Memorial Day honors members of the armed forces who lost their lives in service to the United States. The weekend leading into the federal holiday also represents the unofficial start of summer and is filled with events around Atlanta.
When: Thursday, May 22, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Veterans Resource Center (BioTech Quad)
The Veterans Resource Center will host an open house, offering visitors the opportunity to tour the facility, view the Walk of Honor display, and learn more about Georgia Tech’s military history.
When: Thursday, May 22 – Sunday, May 25
Where: Georgia World Congress Center
Twenty years after the concept — then called Techwood Con — originated on the Georgia Tech campus, the event has become an Atlanta staple for fans of anime, video games, and comics, attracting over 50,000 visitors in 2024. The four-day event will feature panels, meet-and-greets, interactive workshops, and more in the exhibition hall of the Georgia World Congress Center.
When: Friday, May 23 – Sunday, May 25
Where: Truist Park
Spend Memorial Day weekend enjoying America’s pastime as the Atlanta Braves host the San Diego Padres. Friday night’s matchup will feature a pregame presentation honoring each military branch and Medal of Honor recipients, and postgame fireworks.
When: Saturday, May 24 – Monday, May 26
Where: Piedmont Park
Fifteen artists will take the stage in Piedmont Park at the 48th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival. Hosted by the Atlanta mayor’s office, this celebration of music, culture, and the art of jazz is among the largest free jazz festivals in the country.
When: Saturday, May 24 – Monday, May 26
Where: 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Road, Fairburn, GA 30213
The annual festival, set on 32 acres in Fairburn, Georgia, offers jousting tournaments, live music, and traditional fair food and drinks. With two weekends remaining, the festival will open its gates for the holiday. On Monday, all active and retired military get in free with ID, and tickets for accompanying family members will be discounted at the festival box office.
When: Sunday, May 25, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Where: Oakland Cemetery
This guided tour of the cemetery shares the stories of veterans from the Mexican-American War and the Korean War, exploring how “their service helps tell the history of the United States and our nation's relationship to the world.”
When: Through Sunday, May 25, multiple showtimes
Where: Center for Puppetry Arts
The Center for Puppetry Arts gives audiences a chance to “see all your favorite moments from this literary classic come to life on stage.” Tickets include admission to the show and the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, and a Create-A-Puppet™ Workshop, where visitors can create a puppet based on a Dr. Seuss character.
When: Monday, May 26, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Brooke Street Park, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Commemorate Memorial Day with the Alpharetta Symphony as the group performs a patriotic setlist. Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic to the free show.