(KGTV) - Memorial Day weekend in San Diego will feature plenty of events celebrating and commemorating our country's service members and service as a kick-off to summer fun.
This weekend, veterans organizations and community will celebrate those who have served in a variety of events, with observances planned throughout the county.
Summertime fun will also begin, with festivals and carnivals hitting the county.
Here's a look at some of the events you can't miss this weeekend:
Balboa Park After Dark at Balboa Park - Friday
Balboa Park will come alive every Friday night through Sept. 1, with eight museums extending their hours and food trucks and entertainment throughout the park. The Japanese Friendship Garden, Mingei International Museum, San Diego Art Institute, Spanish Village, San Diego Museum of Man, San Diego Natural History Museum, The San Diego Museum of Art, and Fleet Science Center are all participating. More information.
Sing, Dance, Crawl at The Local Downtown - Friday
About 1,500 crawlers dressed in their best American garb will hit the streets of downtown San Diego for a crawl to House of Blues, Parq, and Fluxx Nightclub. This once a year party is pulling out all the stops at each location, where partiers will sing, dance, and crawl to the next venue. More information.
Valley Center Western Days at Valley Center Community Center - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Valley Center's week-long celebration of the community kicks off Friday with the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo and Festival and continues into Saturday, with a Western Days Parade. The celebration will also see a "Honorary Mayor's race" and Saturday morning pancake breakfast. Parade organizers have set up a livestream for the parade (seen below) for those who can't attend. More information.
14th Annual Lebanese Festival at St. Ephrem Maronite Catholic Church - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
The annual three-day celebration in El Cajon celebrates Lebanese heritage with food, dancing, a carnival, and much more at St. Ephrem Maronite Church. More than 8,000 visitors are expected throughout the weekend to take part in all the fun. More information.
Horizon Carnival at San Diego Port Pavilion - Saturday
Check out circus performers, a Ferris Wheel, rock climbing, and more at Port Pavilion this weekend at the Horizon Carnival. Be aware, the event is marketed as an adult carnival so you'll have to plan on leaving the kids at home. Talented local artists and DJs will belt out hits throughout the day at this massive party, featuring more than 50 vendors, food trucks, and games. More information.
Horizon - City Installment (San Diego) from DJhere.com on Vimeo.
Freedom Concert and Wreath Laying Ceremony at USS Midway Museum - Saturday
The annual Freedom Concert returns to the USS Midway this weekend, to benefit STEP (Support The Enlisted Project), United Through Reading, and the Navy SEAL Foundations. Multi-platinum band Lifehouse will perform on the deck of the Midway, giving concert goers a magnificent view of the bay. Saturday will start off with a wreath remembrance ceremony and flyover as well at 9 a.m. More information.
American Heritage Car Show at Grape Day Park - Saturday
Check out all the classic hot rod, vintage, and muscle cars heading down to Escondido's Grape Park this week, as the show celebrates its 20th year. The free event also features a pancake breakfast, live music, a beer and wine garden, a raffle, and games. More information.
Memorial Day observances at Veterans Museum and Memorial Center at Balboa Park - Saturday and Sunday
Celebrate our nation's service members throughout the weekend in Balboa Park, where the Veterans Museum will commemorate the holiday with a reading of local monument names, a candlelight vigil, and play reading from a veteran writers group. More information.
Vista Strawberry Festival at 127 Main Street, Vista - Sunday
Formerly considered the Strawberry Capital of the World, Vista's Strawberry Festival is a yearly celebration of the delicious berry. The festival features a variety of delicious strawberry creations, the Strawberry Run, Ms. Strawberry Pageant, pie eating contest, carnival games, and live entertainment across multiple stages. More information.
Boots 2 Roots 5K Trail Run & Hike at Rancho Bernardo Community Park - Sunday
Rancho Bernardo's Boots 2 Roots run and hike commemorates Memorial Day by bringing awareness to post-traumatic stress disorder, benefiting Warriors Live On and Wave Academy nonprofit foundations. More information.
