10 things to do on Memorial Day weekend in Atlanta

From fireworks to cosplay, enjoy the long weekend with these metro-area events
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Things to do Memorial Day Atlanta

Photograph by Stephen Morton/Getty Images

If you didn’t drive out to the beach for the three-day weekend, Atlanta has plenty to do in and around town.

In memoriam
Salute the Troops
5/27–30
Stone Mountain Park’s fireworks show gets a special score in honor of veterans.
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Memorial Day Ceremony
5/30
Smyrna Veterans Memorial hosts this remembrance ceremony, featuring the Georgia Army National Guard Band and speeches by Major General Stayce Harris and state Senator Hunter Hill.
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Roswell Remembers
5/30
Remember the fallen with a 21-gun salute and speech from Major General Ronald Johnson at Roswell City Hall. A picnic follows with bluegrass by the Chuck Nation Band.
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Arts events
Atlanta Jazz Festival
5/27–29
The largest free jazz fest in the country features 31 acts, from cellist Tomeka Reid to trumpeter Etienne Charles, at Piedmont Park.
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Decatur Arts Festival
5/27–29
The celebration kicks off with a lantern parade on the Square, followed by a weekend of live music, from the likes of A.J. Ghent Band and American Hologram, and art, including glass, jewelry, and acrylics.
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Alpharetta Arts Streetfest
5/28–30
More than 90 folk art, fiber, and clay artists display their work at this downtown Alpharetta event. Kids can get creative, too, with pottery wheel and painting workshops. Bands like Undercurrent, Hot Flash, and Lee Gamble provide the soundtrack.
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Geek gatherings
Game-o-Rama

5/27–30
Card and board games get competitive at Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center. Nevermore, Spellcaster, Diamonds, Skull King, and Wizard players can duke it out for the Southeast Regional Championships. There are also demos for less-serious gamers.
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MomoCon
5/27–29
Anime fans, comic book nerds, and gamers unite at Georgia World Congress Center for cosplay, video game competitions, panels with voice actors, and Disney sing-a-longs.
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TimeGate
5/27–29
You don’t need a TARDIS to get to this Dr. Who con at Marriott Century Center. Cast members from the Whovian universe, like Paul McGann and Terry Molloy, are on hand for Q&As, but also expect dance parties and cosplay.
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Outdoor adventure
57th Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament
5/27–29
Watch jumps, slalom, and tricks at the Callaway Gardens event. Or grab a paddleboat to get on the water yourself.
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