Celebrate Memorial Day in Redondo

Memorial Day is not only a day for remembering fallen heroes; it's also the long weekend that kicks off the summer season. Here's our list of what to do and where to go in Redondo Beach this Memorial Day weekend.

Saturday features the sixth annual Reverend Friend's Empty Chair Memorial Ceremony at 124 Sapphire Street at 11 a.m. Reverend Maitreya Bhagavan Friend completed construction of the empty chair monument, which is dedicated to military personnel who have died serving their country, on his property on May 25, 2005. The City of Redondo Beach will host its featuring music and speeches on Monday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at .

For those looking for an old-fashioned barbecue, is hosting its on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. A $5 meal ticket will give attendees access to burgers, side dishes and drinks.

The will hold its own barbecue at its headquarters next to Veterans Park after the city's annual Memorial Day ceremony. Dinner tickets are free for veterans and military personnel and $5 each for other attendees.

Those who plan to grill their own food at home or at the park should check out .

Speaking of parks, family favorite Seaside Lagoon also opens its gates for the summer on Saturday. The saltwater lagoon is open from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. daily, and it offers a sandy beach for sunbathing, play equipment, volleyball courts and a snack bar.

Redondo Beach shopaholics should head out to the South Bay Galleria. Not only do many stores offer Memorial Day sales, will offer two Memorial Day specials over the long weekend: the store is offering a free laptop case with the purchase of a watch or sunglasses, and anyone showing military identification can get a free watch battery replacement, according to Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce spokeswoman Karin Kartounian.

Furniture store Living Spaces in the Galleria will open at 8 a.m. Saturday with Memorial Day Doorbuster deals, Kartounian said.

Though many people are , those who plan to drive should take a look at the Automobile Club of Southern California's . Don't forget to before you leave!

Patch also has suggestions for those who would rather venture out into neighboring cities than take a road trip. This week's lists a street fair, concerts and an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.