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Things to do in Tampa Bay for week of May 28 to June 3

 
Published May 27, 2012

Memorial Day: Today we remember our war dead at local ceremonies, but we also kick off summer (yes, including hurricane season Friday). Military members get free admission to area attractions such as the Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo and the American Victory ship in Tampa. For a list of events, go to tampabay.com/things-to-do.

Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw: When the country music titans launch their summer tour at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, you can be darn tootin' sure it'll be the biggest concert crowd of the year. Show starts at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, but the party in the parking lots (which open at 10 a.m.) will begin earlier. $29.50-$255.50. (813) 350-6500.

Date Night

Vanishing Point: This musical fantasy brings together Agatha Christie, Aimee Semple McPherson and Amelia Earhart on a trip through time and space. Previews start Wednesday ($29) and the show opens Friday ($29-$47) at American Stage in St. Petersburg. (727) 823-7529.

Kathy Griffin: This will be the D-lister's seventh appearance at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, which just happens to be near her fave Home Shopping Network. Coincidence? $52.50-$103. (727) 791-7400.

The Marriage of Figaro: St. Petersburg Opera stages one of the most popular operas, with a ravishing Mozart score, on Friday, Sunday and June 5 at the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg. $21.50-$64.50. (727) 822-3590.

More music: The Ray's Summer Concert Series kicks off in the Trop on Saturday with LL Cool J, host of this year's Grammy Awards and star of NCIS: Los Angeles. Concert follows game against Baltimore Orioles, which starts at 4:10 p.m. Included in ticket. Toll-free 1-888-326-7297. Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Diamond (America; Sweet Caroline) stops at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa on Sunday. $32.25-$117.25. (813) 301-2500.

Kids and family

Cirque Over the Park: Think Chillounge meets Cirque du Soleil, with acrobatics, chic lounges, live music and — what else? — food trucks Saturday in Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa. $20 advance, $25 day of, 11 and younger free. (727) 686-9110.

Pinellas Pepper Fest: Get fired up for hot foods, including a jalapeno eating contest (Saturday) and a spicy lolly lick-a-thon (Sunday) at England Brothers Bandshell Park in Pinellas Park. Also live music and family activities. $2 admission, 12 and younger free. PinellasPepperFest.com.

More to explore

Plan your summer with our theme park guide at tampabay.com/things-to-do.