It's Memorial Day weekend, and there are plenty of options to keep you busy. We've chosen a few of our favorite events to help you plan.
Friday, May 23
- Hail Dale and Kristopher James — takes place at 9 p.m. at Growler's Pub. Catch singer-songwriter Kristopher James and dirty Southern-rockers Hail Dale, who will play a set of mostly new material. Free.
- Teach Me Equals Tour Re-Embarkation — takes place at 9:30 p.m. at Helm's Deep (email harrisonfordfocusgroupe@gmail.com for directions) Help send off Teach me Equals proper at their final Sarasota show of the year as they prepare to hit the road again. Other acts include moonshutters, Emily Owen, Marianne Nowottny and Tons of Nipples (Sons of Hippies experimental set). BYOB. $10 suggested donation.
Saturday, May 24
- Darwin Brewing Company Grand Opening — takes place from 2 to 10 p.m. at Darwin Brewing Company, 803 17th Ave W., Bradenton. Celebrate the grand opening of Darwin Brewing Company with live music, beer and food — including a whole roasted pig. Free.
- Bradenton Beer Festival — takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. at McKechnie Field, 1611 Ninth Street W., Bradenton. $40 at the door. Choose from a selection of local and select craft beers, as well as food trucks and live music. All proceeds benefit the No Kill Medical Fund and Animal Network.
- Emperor X, Austin Miller, Brother So and So and The Other Ryan Willis — takes place at 9 p.m. at Growler's Pub. Celebrate the return of Emperor X and enjoy a selection of other local favorites. Free.
Sunday, May 25
- 'Gansett Girl Calendar Photo Shoot and Party — takes place from 3 to 10 p.m. at Shamrock Pub. Want to be a 'Gansett girl? Show up dressed in your best pin-up clothes and strike a pose for a chance to be the featured "Girl of the Week" on NaragansettBeer.com and being flown to New England for the official calendar shoot. $10 gets you bottomless Narragansett beer and pulled pork sliders from Lovin' Spoonful.
- Pickin' Picnic — takes place from 2 to 10 p.m. at the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion. Food trucks, craft beer and live music, including Thomas Wynn and the Believers, Applebutter Express, Wild Root, Faceless Bandits and The Dram. Free.
Monday, May 26
- Memorial Day Party — takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center. Food and drink, live music, including Quinn, formerly of R&B group, Blackstreet. No diggity. $20.
