Tributes to the men and women who died in service to their country and other family-friendly activities abound Memorial Day weekend (May 25-28). Here are 10 ways to pay your respects and enjoy the holiday weekend with family and friends.

Make it count

Patriot Festival – Go the Extra Mile 5K ~ The Patriot Festival 5K honors local service members and their families in an annual 5K and extra mile. The event will include face painting for the kids, National Guard display, Planter’s Peanut Mobile and more.

• Monday, 7:30 a.m. | 2101 Rexford Road | More info

Charlotte’s Big Block Party ~ Fun for the whole family includes local bands, DJs, games, vendors, food and drink. Tickets are just $5 and support the American Kidney Fund.

• Saturday, noon – 6 p.m.  | VBGB Beer Hall, 920 Hamilton St.  | More info

Take the whole family

JoyFest ~ This Gospel music celebration features concerts from Fred Hammond, Tye Tribbett, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. Tickets start at $35 and include park admission — Carowinds opens at 10 a.m. Extra, Extra! On Sunday and Monday, admission at Carowinds is free for military members.

•  Saturday, 3-10 p.m. | 14523 Carowinds Blvd | More info

Spring Oyster Roast ~  Birdsong Brewing and Rocksalt Charlotte are providing delicious local beer and super fresh oysters. The event is free and family-friendly. Oysters will be $15/bucket, and raw oysters will be $15/dozen.

• Sunday, 1-4 p.m. | Birdsong Brewing, 1016 N. Davidson St. | More info

For grownups

Pre-Memorial Old School White Party ~ Mr. Wobble himself V.I.C will be performing live. Join the party at Club Vibrations with the Old School 105.3;  the party will be broadcast live on Old School 105.3fm; $6 mix drinks and $4 beer, plus a food truck will be onsite. Dress code enforced; all white not required. Ages 25 and up preferred.

• Sunday, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | 5237 Albemarle Road | More info

Go-Go Takeover 2018: Memorial Day Weekend Finale ~ Featuring D.C’s own ”Suttle,”  Charlotte’s premier go-go band “Uptown Swagga,” and music director “The Blend King” D.J. Shaun NYCE.

• Sunday,  8 p.m. | STATS Restaurant, 3425 David Cox Road |  More info

Go all weekend long

Baseball, fireworks and hot dogs ~ The Charlotte Knights and Indianapolis Indians face off over the Memorial Day weekend with games Friday through Monday. Enjoy Friday Night Fireworks after the game, and on Monday, celebrate with $1 hot dogs.

• Game times and tickets |  BB&T BallPark, 324 S. Mint St.

Circle K Speed Street Presented by Coca-Cola ~ Live music, drivers’ appearances, kids activities, and more. Headlining concerts in Romare Bearden Park cost $15 a night. Concerts on the Mello Yello Stage are free.

• Thursday through Saturday |  Uptown Charlotte | More info

Whitewater Center ~ Memorial Day festivities at the U.S. National Whitewater Center include 5-mile and 8-mile trail races, yoga, as well as live music. On Sunday, hang around for a fireworks display.

• Friday  through Monday | 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway | More info

Mint Hill Madness ~ This festival at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park celebrates the founding of the town and has something for everyone: delicious food, music ranging from country to rock, a carnival with action-packed rides, an arts/crafts fair, an all-American parade, and fireworks.

• Friday through Sunday | 8850 Fairview Road | More info

‘Cue the freshness

Memorial Day unofficially marks the beginning of summer for many, so break out the grills, waterslides and pool toys.

For your BBQ needs, head to Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, 1801 Yorkmount Road, on Saturday and Sunday. Fresh meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, bread, specialty culinary items, baked goodies and more will be available for purchase. More info