With Memorial Day Weekend just a few short days away, many throughout the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area will begin getting ready for a fun weekend in the sun and celebrating for those who have served for our country.  No plans yet?  No worries.  There's a variety of events ranging from the fun to free, family-friendly, and more going down in the area this weekend.  Read on and discover some of the best Memorial Day events in St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

97x Backyard BBQ 2013 - 97x returns to Vinoy Park with their free, annual spring concert, the Backyard BBQ on Saturday, May 25.  Kicking off at noon, the 97x Backyard BBQ will feature headline performances from modern prog rock group Coheed & Cambria as well as rap pop duo Twenty One Pilots with support from New Politics, The Features, The Virginmarys, The Unlikely Candidates, and a handful of local acts.  Tickets are free, but you must pick them up at any participating locations listed here.

2013 Memorial Day Family FunFest - On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, the Armed Forces History Museum in Largo will host a Memorial Day Family FunFest.  Adults and kids are welcome to come out for a full day of fun featuring rock wall climbing, a bounce house, power bungee jumping, face painting, military dress up, photo opportunities, arts and crafts and more.

Memorial Day 2013 St. Pete Beach Crawl - This annual Memorial Day bar crawl on St. Pete Beach is not for the beginning drinker, the organizers warn.  Join dozens of St. Pete Beach residents and visitors on Sunday, May 26 as they meet up at Postcard Inn and travel to more than 10 different St. Pete Beach bars for a pub crawl experience to remember, or not.

Memorial Day Weekend 2013 at Shephard's Beach Resort - Shephard's Beach Resort on Clearwater Beach is going all out this Memorial Day Weekend with four days of parties, live music, drink specials, dancing and more from May 24-27 in their Backyard Tiki Bar and Wave Nightclub.  Head out for live performances from Jason Derulo, DJ Skribble, and many more.

2013 Memorial Day at SpinNations Skating Center - In honor of all those that have served our wonderful country, SpinNation Skating Center in New Port Richey invites everyone - from small kids to big adults - to an Appreciation Day Skate taking place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, May 27.  Skate rentals aren't included with free admission.

The great Memorial Day events aren't just limited to this side of the bay either.  Check out our guide to 2013 Memorial Day Weekend Events in Tampa for all the great parties, concerts, and more going on over there.