projects nearly 2.7 million Floridians will travel over the weekend, with more than 2.3 million by car and 236,000 by air. Florida gas prices were averaging $4.52 per gallon in mid-May, slightly above the national average of $4.40.
What’s the Single Biggest Event in Florida on Memorial Day Weekend 2026?
The Hyundai Air & Sea Show over Miami Beach is the headline event of the weekend. It runs Saturday May 23 and Sunday May 24 along the sand near Ocean Drive, with all six branches of the U.S. military putting on aerial demonstrations, choreographed flyovers, and cigarette powerboat racing offshore. Admission to the beach viewing area is free, and the show is the largest Memorial Day tribute event of its kind in the country.
This is the kind of weekend where you build a full Miami trip around the show. We put together our explore Miami attractions guide to help you plan the rest: where to eat, where to stay, and what to do between the flyovers.
Where Can You See a Memorial Day Parade or Ceremony in Florida?
Most of Florida’s confirmed 2026 Memorial Day parades and ceremonies happen on Monday May 25, though a handful (like Deerfield Beach) move to Saturday to draw bigger crowds. Below is a quick-reference table of the major South Florida observances. All are free and open to the public.
| City | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington | Mon, May 25 | 8:15 AM parade / 8:30 AM ceremony | Village Hall to Veterans Memorial |
| Lauderhill | Mon, May 25 | 8:30 AM | Veterans Park, 7600 NW 50th St |
| Coconut Creek | Mon, May 25 | 9:00 AM | Veterans Park, 3550 Lyons Rd |
| Coral Springs | Mon, May 25 | 9:00 AM | Veterans Park, 8601 Royal Palm Blvd |
| Fort Lauderdale | Mon, May 25 | 9:00 AM | Lauderdale Memorial Park Cemetery, 2001 SW 4th Ave |
| Deerfield Beach | Sat, May 23 | 10:00 AM | Historic Butler House, 380 E Hillsboro Blvd |
| Davie | Mon, May 25 | 10:30 AM parade / 11:00 AM ceremony | Orange Drive to Bergeron Rodeo Grounds |
| Pompano Beach | Mon, May 25 | See city site | City of Pompano Beach |
If you are looking outside South Florida, most cities and towns host their own observances. We recommend checking your city’s official website the week of the event for road closures and start times, since organizers occasionally adjust schedules.
What Free Things Are Happening in Florida on Memorial Day Weekend?
A lot. The Florida State Parks system is offering free day-use admission at every park in the system from Saturday May 23 through Monday May 25, 2026 as part of the state’s America 250 celebration. That covers entry to favorites like Hillsborough River, Honeymoon Island, John Pennekamp, Wekiwa Springs, and Anastasia. Camping, rentals, and tours still cost what they normally cost, but the gate is free.
A few more free standouts:
- Florida Folk Festival at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs (May 23 to 25) brings more than 300 performances of Florida music, dance, storytelling, food, and crafts to the banks of the Suwannee River. A small day-use pass may apply.
- Memorial 4 Day Weekend at Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee runs May 22 through 25 with free nightly entertainment, live music, and dining specials in the open-air promenade.
- Memorial Day Salute at Cypress Grove Park in Orlando on Saturday May 23 features a free ceremony with live music, military tributes, and educational presentations honoring fallen service members.
- Green Cove Springs Riverfest combines a free military vehicle display, an aerial flyover, and fireworks over the St. Johns River.
For active-duty military and their families, the Blue Star Museums program runs from Armed Forces Day (May 16) through Labor Day (September 7), offering free admission to participating museums across Florida.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Orlando Memorial Day Weekend 2026?
Orlando has the deepest weekend lineup of any Florida city in 2026. Here is our pick of the can’t-miss happenings:
- Jim Breuer brings his stand-up tour to The Plaza Live on Saturday May 23 at 8:00 PM. One of the few headline comedy shows in town this weekend.
- Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival at Loch Haven Park runs through May 25 with hundreds of shows across comedy, drama, music, and burlesque. The closing weekend always sees the biggest crowd.
- Memorial 4 Day Weekend at Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee delivers free outdoor entertainment, restaurants, and live music every night from May 22 through May 25.
