Make it a memorable Memorial Day

Good friends. Grilling out. And roller derby?

Sure, it's not necessarily the first thing you'd think of when it comes to celebrating Memorial Day, but the Lowcountry Highrollers' third home bout of the season is just one of the many events happening this long weekend in and around the Lowcountry.

Like to water ski -- or, heck, just watch someone else do it? There's an event for you. Arrr you into pirates? There's an event for you. Like to get out on the water and enjoy some music? There's an event for you.

The Lowcountry is bustling with all sorts of activities this holiday weekend, and we've got you covered by finding some of the more diverse and interesting ones out there.

Blues and BBQ cruise

Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside St.

6:30-9 p.m. today

$39.50

Hop aboard the Carolina Belle, a double-decker fun ship for a night of blues music and barbecue. Enjoy live music by the Shrimp City Slim Band and a buffet from Home Team BBQ as you meander around Charleston Harbor. The cruise boards at 6:30 p.m. and leaves at 7 p.m. and should be back by 9 p.m. To purchase tickets or for more info, visit www.charlestonharbortours.com or call 722-1112.

Spoleto/Piccolo Spoleto

Throughout the city

Begins Friday

Prices vary

Get ready because for the next 17 days, culture will fill Charleston's streets, theaters and churches during Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto, the city's world-renowned arts festivals. Catch an opera, take in some musical theater, listen to chamber music or just jam to a little reggae. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.spoletousa.org or www.piccolospoleto.com.

WakeFest

Trophy Lakes, 3050 Marlin Road, Johns Island

11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday

Free

This monthly festival is open to men, women and children of all ages. Let's be clear: It's not a competition; it's a festival and anyone can ride. Don't have a board? Trophy Lakes will set you up with one. Need a vest? They've got you covered there, too.

Those wanting to ride simply may show up the day of the event by 10 a.m. There will be a brief rider's meeting at 10:45 a.m. to discuss the order of events, and then riding will begin at 11 a.m. and go on until 6 p.m.

If watching is more your thing, even better. It's a great spot to plop down, enjoy some live music, a picnic lunch and a few drinks as coolers are welcome. Pets also are allowed as long as they are on a leash at all times. Random prizes will be given out throughout the day for such things as best crash, best trick, best attitude and most improved. For more info, visit www.trophylakes.com.

Assault at the Battery

McAlister Field House, Citadel campus, 171 Moultrie St.

4 p.m., Sunday

$10

If you've never seen roller derby in person, boy, er, girl, are you missing out. Lucky for you, on Sunday the Lowcountry Highrollers will host their third home bout of the season. Starting things off are the LCHR B-team, the Bruisin' Betties, as they square off against the Sweet Union Rollergirls of Monroe, N.C. After that is the main event, which pits the LCHR All Star team against the Greenville Derby Dames. To purchase tickets or for more info, visit www.lowcountryhighrollers.com.

Patriots celebration

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant

9 a.m., Monday

Free

No Memorial Day weekend is complete without taking the time to celebrate the actual purpose of the holiday -- by remembering those who gave their lives to defend our freedom. Retired Marine Col. Myron Harrington will speak on sacrifice as visitors honor the fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Parking and admission are free until 9:30 a.m. Visit www.patriotspoint.org.

Charleston pirate tour

Powder Magazine, 79 Cumberland St.

Dates and times vary

$18

You're never too old to get in touch with your inner kid and learn all about pirates. Join Eric Lavender, who will be decked out in a period costume, and his sidekick, Captain Bob, the blue-and-gold macaw, as they tell tales of historic Charleston. They lead you to the hangouts, haunts and final resting places of pirates who made the city one of their ports of call during the golden age of piracy. Tickets can be ordered by calling 442-7299 or visiting www.charlestonpiratetour.com.