Holiday weekend full of activities

This weekend offers an array of activities as people in the region celebrate Memorial Day – and the unofficial beginning of summer.

While summer really doesn’t start until later in June, over the next three days people in this region can take advantage of outdoor activities, including festivals, opening of a new beach on Lake Norman, concerts, sporting events and ceremonies to honor our military heroes.

Here are some highlights from around the region of events and activities.

Charlotte

Circle K and Kangaroo Speed Street: May 28, noon-11 p.m. in Uptown Charlotte.

Speed Street offers live music, NASCAR driver appearances, activities for kids and free food samples. The Band Perry and Kellie Pickler will close the three-day event in a concert Saturday night. Tickets are $15, but the rest of the festival is free.

Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway: May 29.

Enjoy a pre-race Memorial Day show honoring those who served in the military, followed by a Lee Brice concert. The race will start at 6 p.m.

Funky Free Range Field Day: May 30, 2-7 p.m. at Free Range Brewing, 2320 N. Davidson St.

It’s free, family-friendly and there will be live music and food trucks. Beers can be purchased from a cash-only bar in the front, and credit cards will be accepted in the taproom.

Memorial Day Celebration at the U.S. National Whitewater Center: May 29, 9 a.m. – after dark.

The day begins with the Memorial Day trail race, but participation requires an additional charge. Starting at 4 p.m., there will be free, live music, followed by a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Details: http://usnwc.org/relax/festivals/memorial-day-celebration/

South Charlotte

Mint Hill Madness: May 28-29. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday; noon-6 p.m., Sunday.

The 32nd annual event celebrates the founding of the town of Mint Hill. Festival-goers can enjoy food, music, carnival rides, arts and crafts, a parade and fireworks. Admission is free. Tickets for rides and games are $1 each, but can be purchased in bundle deals.

Carowinds Military Days: May 29-30.

The park will offer free admission to active, inactive or retired U.S. military men and women with a valid military I.D.

Patriot Festival 5K: May 30, 7:30 a.m., SouthPark.

The Patriot Military Family Foundation will host a 5K walk and run on Memorial Day. The event will start at 4401 Barclay Downs Dr. Participants can “Go the extra mile” and run an additional mile to honor those in the military. Details: http://patriotmilitaryfamilyfoundation.org/patriot-festival

Lake Norman

Public Beach Opening in Cornelius: May 28.

A public swimming beach will open at Ramsey Creek Park on Lake Norman. Beach access is free, but parking costs $3 per car for Mecklenburg County residents and $5 for non-county residents. Prices for seniors are $2 for county residents and $3 for non-county residents.

In Huntersville: There will be a Memorial Day celebration at 7 p.m. May 30 at Birkdale Village.

The Region

In Monroe: Spring Fest 2016 will include live music, food and craft vendors, wine sampling and tours. There is a $5 cover charge. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. May 28 at Treehouse Vineyards, 301 Bay St., Monroe.

In Fort Mill: There will be a Memorial Day program at Veterans Park at 10 a.m. May 30.

In Lake Park: Village leaders will sponsor a Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Pond, 11 a.m.- noon, May 30.

This story was originally published May 27, 2016 at 4:24 PM with the headline "Holiday weekend full of activities."