Memorial Day weekend in Atlanta is one of the biggest weekends of the year and serves as the unofficial kickoff of the summer season. Cultural celebrations, music, free food, and paying homage to this country’s fallen troops are what this three-day holiday weekend is all about.
If you’re ready to get out and enjoy a jam-packed weekend of family-friendly, musically inspired, art-filled events around the metro Atlanta area, check out these Memorial Day events and happenings going down this weekend.
May 23rd – May 27th
880 Woodrow St. SW
Atlanta, GA 30313
The Black Cultural Capital of the US is also the birthplace of trap music. This event is geared up to be one of the biggest weekends in Atlanta, purely for trap music lovers such as myself. This year’s lineup features artists like Tokyo Jetz, Rod Wave and Atlanta’s own Rocko, Mullato, Lil Keed, and more. There will be five events over four days starting with a kickoff party and a FREE rooftop BBQ. For more details and daily updates, follow @TrapFestivalWeekend on Instagram.
May 24th – May 27th
Atlanta, GA
Carnival is in Atlanta for a weekend-long Caribbean experience you won’t forget. Enjoy live performances from soca, reggae, and Afro-Caribbean musicians including Bouyon Boss Asa Banton at Murphy Park Fairground. Jump into the first full day of activities during the parade on Saturday through Downtown Atlanta. I just know Tanto Metro & Devonte are performing their classic “Everyone Falls in Love Sometimes” at Sunday’s concert. Then, when you’re all done, cap off the weekend at the Breakfast Fete. Purchase a four-day bundle deal for the entire weekend $75.
May 24 – 26
Decatur, GA
Looking for top-quality artwork in Atlanta? The Decatur Arts Festival is where you need to be. Check out featured work from over 150 artists from all over the Southeast as well and enjoy dance performances, puppet shows, flamenco and belly dance classes, and a friendly bookstore. The festival weekend kicks off with a crowd-pleasing Artwalk through downtown Decatur this Friday.
Saturday, May 25
Atlanta Sports City at Stonecrest
8010 Mall Pkwy
Lithonia, Georgia 30038
Play mas in Atlanta at the annual Atlanta Dekalb Carnival in Lithonia. The parade and festival takes place at noon and includes musical performances from Jamaica’s Shenseea, Mr. Killa and more. All packages include an AJG water bottle, t-shirt, and drawstring bag, drinks during the parade and with a meal provided by Conch Heaven immediately following the parade. $40 VIP tickets are still available.
Saturday, May 25th
Village Green (in front of city hall)
2 Park Plaza
Alpharetta, GA
Rain or shine, join local residents for a weekend full of free events, art exhibits, great food and more at this family-friendly event. Shop for jewelry, plants, beauty products or food from local eateries and vendors or buy photography and artwork from creative artisans at the Streetfest.
Saturday and Sunday, May 25 & May 26
Guests come from all over for one of the largest FREE jazz festivals in the world, as part of Atlanta’s 31 Days of Jazz events. Held at Piedmont Park, the two-day event pays tribute to jazz legends and the future jazz greats to come. Most of the events are free with the exception of certain exhibits and private lounge experiences with food sponsored by local black-owned businesses Slutty Vegan and Local Green Atlanta.
Saturday, May 25
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE,
Atlanta, GA 30315
This event is for 21+ only and free for all active duty military personnel and veterans. Sample over 70 beers and wine then check out the various exhibits which include lions, tigers, pandas and one of the largest populations of great apes in North America.
Summer Bash at the Children’s Museum of Art
Saturday, May 25th
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Sign your kid(s) up for a class at the Art Studio or dance in the Beach Ball Dance Party at the CMA Stage. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta also features other interactive science experiences and games like Limbo Luau, sandcastle building, and various bubble exhibits.
The Georgia Renaissance Festival
Sunday, May 26th
6905 Virlyn B Smith Rd
Fairburn, GA 30213
Explore new adventures from 16th century England with live performances, sparring knights, rides, food and more at the Georgia Renaissance Festival. The annual event takes place in Fairburn and is held on weekends from April 13 to June 2. Suitable for adults and kids, of all ages.
Sunday, May 26th
Omenala Griot Afrocentric Museum & Event Center
337 Dargan Pl SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
Some of the best events in the city are indoor and outdoor festivals like the Atlanta Urban Vegan Fest Memorial Day Weekend Party Enjoy free tastings of deliciously cooked vegan bacon, tacos, burgers, cookies, donuts and more from Atlanta’s finest vegan restaurants and chefs. The Vegan Fest is held at the Omenala Griot Afrocentric Museum & Event Center, open from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Salute the Troops in Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Honor the troops who fought to protect this country and their families with a special celebration this Memorial Day Weekend. Make sure you get there early to get a good seat for the fireworks and laser-light show which begins at 8:30 PM. All active duty military personnel and veterans will receive one free All-Attractions Pass to enjoy attractions like the Summit Skyride and the rope course at Skyhike.
Atlanta Memorial Day 5K Classic
Monday, May 27, 2019
91 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
The last mile of the Memorial Day Classic run, known as the Soldiers Final Mile, is specifically dedicated to the fallen troops of the United States Armed Forces. The race begins on Edgewood Drive, between Peachtree Street and Park Drive. Pre-registration for runners begins the day before from noon to 5 PM at West Stride Running on Northside Pkwy. You can also register here now.
Picnic or BBQ At A Park
This could be a great family fun event or a cute date night at Piedmont Park or Central Park. Load up a cooler with your favorite fruits, some bottles of water, and throw in a Tupperware container of last night’s potato salad for a picnic at one of Atlanta’s beautiful parks.