Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start to the summer, and we’re excited for the warmest season of all! Kick off your summer right with some of these fun ways to celebrate your long weekend in Atlanta
First of all… when is Memorial Day this year?
Memorial Daylands on Monday, May 25th, 2026, and we’re celebrating all weekend long!
If you’re looking for a can’t-miss, budget-friendly event, head to Piedmont Park for Atlanta’s free three-day jazz celebration this Memorial Day weekend!
One of the biggest highlights on Atlanta’s May calendar, the Atlanta Jazz Festival is a 31-day celebration of jazz across Metro Atlanta, culminating in a free three-day festival at Piedmont Park from May 23–25, 2026 featuring live music, local artists, food, and family activities.
A four-day celebration of Asian food, culture and performances in Gwinnett County. If you’re up for a quick trip outside Atlanta for Memorial Day weekend, Dream Asia Festival — the U.S.’s largest Asian food and culture festival — runs May 22–25, 2026 at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville, GA. Expect 80+ food vendors, merch and anime creators, live performances, cosplay contests, family activities and more.
This Memorial Day, head to Callaway Gardens for a super fun aquatic adventure! Whether you’re looking to relax by the lake or watch thrilling, high-energy skiing competitions… or maybe a little of both, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Callaway Gardens this Memorial Day!
Enjoy the iconic ‘Brew at the Zoo’ beer festival at Zoo Atlanta!
Head to Zoo Atlanta after hours to enjoy a super fun Memorial Day Weekend event! At Brew at the Zoo, you’ll be able to taste beer from some of Georgia’s top breweries, enjoy live music around the Zoo, compete un fun yard games, hang with friends, and so much more!
And, of course all of this is with the backdrop of some of the coolest animals in the world! Learn more and snag your tickets here!
This summer, Atlanta’s favorite natural history museum is transforming into a prehistoric playground, with super cool exhibitions, interactive activities, and so much more!
Come learn all about the dinosaurs this Memorial Day weekend!
If you’re looking to get out of Atlanta for a little Memorial Day weekend adventure, head up to Helen to shoot the ‘Hooch! As the weather warms up, we’re getting excited to enjoy all the beautiful nature of the Chattahoochee river on a relaxing hour – two hour float down the river. Make it a weekend getaway or just a fun day trip up to Helen!
Check out the new drone and light show at Stone Mountain
Take your family to Atlanta’s #1 drone show and fireworks location!
Enjoy tons of fun outdoor activities: from attractions like Dinosaur Explore and Scenic Railroad to nice hikes, there’s so much to do during the day. And stay into the evening for a special performance by the 116th Army Band, along with the Music Across America Drone & Light Show and an extended fireworks finale!
Oh, and for America’s 250th, they’re hosting an even cooler and more special drone and light show!
Learn more on their website, here.
When it comes to kicking off the summer, you can’t beat a delicious trip to get ice cream with the fam! Indulge in your local favorites, or try somewhere totally new! Whether you’re looking for a classic chocolate or vanilla cone, or you wanna try something a little ~cooler~ (pun intended!), we’ve got you covered with our roundup of ice cream shops, here!
Want to turn Memorial Day weekend into a mini getaway from Atlanta? Head to Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia—ranked as the 7th best beach in the U.S. by TripAdvisor, putting it in the spotlight alongside renowned spots in Florida, California, and Hawai’i. This stunning beach is known for its picturesque shores lined with ancient driftwood, making it perfect for family photos and leisurely walks. If you’re planning a getaway, Driftwood Beach deserves a spot on your must-visit list!
If you’re looking for some low-key fun this Memorial Day Weekend, grab your pals or fam and head to one of Atlanta’s amazing farmers markets! You can find artisan goods, delicious treats, and of course, tons of farm-fresh produce! Don’t miss out on some of the best farmers markets the city has to offer! Check out our roundup of farmers markets here!