Celebrate Memorial Day in the City
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.