Atlanta’s gearing up for a stellar Memorial Day weekend. To help y’all out, we thought we’d round up some of the unmissable things to do in Atlanta. From the best art exhibitions to the beloved Atlanta Jazz Festival, keep scrolling for some Memorial Day weekend inspiration!
1. Atlanta Jazz Festival
The Atlanta Jazz Festival is returning to its Memorial Day weekend time slot following two years of cancellations & rescheduling. The free three-day festival is all set to take over Piedmont Park for the weekend, with an incredible line-up of jazz performance, workshops, and beyond. From renowned artists like The Baylor Project tearing up the main-stage all weekend long, to special Q&A’s with jazz legends like Tina Fuller. Click here to visit their website for all the information you need.
So make sure you don’t miss out on Atlanta’s acclaimed celebration of jazz music. There’s even extra collaborative events that have, and will continue to take over ATL venues throughout the entire month of May. For example, Late Night Concerts will light up Park Tavern on Saturday night, as well as the Atlanta Jazz Festival’s epic collaboration with the Candlelight concert series.
2. Imagine Picasso: The Immersive Experience
Due to popular demand, Imagine Picasso: The Immersive Experience has extended its stay at the historic Pullman Yards. Walk directly into iconic masterpieces at this exhibition delving into the life of the legendary Spanish painter.
Following successful stints in Quebec, San Francisco, and other cities, Atlanta is finally getting the chance to experience this captivating digital exhibit. Watch hundreds of Picasso’s works come to life, engulfing the walls and floors of the expansive interiors at Pullman Yards. Click here to reserve your spot.
3-6. The best outdoor brunch spots in Atlanta
The rain may have made a comeback this week, but luckily for the ATL, we’re expecting sunny skies this Memorial Day weekend. What better way to celebrate the springtime sunshine than with a brunch in that gorgeous Georgia fresh air? Check out a few recommendations below or click here for the full round-up.
- Mojave Restaurant, Sandy Springs
- Whiskey Bird, Morningside-Lenox Park
- Canoe, Pleasant Hill/Vinings
- Milk + Honey, Cascade
7. Visit the Science Gallery at Pullman Yards
If you’re heading to Imagine Picasso over the weekend, why not make a day of it and visit this brand new experience at the ever-changing Pratt Pullman District. HOOKED is an exciting exhibition curated by Emory University and Science Gallery at King’s College, London. The exhibit examines the world through the lens of addiction and is completely free. Click here to reserve your spot.
8. Atlanta’s free public swimming pools
This Memorial Day weekend, Atlanta’s public swimming pools are reopening for the summer season. Best of all, they’re completely free for Atlantans to use as they please. Click here for more information and all the pools that are part of the program.
9-12. Visit an ATL rooftop bar with killer views!
It’s almost summer which means rooftop season is among us! From amazing cocktails and bar bites, to unbeatable views of our iconic skyline, check out our Memorial Day weekend recommendations below, or click here for our full round-up.
- Virtue Rooftop, Midtown
- St. Julep, Buckhead
- Hotel Clermont, Poncey-Highland
- Drawbar, West Midtown
13. The brand new Lego exhibit at Zoo Atlanta
Pop-art meets the natural world at this amazing exhibition that’s on display at Zoo Atlanta. The eye-popping work of artist Sean Kenney invites you to reimagine the amazing complexities and interconnections of the wild world in fresh, fun, and unexpected ways. Entry to the exhibition comes with general admission to Zoo Atlanta. Click here to get your tickets.
14. Origami in the Garden
‘Origami in the Garden’ is the mind-blowing new exhibit at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Giant museum-quality origami sculptures have completely transformed the landscapes at the beloved Piedmont Park attraction. Click here for more information.
15. Stone Mountain for Memorial Day fireworks
Stone Mountain Park has become renowned for its epic firework and laser shows that light-up the night sky throughout the year, and Memorial Day weekend is no exception. A choreographed musical tribute honoring the brave men and women who protect our country will take over the mountain for four nights. Reservations are recommended.