For many folks, Memorial Day weekend is devoted to the backyard, the barbecue grill or a comfy lawn chair. If you’re willing to venture out, however, plenty of events are happening in the Birmingham metro area. Here are five that caught our special attention, planned for Saturday through Monday, May 27-29.

SYMPHONY IN THE SUMMER

What to expect: Alabama Symphony Orchestra perform outdoor concerts in summer series.

When: May 27-28 at 7:30 p.m. Programs are “Music from Peer Gynt & More” on Saturday and “Family Fun Night” on Sunday, both conducted by Christopher Confessore.

Where: Railroad Park, 1600 First Ave. South, Birmingham.