- Memorial Day Salute at Cypress Grove Park on Saturday May 23 honors veterans and fallen service members with a free outdoor ceremony.
For more curated picks, browse our comedy shows in Florida and live music in Florida categories, or head straight to our more things to do in Orlando hub for a full city breakdown.
What’s Happening in Miami and South Florida?
Beyond the Hyundai Air & Sea Show, South Florida packs in several Memorial Day weekend traditions:
- Downtown Delray Beach Memorial Day Weekend Craft Festival runs Saturday May 23 and Sunday May 24 along Atlantic Avenue and around the Delray Beach Tennis Center, with over 100 artisans, free admission, and full restaurant access in the downtown district.
- South Beach Film Festival features international cinema, short films, and documentaries, with this year’s lineup including 30th anniversary screenings of Bad Boys and Miami Vice 40th anniversary events.
- Beach choices. For first-time visitors, South Beach delivers the most energy and people-watching; Key Biscayne (Crandon Park and Bill Baggs) is calmer and family-friendlier; and South Pointe Park Beach gives you skyline views with a more relaxed pace.
For visitors who want a guided experience, our Little Havana walking tour and the Official Art Deco Walking Tour by the Miami Design Preservation League both run daily through the weekend and offer a different side of the city.
What’s Happening in Tampa Bay on Memorial Day Weekend?
Tampa Bay’s Memorial Day weekend is built around two big anchors: Busch Gardens and the start of summer concert season.
- Busch Gardens Summer Nights kicks off Memorial Day weekend with extended hours and the launch of the Rhythm of Nature Ice Show, the Boom Box Dance Party in Stanleyville, and Beach Bash in Gwazi Plaza. The park’s animal habitats and thrill rides remain open as usual.
- Live music is everywhere. Browse our sporting events in Florida and live music in Florida categories for the latest concert lineups across Tampa, St. Pete, and Clearwater this weekend.
- St. Pete sunsets. The 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Tour in St. Petersburg is a low-effort way to mark a holiday weekend. So is Sharkey’s Glass Bottom LED Night Tour on St. Pete Beach.
You can find more in our Tampa Bay travel guide and St. Petersburg getaways destination hubs.
Memorial Day Weekend on Florida’s Beaches and Panhandle
Florida’s coastline is at its peak for the holiday, with warm Gulf waters, predictable forecasts, and bigger-than-usual events at most beach communities.
- Destin and the Emerald Coast. Baytown Wharf in Sandestin programs fireworks performances over the lagoon throughout the weekend along with live music and free kids’ activities.
- Daytona Beach. Daytona Lagoon offers free waterpark admission for active-duty and retired military with valid ID from May 23 through May 25, with discounted family member admission. The boardwalk and pier host free live music most evenings. For a deeper look, check our things to do in Daytona Beach guide.
- Naples. Naples Botanical Garden runs Family Wonder Days on May 23 and May 24, with hands-on activities for kids included with regular admission.
- Cocoa Beach. Our Mangrove tunnel kayak tour is one of the calmest, most family-friendly ways to spend a holiday morning on the Space Coast.
- St. Augustine. America’s oldest city does Memorial Day weekend with quiet ceremonies, beach access, and easy walks to attractions like the Old Jail Museum Tour. Browse our best things to do in St. Augustine guide for the full picture.
Do Florida Theme Parks Offer Memorial Day Weekend Military Discounts?
Yes. Every major Florida theme park runs a Military Appreciation program that lands directly on Memorial Day weekend.
- Universal Orlando Resort: Active-duty military and veterans receive free admission and discounted multi-day tickets through the Military Freedom Pass program.
- Busch Gardens Tampa: Free one-day admission for U.S. military veterans and up to three guests through the Waves of Honor program. Visits are valid through the end of June.
- SeaWorld Orlando: The same Waves of Honor benefit applies: free one-day admission for U.S. military veterans plus up to three guests.
- Daytona Lagoon: Free waterpark admission for active-duty and retired military with valid ID, May 23 to May 25, plus discounted family pricing.
If you are traveling with a service member or veteran, this is one of the highest-value weekends of the year to visit a Florida theme park.
