Memorial Day (5/29) doesn't make as big a bang around here like it does in colder climates, where it's the kickoff to summer. Maybe that's because we kick off summer at Easter.

But there are some parties and happenings worth putting on some sunscreen for and remembering those who have lost their lives serving in the armed forces.

Little Steven's Underground Garage Show at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino: Steven Van Zandt, first made famous as Bruce Springsteen's right-hand man on guitar and then boosted again as Tony Soprano's right-hand man on the HBO mob series, brings some of the stars of his radio show to a live poolside show at the Seminole casino in Tampa. See The Romantics, The Gants, Supersuckers, The Hate Bombs and the Holograms noon to 6 p.m. Monday (5/29). Admission is free, barbecue meal is $6, and $1 off all drinks for girls in bikinis. The first show time is 2 p.m. The casino is at 5223 North Orient Road, Tampa. Call (813) 627-7764.

Memorial Day fireworks and festival at Channelside: A family-oriented street festival starts at 7 p.m. Sunday (5/28) in the Tampa entertainment district, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. They will be visible from Channelside, Cotanchobee, the Florida Aquarium and the Marriott Waterside.

Luau at Crabby Bill's Beach Club: On the Tampa side of the Courtney Campbell Parkway, the Memorial Day weekend party on Sunday (5/28) runs 1 p.m. to midnight with live music, a Hawaiian cookout, frozen drinks and water scooters for rent. You can even bring your own beach chair. Admission is $20 and proceeds benefit The Children's Home.

Shephard's Beach Resort: The tiki bar party scene on Clearwater Beach, 619 S Gulfview Blvd., gets summer started with bands, DJs, a Miss Hawaiin Tropic pageant and a $100 "booty shake" contest on Saturday (5/27) and a $1,000 bikini contest Sunday. There's a $10 daily cover charge.

Jackson's Bistro: Schools of sharply dressed singles swim through Jackson's expansive outdoor deck, 601 S Harbour Island Blvd., attracted to the view overlooking the harbor and the Tampa skyline. The spot will forego the usual black attire at the Fantasy Friday party and urge partiers to don red, white or blue. Go-go dancers, fire eaters and other oddities await. There's no cover for happy hour, but when the nightclub kicks in at 10 p.m., it's $20.