So you want to do something fun this Memorial Day weekend, but you don’t have the time to vacation too far away. We’ve found several events in and around the Charlotte area so you can make a fun “daycation.”

U.S. National Whitewater Center Memorial Day Celebration

For FREE music and fireworks look no further. The U.S. National Whitewater center has both, and it’s super close to home. The concert will feature Chasing Edison, The Black Lillies and Otis Taylor. A firework show over the water will follow. The festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, 2012.

For more information, visit the U.S. National Whitewater Center website here.

Charlotte Knights Games

What could be more American than a good ‘ole baseball game? Your Charlotte Knights will be playing at home all weekend, and there will be post-game fireworks on Saturday and Sunday night. Monday’s game will feature camouflage jerseys to honor Memorial Day as well as an All-You-Can-Eat special ticket option for those who want enjoy food and a game. The schedule is as follows.

Friday May 25 vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs at 7:15 p.m.

Saturday May 26 vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs at 7:15 p.m. (post-game fireworks)

Sunday May 27 vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs at 7:15 p.m. (post-game fireworks)

Monday May 28 vs. Rochester Red Wings at 2:15 p.m. (All-You-Can-Eat ticket option)

Visit the Charlotte Knights’ Website here for additional information.

JoyFest 2012

If you enjoy Gospel music and exciting rides, this might be the perfect outing for your Memorial Day weekend. Carowinds will be hosting JoyFest on Saturday, May 26 at 3 p.m. Spend some time out on the rides or in the water park in the morning, and then head to the concert to finish up a fun day. Artists include Fred Hammond, Mary Mary and several others.

For more information about tickets and featured artists, click here.

Coca-Cola 600

The 53^rd annual 600-mile race will take place on Sunday, May 27 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Coca-Cola 600 will kick off with a patriotic salute to the U.S. armed forces. Get ready race fans!

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Go the Extra Mile Patriot Festival 5K+ Run/Walk

Want to honor your veterans and armed forces through an athletic and charitable cause? Run in the Go the Extra Mile Patriot Festival 5K+ Run/Walk on Monday, May 28 at 7:30 a.m. The event will take place in Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall. After the race is over, Symphony Park will be alive with festivities for your whole family. The 5K costs $20 to enter, and the festival is open and free to the public.

For more information or to register, click here.

And for those of you interested in venturing a little further, we’ve got a few more suggestions…

Go Coastal Near Wilmington N.C.

There’s no better place to celebrate the long weekend than the Carolina coast. Soak up some sun and enjoy several awesome events celebrating the advent of the summer season at the beach. Wilmington will host “Live Music and Fireworks by the Sea” on Friday, May 25 at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. And, you can observe the holiday with a visit to the USS North Carolina!

Grove Park Inn Memorial Day Weekend

Head to western North Carolina to celebrate the beginning of summer with a special events line-up at the acclaimed Grove Park Inn. In addition to the gorgeous scenery around Asheville, NC, the Grove Park Inn will be providing live music and special demonstrations throughout the weekend. It’s a wonderful place to get away for Memorial Day weekend!

For more information about pricing and events, visit the Grove Park Inn website.