Best Attractions to Book This Memorial Day Weekend
Tours and excursions are the easiest way to lock in a great Memorial Day weekend, especially if you are traveling without a fixed plan. Here are the picks we would book first:
| Attraction | Location | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mangrove Tunnels, Dolphins and Manatee Tour | Cocoa Beach | $59 |
| Parasail Flight at Madeira Beach | St. Petersburg area | $99 |
| Sharkey’s Glass Bottom LED Night Tour | St. Pete Beach | $62 |
| Outta Control Magic Dinner Show | Orlando | $39 |
| Little Havana Food and Culture Walking Tour | Miami | $65 |
| Key West Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour | Key West | $40 |
| Old Jail Museum Tour | St. Augustine | $18 |
For the full inventory, head to our Florida tours and attractions page. Most listings include free cancellation, so you can book early without committing.
Plan Ahead: Crowds, Traffic, and Travel Tips
A few practical notes from our team on making the weekend run smoothly:
- Drive Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning. I-95, I-75, and the Florida Turnpike all see heaviest traffic Friday between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Saturday morning before 9:00 AM is the second-best window.
- Beaches fill up by 10:00 AM. If you want a parking spot at a top beach park (South Beach, Clearwater, St. Pete, Crandon Park, Honeymoon Island, Pensacola Beach), arrive before 9:30 AM or skip the lot and use rideshare.
- Theme parks publish modified hours. Disney and Universal both extend hours for Memorial Day weekend. Check the official park calendars the day before you visit, since virtual queues and showtimes shift in real time.
- South Florida transit runs Sunday service on Monday. Miami-Dade Metrobus, MetroConnect, and Broward Transit all operate on Sunday service for Memorial Day. Metrorail and Metromover run normal weekend service.
- Hurricane season starts in two weeks. May weather is dependable, but watch the forecast Friday morning for occasional afternoon thunderstorms inland. Coastal forecasts hold up better.
The Bottom Line
If you are planning your Memorial Day weekend in Florida and only have time for the headlines:
- The Hyundai Air & Sea Show in Miami Beach is the largest free event of the weekend.
- Florida State Parks are free all three days. Honeymoon Island, Wekiwa Springs, John Pennekamp, and Anastasia top our list.
- Memorial Day parades and ceremonies happen Monday morning across nearly every Florida city. South Florida has the deepest concentration.
- Theme park military discounts at Universal Orlando, Busch Gardens, and SeaWorld land directly on the weekend.
- Book attractions early. Tours sell out by Friday afternoon. Our attractions page is the fastest way to find available bookings with free cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Memorial Day weekend 2026?
Memorial Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 25, 2026. The long weekend runs from Saturday May 23 through Monday May 25 for most travelers, though many start Friday May 22.
Is Memorial Day weekend a busy travel time in Florida?
Yes. AAA projects nearly 2.7 million Floridians will travel over the weekend, with 2.3 million driving and 236,000 flying. Beaches, attractions, and theme parks see peak crowds, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.
Are Florida State Parks free on Memorial Day weekend 2026?
Yes. The Florida State Parks system is offering free day-use admission at every park from Saturday May 23 through Monday May 25 as part of the state’s America 250 celebration. Camping, rentals, and tours still cost their normal rate
Do Florida theme parks offer military discounts on Memorial Day weekend?
Yes. Universal Orlando offers free admission to active-duty military through its Military Freedom Pass program, and Busch Gardens and SeaWorld both offer free one-day admission for U.S. military veterans plus up to three guests through Waves of Honor.
What are the best free Memorial Day events in Florida 2026?
The Hyundai Air & Sea Show over Miami Beach (May 23 to 24), Memorial Day parades and ceremonies in nearly every Florida city (May 25), the Memorial 4 Day Weekend celebration in Kissimmee, and free admission to every Florida State Park top the list of free options.
Plan Your Memorial Day Weekend with Florida Marvels
Whether you are chasing the Air and Sea Show in Miami, finding a free parade close to home, or booking a Cocoa Beach kayak tour for the family, Florida Marvels is your one-stop guide. Browse our full upcoming events calendar, check our complete list of Florida tours and attractions, or pick a destination hub and start planning: Tampa Bay, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, or St. Petersburg.
