Memorial Day Week Events and Ceremonies Planned Across Manatee County and Gulf Coast Communities
Communities throughout Manatee County and the surrounding Gulf Coast region will honor fallen military service members during Memorial Day week with ceremonies, exhibits, parades, clean-up projects, and family-friendly events scheduled from May 18 through May 25, 2026.
One of the featured Memorial Day observances in Bradenton will be the “Remembering Our Fallen” photographic war memorial exhibit at Donald L. Courtney Veterans Park, located at 176 Waterfront Drive. The exhibit honors U.S. military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice since Sept. 11, 2001, including more than 300 from Florida. The memorial will open to the public free of charge beginning at 12 p.m. Friday, May 22, and continue through 6 p.m. Monday, May 25. A Memorial Day ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 25 at 9 a.m.
Residents can also celebrate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary through the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum visiting the Lakewood Ranch Library from May 22 through May 24. The interactive mobile exhibit, known as the Freedom Truck, will be located in the library parking lot at 16410 Rangeland Parkway in Bradenton. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. on May 22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 23, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on May 24. The traveling museum features immersive historical displays designed to bring American history directly into communities nationwide.
On Anna Maria Island, the City of Anna Maria will host a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at The Center of Anna Maria Island, located at 407 Magnolia Ave. The event will provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to gather in remembrance of those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military.
Additional regional observances are also scheduled throughout the Memorial Day weekend. Sarasota National Cemetery will host a formal Memorial Day ceremony Saturday, May 23 at 7:30 a.m., featuring military honors, guest speakers, and a wreath-laying ceremony. Volunteers interested in participating in flag placement activities can register through Sarasota Wreaths.
Downtown Sarasota will continue its annual Memorial Day traditions with the Memorial Day Parade beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25. The parade will conclude with a commemorative ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park along Sarasota Bay.
SRQ VETS will host its 11th Annual Memorial Day 5K Hike on Saturday, May 23, beginning at J.D. Hamel War Memorial Park, located at 199 Bayfront Drive in Sarasota. Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by the hike at 9 a.m. Participants will cross the Ringling Bridge before returning to the park for a community cookout, music, and family activities. The annual event raises funds to support local veterans and strengthen connections between veterans and the civilian community.
In Palmetto, Manatee County is partnering with the City of Palmetto and the City of Bradenton for a Community Cleanup Day at Old Memphis Cemetery on Friday, May 23, beginning at 7 a.m. The historic cemetery, located at 25th Street West and Second Avenue West, contains the gravesites of numerous veterans and service members. Volunteers and community members are invited to assist with beautification and cleanup efforts ahead of Memorial Day observances.
Beyond the Memorial Day ceremonies, several community events are planned throughout the week across Manatee County. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton will launch “Laser Light Nights” beginning May 21, featuring laser shows and music experiences on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings through Sept. 5.
On Saturday, May 23, MCR Health and The Ringling will present the 4th Annual Art & Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Ringling Museum in Sarasota. The free event includes health screenings, wellness resources, educational programs, children’s activities, live entertainment, food trucks, and free admission to the museum.
The Salvation Army of Manatee County will also host its “Over the Edge” fundraiser on May 23 at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa. Participants will rappel down the side of the hotel to help raise money supporting children facing hunger and housing insecurity in Manatee County.
That evening, Palmetto’s Sutton Park will host an outdoor showing of “Grease” as part of a community movie night. A farmers market will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the movie at approximately 7:45 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the family-friendly event.
Throughout the Memorial Day holiday week, local governments, veterans organizations, nonprofits, and community groups across Manatee County will continue hosting events designed to honor military service members while bringing residents together for remembrance, education, and community connection.