Memorial Day Weekend 2022 in Atlanta is looking good! There are lots of events happening, both to commemorate our fallen military personnel in the traditional manner, and to just have fun and celebrate the beginning of the summer season.
We’re still in the process of adding events, so check back!
The post is organized like this:
*First, local, just-for-fun events and things to do, like concerts and festivals
* Then, the ceremonial and commemorative events
*Next, deals and discounts for Memorial Day
*A day-by-day calendar listing for the whole Memorial weekend
Fun activities for Memorial Day weekend
Looking for something to do on the cheap?
Groupon has a wide variety of discounts and deals for local activities — from bowling to escape rooms to river tubing to the Skyview Ferris wheel and more! If you buy a Groupon deal through our link, we may receive a small commission.
Browse local deals on Groupon
Head to Stone Mountain Park
From May 27 to 30, 2022, Stone Mountain Park commemorates Memorial Day with a special four-day event.
The highlight is the Lasershow Spectacular, which will be followed by a special salute to the troops, and epic fireworks all four nights of the holiday weekend. The show starts at 9:30 and features lights, iconic music, lasers, epic fireworks, and flame cannons.
More info here
Cheer for your team at a Stripers game, with fireworks
The Gwinnett Stripers are playing at home from May 23rd to May 28th. They will celebrate with a fireworks display after the Friday night game, on May 26th. Did you know you can get lawn seats for just $8? And seats in the stands start at just $15!
More info here
Enjoy the Atlanta Jazz Festival
The iconic event is one of the largest FREE jazz fests in the nation, and it’s happening at Piedmont Park from Saturday, May 27th thru Monday, May 29th, 2023.
Get the details and see the line-up
Take in a special exhibit
Most of these traveling exhibits are a bit of a splurge, but they’re a good option for a rainy day.
- Art of the Brick Immersive Experience
- Jurassic World: The Exhibit
- Monet Immersive Experience
- Dino Safari: A Walk-Thru Adventure
See a play!
This is an Editor’s Pick here at Atlanta on the Cheap, for all those who love live theater.
We recently visited Horizon Theatre to see a performance of Support Group For Men — and we heartily recommend this lighthearted comedy.
There are still seats left for Memorial Day Weekend! You may have to click around on the ticketing site to find which days and times still have availability. And if you book a matinee, give this promo code a try at checkout: STAYTEN. It will work if there are still discounted matinee seats available.
Horizon Theatre is located in the Inman Park neighborhood at 1083 Austin Ave. There is FREE parking in the back lot and tickets are so affordable. Overall, this is the most affordable experience in Atlanta for professional theater.
Buy tickets online
Browse the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest
Dedicate part of your Memorial Day Weekend to the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest! The two-day event takes place at Wills Park. Admission is FREE. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days — Saturday, May 27th and Sunday, May 28th.
More info here
Enjoy a free outdoor concert
There’s quite a few opportunities to listen to music this Memorial Day Weekend!
Friday, May 26th:
- Tunes by the Tracks in Stone Mountain
- City Green Live concert series in Sandy Springs
- Avalon Nights Live: G Cliff & The Playlist
- Fridays-n-Duluth — food trucks and live music on 3 stages
- Groovin’ on the Square concert at Colony Square
- Norcross summer concert at Thrasher Park
Saturday, May 27th:
Monday, May 29th
Spend the day at the Yaarab Shrine Circus & Fair
The Yaarab Shrine Circus and Fair is back for its 80th year — including Big Top acts, 35 carnival rides, and plenty of your favorite fair food. The show runs through Memorial Day Monday, May 30th, 2022 at Jim Miller Park in Marietta.
There are a variety of daily deals, but the best bet for Memorial Weekend is the MEGA Pass with advance purchase — $24.95 per person includes gate admission, circus admission, and unlimited carnival rides for one day. More info here
Make merry at the Georgia Renaissance Festival
The gates are open on Saturday, Sunday, and Memorial Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is quite a bit to do at the Georgia Renaissance Festival and it is a family-friendly event with plenty for the kiddos. There is food and drink (with a Renaissance theme!) available for purchase. You’ll also find plenty of entertainment and an artisans market for shopping.
More info here
Plan a strawberry picking excursion
Check out our guide to the local strawberry farms — and remember to verify that berries are available to buy or pick, because the weather’s been bad lately.
Explore the South Fulton Scenic Byway
Roll the car windows down, open the sunroof, and enjoy the views of the countryside — without going far from home. The South Fulton Scenic Byway has been called the loneliest road in metro Atlanta — and it is so gorgeous, you won’t believe you’re still in Fulton County. Get the route details
Wander through a historic cemetery
It’s traditionally a time to honor our fallen heroes, so why not wander through a historic cemetery — or spend an afternoon following the links and reading about their history?
- Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta’s most famous park-like cemetery, the final resting place for many notable and historic Atlantans.
- Southview Cemetery has a history dating back to Reconstruction.
- Marietta National Cemetery is a military burial site on the National Register of Historic Places; it is said to be the final resting place for over 1o,000 Union soldiers.
- Utoy Cemetery is the oldest in Atlanta, dating to 1828. Its preservation is handled by a group of dedicated volunteers.
Note that Oakland Cemetery is hosting a Memorial Day special tour.
Visit a Georgia State Park
The parks are open for hiking and picnics. Get the details here.
