Memorial Day Weekend 2021 in Atlanta is looking a little bit like life in the Before Times! There are lots of in-person 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!
At the beginning of this post, you’ll find some highlighted events — from ceremonial to just-for-fun.
Below that, you’ll find a day-by-day calendar listing of things to do over the long holiday weekend.
Memorial Day commemorative events
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 31, 2021, 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. For more details info, check out the information sheet and FAQs.
Norcross Remembrance event
Come to Thrasher Park in downtown Norcross on Monday, May 31st. From 11:30 to 1, there will be live entertainment, including a bagpiper. The Norcross Masonic Lodge will be providing hot dogs. More info here
Smyrna Memorial Ceremony plus celebration event
Monday, May 31st — Attend a memorial ceremony on Smyrna’s Veterans Lawn at 9:30 a.m.
Then, head to American Legion Post 160 for live music and a BBQ lunch/dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Alpharetta Memorial Day Tribute
This annual event includes music, a wreath laying ceremony, rifle salute and more. The 2021 program is virtual and it begins at 9 a.m.
Details here.
Dunwoody Memorial Day Tribute
The City of Dunwoody is going back to an in-person ceremony for 2021.
The annual Memorial Day Ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 31st at the Brook Run Park Veterans Memorial, located at 4770 N. Peachtree Road.
The ceremony is open to the public. It will include an invocation, moment of silence, and special music performed by the Callanwolde Concert Band Brass Quintet. It will also be streamed on the City of Dunwoody Facebook page.
Free flag from Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware is giving away 1 million American Flags on Saturday, May 29th, 2021. These are 8×12-inch stick flags, suitable for placing on a grave, field or garden as a tribute.
Memorial Ceremony at Cauble Park
Saturday, May 29th 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 31st at 10 a.m. at The Park at City Center, located at 101 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock.
More info here
Peachtree Corners Memorial Ceremony
Monday, May 31st at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Monument on the Peachtree Corners Town Green.
More info here
National Memorial Day Concert
Traditionally, there’s a live concert on the lawn of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. This year, there will be a 90-minute televised event instead. The concert takes place on Sunday, May 30, 2021 from 8 to 9:30 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.
Memorial Weekend Freebies & Discounts
Check back soon! We will add the freebies and deals as soon as they’re announced.
- Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Treat a hero to a free meal on Monday, May 31st! 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.
- 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. Plus, family members will get 20% off at the box office. Please bring valid ID.
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 28 to 31, 2021, 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
If you haven’t yet bought an annual parking pass for Stone Mountain, there’s a current Groupon deal for $5 OFF.
Have a blast at May Fair at the Buford Corn Maze
Buford Corn Maze will wrap up its fun-filled May Fair on Memorial Weekend. The event includes an old-timey carousel, magic shows, a fire engine display, petting zoo, pony rides, games, kids’ activities, and more.
More info here
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 29th and Sunday, May 30th.
More info here
Spend the day at the Yaarab Shrine Circus & Fair
The Yaarab Shrine Circus and Fair is back for its 79th year — including Big Top acts, 35 carnival rides, and plenty of your favorite fair food. The show runs from Saturday, May 22nd through Memorial Day Monday, May 31st, 2021 at the Cumming Fairgrounds.
There are a variety of daily deals, but the best bet for Memorial Weekend is the MEGA Pass –$24.95 per person includes gate admission, circus admission, and unlimited carnival rides for one day.
On Memorial Day Monday, veterans get in FREE. This includes gate admission, circus performance admission, and access to the carnival midway. It does not include rides.
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.
Remember to make a plan for safe and hygienic bathroom breaks!
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 Arts at Oakland through the Memorial Weekend.
The event happens from May 21 through 31st. It showcases the work of six artists in five installations across Oakland Cemetery, and you can view them using a self-guided map (download or view on your phone). The art highlights the hidden stories that can be found within the gardens and architecture of Oakland Cemetery. You can explore from dusk to dawn for FREE, or purchase a ticket for a guided weekend tour.
Visit a Georgia State Park
Many of the parks are open again, for hiking and picnics.
Get the details here.
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Day-by-day event list for the Memorial Weekend:
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Friday, May 28, 2021
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Sunday, May 30, 2021
Monday, May 31, 2021
Thanks for sharing. It’s good to know there are still options despite all these social distancing rules!