Memorial Day Weekend: Yes, yes, Memorial Day isn't until next week. But the long weekend gets started early with parties, tributes and salutes to the red, white and blue like Oldsmar Freedom Fest, Friday to Sunday with live music, food and craft vendors, children's activities and a ceremony at State and Fairfield streets. $2, 12 and younger free. Shephard's in Clearwater Beach brings the party all weekend with Memorial Day Live, but the main event is Saturday with Flo Rida and Lunch Money Lewis. $35 weekend pass. Find more events at tampabay.com/holiday.

Date NIGHT

Tampa Bay Margarita Festival: Nothing says "it's almost summer" like cold margaritas, a concert headlined by our favorite All-Stars Smash Mouth and a fireworks finale Saturday in Tampa's Curtis Hixon Park. $17, $75 VIP. tampamargaritafest.com.

Pint of Science: If you're going to drink, at least be smart about it. Scientists take to Tampa Tap Room, Southern Brewing & Winemaking and the Amsterdam today to Wednesday to talk about cutting-edge science. Free, but you need tickets from pintofscience.us.

Music: Powerhouse rock duo Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo celebrate their 35th anniversary tour Tuesday at the Mahaffey Theater ($45-$85). Former Hootie and the Blowfish singer gone country Darius Rucker performs Friday at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre ($25-$44.75). Panic! At the Disco headlines the 97Xonline Barbecue on Saturday in Vinoy Park ($20 at the gate). And Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Rush rock Amalie Arena Sunday ($46-$151).

KIDS and family

Rays Summer Concert Series: Sunday Rays games are always Family Fun Day with special activities for kids, but this Sunday also features a postgame concert teen pop star Cody Simpson included with the game ticket.

Splash Bash: Kids can celebrate the end of the school year with a slide board, bounce houses with water and water slides and more Saturday at Christ Presbyterian Church, 3115 Dryer Ave. SW, Largo. Free.

Florida Orchestra: Reaching Out to Families: This session called Whimsical Winds is geared toward children with autism. Lighting and amplified sounds will be midlevel and house lights will remain on Saturday at South Tampa's Friday Morning Musicale. $5.

UPDATE

R&B artist K. Michelle has canceled Friday's show at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The venue says tickets will be refunded.