Memorial Day commemorative events
We are in the process of updating this list for 2023!
Taps Across America
Do you play an instrument? If so, organizers of Taps Across America are asking you to play Taps at 3 p.m. local time this Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2023, after observing a moment of silence. Taps is the somber, 24-note bugle call played at military funerals and memorial observances.
Play from your lawn, porch, balcony, driveway or open window — anywhere you can. Let your neighbors know you’re participating, so they can listen in. Get more info or register to play.
Norcross Remembrance event
Come to Thrasher Park in downtown Norcross on Monday, May 29th. From 11:30 to 1:00, there will be live entertainment, including a bagpiper. More info here
Smyrna Memorial Ceremony plus celebration event
Monday, May 29th — Attend a memorial ceremony on Smyrna’s Veterans Lawn (outside City Hall) at 9:30 a.m.
Alpharetta Memorial Day Tribute
This annual event includes music, a wreath laying ceremony, rifle salute and more. The program begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 29th at Alpharetta City Hall.
Details here
Dunwoody Memorial Day Tribute
The annual Memorial Day Ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 29th at the Brook Run Park Veterans Memorial, located at 4770 N. Peachtree Road. Open to the public. More info here
Free flag from Ace Hardware
Each year, Ace Hardware gives away a million flags nationwide on the Saturday before Memorial Day. The flags are FREE and no purchase is required. More info here
Memorial Ceremony at Cauble Park
Saturday, May 27th at 10 a.m. — an hour-long ceremony honors our fallen military members. Open to the public. Cauble Park is located at 4425 Beach Street in Acworth.
More info here
Woodstock Memorial Ceremony
Monday, May 29th at 10 a.m. at The Park at City Center, located at 101 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. Special musical performances by a band and a bagpiper, wreath laying ceremony, dove release, rifle honors, Taps.
More info here
Marietta National Cemetery
The Memorial Day Ceremony at the Marietta National Cemetery will be held Monday, May 29, starting at noon at 500 Washington Avenue Northeast, Marietta.
You can also help place flags at more than 18,000 graves there on Saturday, May 27th. More information at https://www.nmdaga.org/
National Memorial Day Concert
Traditionally, there’s a live concert on the lawn of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. and it is televised. The concert takes place on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 8 p.m.
You can watch on TV, via Georgia Public Broadcasting — or stream live on the PBS website and Facebook Live page. If you miss the concert as it airs and streams live, you’ll have another chance. It will be available on demand for two weeks. GPB plans to rerun the concert several times over the weekend, so check your channel guide or app. Complete info here
Memorial Weekend Freebies & Discounts
Check back soon! We will keep adding more freebies and deals as they’re announced.
AMC Theatres: Get 30% off evening ticket prices every day before 4 p.m. See the latest summer blockbuster with blockbuster savings!
Wendy’s: Grab a penny for a bargain burger! From May 26 to June 1, Wendy’s is offering a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger for just 1¢ with any purchase. The offer is only valid via the Wendy’s app.
Big Lots: The discount store is offering lots deals on everything you need for summer fun, including patio furniture, pools & accessories, outdoor lighting, grills and more. Plus, through May 26, Big save $10 on ANY purchase of $40 or more, in-store and online — get coupon here.
In addition, veterans, active military and their families can enjoy a year-round discount of 10% off all in-store and online purchases.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Treat a hero to a free meal on Monday, May 29th. When you dine with a veteran or active-duty service member, you pay only for your own lunch or dinner. The free entrée must be of equal or lesser value than your purchase. There are Firebirds locations in Alpharetta and Peachtree Corners.
Stone Mountain Park: The park is offering a FREE Attractions Pass to all active duty and retired military personnel. Plus, they can get 35% OFF per person for immediate family members. This offer is good during Memorial Day Weekend — from Friday, May 27th to Monday, May 30th, 2022.
College Football Hall of Fame: This downtown museum offers FREE admission to veterans and active military every day of the year — including Memorial Day, when hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please bring valid ID.
Georgia Aquarium: FREE admission to all active and retired military on Memorial Day — along with a 30% discount for family members. Bring valid ID to the box office.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Military service members and first responders get 10% off all year. There’s also a special deal on gift cards running now through June 18th, 2023 — purchase $50 in gift cards and receive a $10 bonus card to use on your next Carrabba’s visit.
Bonefish Grill: Military service members and first responders get 10% off all year. There’s also a special deal on gift cards running now.
Walgreens: Military personnel and their families get 20% off regularly priced items from May 26th to 29th. Follow the link for details.
Subway: Get a voucher for a FREE sub when you buy a gift card for $25 or more. This is a general deal and is not limited to military families or the Memorial Day weekend.
Johnny’s Hideaway: The iconic nightclub will stay open till 2 a.m. on Sunday, May 28. Johnny’s waives the cover charge for military members every night of the year.
Outback Steakhouse: All service men and women receive 10% off their meal all day, every day (including Memorial Day), thanks to Outback Steakhouse’s Heroes Discount.
Moe’s Southwest Grill: Kids eat free every Sunday, including Memorial Weekend, with the purchase of an adult entree.
Day-by-day event list for the Memorial Weekend:
Friday, May 26, 2023
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Monday, May 29, 2023
Thanks for sharing. It’s good to know there are still options despite all these social distancing rules!