Memorial Day Weekend Events Include Veteran Art, 'Big Event'

All weekend:

Free Admission to Florida Aquarium: Active duty or retired Military can get two free tickets to the aquarium all weekend. Up to four additional family members can buy a discounted $10 admission ticket. Must present military ID.

Veterans Artwork and Reception: The Gallery at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and Operation Helping Hand are presenting , an art show of works by current and past patients of James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. Star Spangled Art will be on display at the Gallery at Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, through June 4, and is free to view during normal business hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. An open reception is scheduled for Saturday, May 26 from 3 to 6 p.m. Call 813-269-1310 for more information.

GaYbor Days: This year’s GaYbor Days celebration has been moved to Memorial Day weekend. The festivities begin Thursday, May 24, and will continue until Monday, May 28.

Friday, May 25

Start your Memorial Day weekend off by showing your support for the military. The Lutz Patriots accept donations for soldier care packages during their weekly Friday evening flag wavings at the old Lutz school from 4:30 - 6 p.m. Check the website for a full list of needed items. And check out while you're at it.

Saturday, May 26

: Florida Estates Winery, 25241 State Road 52, will host a wine festival featuring samples, live entertainment and vendors. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The winery is pet friendly.

Toast Wine and Cafe, 14921 Bruce B Downs Blvd, hosts Toast to Art from 1 - 3 p.m. and 8 - 11 p.m. Fine wine, fine cigars, and fine art, featuring the images of Napa Valley by photographer Tana Brackins of the Beck Gallery.

: Good food from Hungry Harry's and your chance to sing the blues or showcase what ever your talent may be. There will be prizes and opportunities. 6 - 9 p.m. at 21212 Lake Vienna Drive. For more information or to RSVP, call (813) 786-8461.

Sunday, May 27

Myrtle Lake Baptist Church and Wesley Chapel Nissan will host The Big Event to celebrate veterans and first responders. The evening will include free food, a concert by Above Gray Skies and an outdoor screening of "Courageous," as well as a bounce house for the kids and free drawings for prizes. The community is welcome. The fun kicks off at 7 p.m. at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Reigler Road.

Monday, May 28

Free Military and Family Day At Lowry Park Zoo: Free admission for active duty or retired military and up to three direct dependents. Must show Department of Defense photo ID at gate. The zo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Walk With a Purpose: A one-mile walk will be held on Monday, May 28 at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Avenue, with participants carrying heavy objects to symbolize the "load" that American heroes carry. The walk will go from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., at shelter 315 at the park. Participants must register online by Sunday, May 27.

Looking for things to do on the Bay area beach scene this weekend? Check out Clearwater Patch, Pinellas Beaches Patch and Sarasota Patch.

Is there something missing from our calendar? Email keli.sipperley@patch.com, or if you have all the details, you can add it directly to our events page.