Your 2020 Memorial Day celebrations, like everything else this spring, will be a bit different.
Typically, we see a lot of special deals aimed at active military and veterans. But the museums and other venues that usually offer a free military admission are closed. The good news is, this year’s food deals tend to be aimed at the general public, as restaurateurs try to maximize their appeal.
Large groups and inside gatherings are still discouraged, so we’ve kept this in mind as we put together our list of things to do in Atlanta this Memorial Day weekend.
Participate in “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 25th.
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.
Taps is the somber, 24-note bugle call played at military funerals and memorial observances.
For more info, check out this CBS News report about Taps Across America.
Virtual events on Memorial Day weekend
The list includes both local events being held virtually, as well as national events that you probably wouldn’t have been able to attend in person at all — and now you can pop in via broadcast TV or the internet.
Watch the 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 24, 2020 from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
You can watch via several TV channels and streaming platforms:
- Georgia Public Broadcasting
- The PBS website
- American Forces Network (for those stationed overseas)
- Facebook Live
- YouTube
If you miss the concert as it airs and streams live, you’ll have another chance. It will be available on demand until June 7, 2020.
GPB plans to rerun the concert several times over the weekend, so check your channel guide or app.
Honor your fallen loved ones through the American Legion Virtual Ceremony
Are you personally remembering and honoring a fallen hero?
The American Legion is asking you to share the names of those people via a form you’ll find online. The Legion will compile a list and compose a shout-out to share on social media over the Memorial Day weekend.
Watch the National Memorial Day Parade special program
Of course, the 2020 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. has been canceled.
It will be replaced by a pre-recorded television special, The National Memorial Day Parade: America Stands Tall, that will air on all four major broadcast channels on Monday, May 25th at 2 p.m.
You can watch on ABC, CBS, NBC, or Fox here in Atlanta (and nationwide). Check your listings for the details.
It will also run on the American Forces Network, for those stationed overseas.
Watch the “Graduate Together” special
If you missed this tribute to the Class of 2020 the night it first aired, you can still watch! It includes a commencement address from President Obama.
The entire program is available to stream on YouTube. You may also be able to stream on demand through the ABC, NBC, or CBS app — depending on your subscriptions or cable packages.
Enjoy “The Swan Princess,” a family-friendly ballet
The Atlanta Ballet originally streamed this 60-minute ballet for Easter weekend. This is now the LAST CALL — it will disappear back into the archives after Monday, May 25, 2020.
You can watch here. The link also includes special activities based on the ballet.
Catch the Atlanta Jazz Festival’s virtual edition
Yes, the Jazz Festival is happening online this year — with 31 video performances, for every day in May.
Get the details.
More Memorial Day virtual tributes:
National Park Service Virtual Memorial Day Tribute
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is hosting this celebration, in coordination with the National Park Service.
Monday, May 25th at 8 a.m.
Details here
Alpharetta Memorial Day Tribute
This annual event includes music, a wreath laying ceremony, rifle salute and more. Program begins at 9 a.m.
Details here.
Dunwoody Memorial Day Tribute
Dunwoody’s mayor will lead this virtual celebration of Memorial Day. It will stream at 10 a.m. on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Details here
Outdoor activities for Memorial Day weekend
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
Enjoy a bagpipe salute in Norcross
If you happen to be near the downtown Norcross business district, you can enjoy a solo bagpipe performance. It will take place in Thrasher Park — but you can listen without getting too close. It’s happening on Monday, May 25th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Details here
Visit 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.
Visit Stone Mountain Park
Much of the park is still open, for a long walk or a leisurely drive. Other activities are closed for now — details here.
If you haven’t yet bought an annual parking pass for Stone Mountain, there’s a current Groupon deal for $5 OFF.
Visit a Georgia State Park
Some of the parks are open now, for hiking and picnics.
Get the details here.
Watch the animals at Zoo Atlanta
The zoo is mostly open, although indoor attractions, rides, and play areas remain closed.
Tickets are being sold for specific time slots, to manage crowd capacity — so you’ll need to plan ahead.
Get the details on Zoo Atlanta’s new policies and safety measures.
See the flowers at Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden is reopening on Saturday, May 23rd. You can buy tickets now.
ABG will open all of its outdoor areas, although the conservatory and restaurant is closed.
Tickets are being sold for specific time slots, to manage crowd capacity — so you’ll need to plan ahead.
Get the details on ABG’s new policies and safety measures.
Grill a delicious meal at home
If you’re staying home this weekend, consider getting a delivery of fresh meat, seafood, or sausage for grilling — order for home delivery from Farmers & Fishermen Purveyors, a restaurant supplier who moved to a consumer model when the restaurants shut down.
Read our report about Farmers & Fishermen Purveyors here.
The Fresh Market also has some grilling specials and food kits available for curbside pickup, or delivery through Instacart. Veterans get a 10% discount this weekend, from Saturday through Monday, but it’s not clear if this applies only to in-store purchases where cashiers can check an ID.
Plan a strawberry picking (or buying) 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.
Memorial Day deals and freebies
Wine Insiders
From Saturday, May 23rd thru Monday, May 25th, Wine Insiders is offering 25%OFF wine deliveries.
Use the promo code MEMORIAL25.
Galla’s Pizza (Brookhaven location)
Active and retired military can take 20% off this weekend.
Ace Hardware
On Saturday, May 23, 2020 all participating locations of Ace Hardware are giving away free American flags, while supplies last. They’re giving away one million flags across the country. Get more info here.
Home Chef
The meal prep service is offering 50% OFF a first purchase — for military, healthcare professionals, first responders, and teachers.
Details here.
Hooters
Members of the military and healthcare workers can get 20% off all food orders through Memorial Day.
Outback Steakhouse
Through the heroes discount, members of the military,healthcare workers, and first responders can get 10% off food orders. This is every day — not just Memorial Day!
Details here
McCormick & Schmick’s
Military members, veterans, nurses, doctors, first responders, firefighters, police, paramedics and EMTs get 10% off on their meals on Monday, May 25th. This offer is good for dine-in only, for parties up to 6. Not valid on to-go, alcoholic beverages or gift cards.
Details here
Quiznos
Current or former military members can get a free 8-inch sub with the purchase of an 8-inch sub and 2 bottled drinks. The deal is good May 22-25.
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Thanks for sharing. It’s good to know there are still options despite all these social distancing rules!