With summer just around the corner many people are starting to plan their social calendar. There will be vacations and impromptu backyard barbecues, but there will also be annual parties and holiday gatherings that families and friends look forward to each year. Below are a few ideas for ways to celebrate the summer holidays.

Memorial Day — Considered to be the unofficial start of summer, this holiday is usually celebrated with barbecues, trips to lakes and rivers, and all sorts of outdoor recreation. However, it is also a time to remember the sacrifices of veterans and families would do well to plan to attend their local parade or honoring the veterans in their family by visiting their graves.

Flag Day — This is a mostly overlooked holiday that can be celebrated simply enough by remembering to fly an American Flag on June 14th. Those who want to be a bit more patriotic can host a small dinner party or picnic complete with red, white, and blue decorations and food. Think of is a precursor to July 4th.

Summer Solstice — This is the official first day of summer and is the longest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere). It can be marked with outdoor parties that take advantage of the summer weather and celebrate the extended daylight.

Independence Day — Everyone has their favorite way to celebrate the 4th of July. They may have a simple picnic or barbecue or spend the day at a city or county celebration. There are bound to be parades and fireworks as well as other events. More inspired individuals may even arrange for a costume rental to dress up like George Washington, Uncle Sam, or Betsy Ross.

Labor Day — The unofficial end of summer is the perfect time for an outdoor event. In some places there are fairs or festivals that take advantage of the long weekend while many people take advantage of this final chance of the season to go camping, fishing, or for holding large family picnics.