Even if you’re stuck in town for the three-day weekend, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Memorial Day.
Honoring Veterans
Military Timeline
5/23
Meet reenactors from the Revolutionary War to current conflicts at this interactive Atlanta History Center event. Also hear talks with veterans from WWII to Vietnam.
Details
Salute the Troops
5/23–25
On top of a special salute to troops, Stone Mountain’s event includes an extended fireworks finale, lasershow, and three flame canons that shoot fire almost 100-feet into the air.
Details
Memorial Day Ceremony
5/25
Honor the fallen at Smyrna’s early morning event that features veteran guest speakers and the laying of sixth memorial wreaths.
Details
Memorial Day in Dacula
5/25
Expect at least 150 units marching in Dacula’s 22nd annual parade. Also find out who will wear the Miss Memorial Day 2015 crown.
Details
Roswell Remembers
5/25
A 21-gun salute pays tribute to soldiers. After the military ceremony, enjoy a picnic while listening to live music by bluegrass group The Chuck Nation Band.
Details
Beach Parties
56th Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament
5/22–25
You can still hit the beach without the traffic at Callaway Gardens’ water sports event at Robin Lake Beach. Besides spectacular stunts, hear live music, watch films on the beach, enjoy fireworks, rent a paddleboat, play shuffleboard, or jump around in the bounce house.
Details
Memorial Day Celebration
5/22–25
Rock out on Lake Lanier with live music and beach parties all weekend at LanierWorld.
Details
BeltLine Beach Bash
5/24
If you couldn’t make it to the coast, Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall is bringing the luau to the Old Fourth Ward. Sip on rum punch and nosh on roast pig while listening to live music from The Mystery Men.
Details
Beer Bacchanals
Brew at the Zoo
5/23
Enjoy a Terrapin with a turtle at Zoo Atlanta’s annual event, featuring more than 70 beers, Electric Avenue headlining, and yard games.
Details
Brewery & Baseball Tour: SweetWater
5/23
Pregame for the Braves vs. Brewers game with six tastings and tour of SweetWater Brewery.
Details
Orpheus Brewing Year One
5/23-25
Wish Orpheus Brewing happy birthday at one of their four tastings sessions, when you can sample 10 different brews, including Serpent Bite and the Minotaur.
Details
Bone Lick’s Memorial Day Cook-Out
5/24
Move the barbecue out of your backyard, and head to Bone Lick BBQ for live music and smoked specialties, like ribs, pulled pork, chicken, brisket, and housemade sausage.
Details
Art Happenings
Atlanta Jazz Festival
5/22-24
Hear more than two dozen jazz performers at this Piedmont Park free fest.
Details
TimeGate Convention
5/22–24
Sport your best Matt Smith bow tie for the 10th-annual “Dr. Who” con at Marriott Century Center. Get down with daleks at the masquerade, cabaret, game night, and celebrity Q&As.
Details
Atlanta Caribbean Carnival
5/23
Kicking off with a parade, the islands come to Historic Fourth Ward Park with this celebration of Caribbean culture.
Details
Decatur Arts Festival
5/23–24
From slam poetry to a silent auction, this downtown Decatur event showcases all things artistic.
Details
Marietta International Film Festival
5/23
Screen a day of indie movies—including films on Oppenheimer, breakdancing, and aliens—at the Earl Smith Strand Theater.
Details
