Celebrate Memorial Day in the City

Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs are bustling with activities for this coming weekend.
Memorial Day in Roswell. Photo by Phil Skinner, AJC

Memorial Day in Roswell. Photo by Phil Skinner, AJC

Memorial Day, a federal holiday honoring those who died while serving in the Armed Forces, is May 27. For most Americans, it is a three-day weekend marking the unofficial start of summer. In and around the Atlanta metro area, there are a wide variety of activities for you to enjoy.

Here are just a few of them:

Memorial Day Recognition

May 23

Piedmont Room, Student Center

Join the Veterans Resource Center from 1 to 3 p.m. for information about Tech’s Military History and an opportunity to honor and remember those who lost their lives in service to the United States.

Veterans Resource Center

MomoCon

May 23 – 26

Georgia World Congress Center: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Started by Georgia Tech's anime club back in 2005, MomoCon is now one of the largest conventions in North America for fans of Japanese anime, American animation, comics, video games, and tabletop games. Whether you want to cosplay or simply walk through the Artist Alley, MomoCon will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself into the world of fandom.

Convention Website

Yaarab Shrine Circus and Fair

Now through May 27

Jim R. Miller Park: 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta, GA 30008

The biggest Shrine Circus in North America has come to metro Atlanta. It brings with it a variety of acts under the big top, as well as a carnival midway with plenty of rides and attractions. Admission for adults is $7, though ride tickets must be purchased separately. In honor of Memorial Day, veterans get in for free on Monday, May 27.

More Information

Decatur Arts Festival

May 24 – 26

Downtown Decatur: 101 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030

Each year, the Decatur Arts Festival covers the city’s downtown area, showcasing artists from comedians to visual artists to musicians. The festival begins with a citywide artist showcase on Friday night called the Artwalk and then packs in events through Sunday, providing entertainment for all ages.

Festival Website

Gwinnett Stripers vs. Norfolk Tides

May 24 – 27

Coolray Field: 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30043

The Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A minor league team, the Gwinnett Stripers, is at home throughout Memorial Day weekend. To celebrate their homestand, the Stripers are offering lots of promotions, including Salute to Armed Forces Night on Friday and a Ronald Acuña Jr. bobblehead giveaway on Saturday.

Schedule and Tickets

Memorial Day Weekend at Stone Mountain Park

May 24 – 27

Stone Mountain Park

In addition to the regular lineup, Stone Mountain has planned several special attractions for Memorial Day weekend. There will be an exhibit in the park’s museum entitled “Remembering Our Fallen,” performances by the Xtreme Chinese Acrobats, and the addition of North America’s largest fire wheel to the classic Lasershow Spectacular, which will be tailored specifically for Memorial Day. While the Lasershow is free to attend, parking and attraction passes must be purchased separately.

More Information

Atlanta Jazz Festival

May 25 – 26

Piedmont Park

The Atlanta Jazz Festival’s 31 Days of Jazz culminates every year with a weekend of free shows in Piedmont Park. Throughout the entire month of May, jazz artists can be found throughout the city — at MARTA stations, parks, and restaurants. During Memorial Day weekend, the festival reaches its peak, filling the park and featuring an impressive lineup of jazz musicians and singers.

Festival Website

Roswell Remembers

May 27

Downtown Roswell

The City of Roswell hosts what it calls the largest Memorial Day ceremony in Georgia. The event attracts around 6,000 people annually from around Georgia and the southeast. The formal program begins at 10 a.m. and runs through the afternoon.

Event Website

 

Additional Images