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 24 to 27, 2024, Stone Mountain Park commemorates Memorial Day with a special four-day event.
The highlight is the Drone & Light Show, 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.

♦ Military FREE admission: Active duty, veterans, and retired military personnel will receive one free Attractions Point with valid ID, and will save up to 35% off per person for immediate family members at the ticket plaza inside the park. Note that you can’t get this deal online, only in-person.

♦ Thanks to a limited-time offer from Groupon, you can buy a daily Attractions Pass at HALF OFF — that’s just $19.99, for both children and adults. (The regular price is $39.99 for adults, and $34.99 for kids.)

Cheer for your team at a Stripers game, with fireworks

The Gwinnett Stripers are playing at home from May 21st to May 26th. They will celebrate with a fireworks display after the Friday night game, on May 24th. Did you know you can get lawn seats for just $8? And seats in the stands start at just $15!
More info here

Enjoy the Atlanta Jazz Festival

The iconic event is one of the largest FREE jazz fests in the nation, and it’s happening at Piedmont Park from Saturday, May 25th thru Monday, May 27th, 2024.
Get the details and see the line-up

Visit an alpaca farm in Gwinnett County

Creekwater Alpaca Farm in Snellville is open for tours all weekend long, including Memorial Day Monday.
More info

Take in a special exhibit

These traveling exhibits are a bit of a splurge, but they’re a good option for special times.

• Horizon of Khufu
An immersive, virtual reality trip through ancient Egypt.
Located at the Illuminarium building in midtown ATL.
More info + tickets

• Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Step into a Van Gogh painting, with this exhibit that combines projection, light, sound, and virtual reality. You’ll experience the artist’s life and work in a whole new way.
More info + tickets

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 Saturday and Sunday.
More info here

Enjoy a free outdoor concert

There’s quite a few opportunities to listen to music this Memorial Day Weekend!
Browse our full list of summer concerts

Friday, May 24th:

Saturday, May 25th:

Snellville Live on the Lawn: Pandora’s Box (Aerosmith tribute)
Peachtree Corners Summer Concert: Five For Fighting
Riverside Sounds: Emily Nenni

Monday, May 27th

The Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra at Brooke Street Park

Spend the day at the Yaarab Shrine Circus & Fair

The Yaarab Shrine Circus and Fair is back for its 80th year — including Big Top acts, 35 carnival rides, and plenty of your favorite fair food. The show runs through Memorial Day Monday.
More info here

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.

Get a FREE flag from Ace Hardware

Each year, Ace Hardware gives away a million flags nationwide on the Saturday before Memorial Day. The flags are FREE and no purchase is required.
More info here

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. 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.

Visit a Georgia State Park

The state parks are open for hiking and picnics.
Get the details here

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, 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.
Get more info or register to play.

Norcross Remembrance event

Come to Thrasher Park in downtown Norcross on Memorial Day.
From 11:30 to 1:00, there will be live entertainment, including a bagpiper.
More info here

Smyrna Memorial Ceremony plus celebration event

Attend a memorial ceremony on Smyrna’s Veterans Lawn (outside City Hall) at 9:30 a.m.

Alpharetta Memorial Day Tribute

This annual event includes music, a wreath laying ceremony, rifle salute and more. The program begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 27th at Alpharetta City Hall.
Details here

Dunwoody Memorial Day Tribute

The annual Memorial Day Ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 27th at the Brook Run Park Veterans Memorial, located at 4770 N. Peachtree Road. Open to the public.
More info here

Memorial Ceremony at Cauble Park

Saturday, May 25th 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 27th at 10 a.m. at The Park at City Center, located at 101 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. Special musical performances by a band and a bagpiper, wreath laying ceremony, dove release, rifle honors, Taps.
More info here

Marietta National Cemetery

The Memorial Day Ceremony at the Marietta National Cemetery will be held Monday, May 27, starting at noon at 500 Washington Avenue Northeast, Marietta.
You can also help place flags at more than 18,000 graves there on Saturday, May 27th. More information at https://www.nmdaga.org/

Memorial Weekend Freebies & Discounts

Local offers

Stone Mountain Park: The park is offering a FREE Attractions Pass to all active duty and retired military personnel. Plus, they can get 35% OFF per person for immediate family members. This offer is good during Memorial Day Weekend.
Plus, there is a Groupon Deal for half-off.

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. Please bring valid ID.

Georgia Aquarium: special discount for military members, year round.

Bonefish Grill

Vets are honored every day at Bonefish Grill. The restaurant’s Heroes Discount is offered all year long — 10% off for all service members, veterans and first responders.

Olive Garden

If you take the whole family to Olive Garden, enjoy an extra take-home entrée for just $6. Pick up enough extra meals to enjoy over the holiday weekend. Choose from Fettuccine Alfredo, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce.

Outback Steakhouse

Vets are honored every day at Outback Steakhouse. The restaurant’s Heroes Discount is offered all year long — 10% off for all service members, veterans and first responders.

Pizza Hut

Have an inexpensive pizza party over the holiday weekend, thanks to Pizza Hut’s ongoing deals and discounts. Share a slice of pizza and fun with the family…plus, it’s an easy set-up (and clean-up) for the party planner.

Sonic Drive-In

Through June 2, 2024, Sonic Drive-In is offering 50% off all Classic and Master Shakes — after 7 p.m. Best of all, there’s no limit, so everyone can cool off by enjoying a discounted shake.

Starbucks

Start your weekend with 50% off any handcrafted beverage on May 24, 2024 — only for Starbucks Rewards members. The discounted drink is available from noon to 6 p.m.
Then, on May 27, 2024, Starbucks is offering Starbucks Rewards members a personalized deal — exclusive to each member.

Memorial Day Shopping Deals

Ace Hardware

As part of its annual One Million Flag Giveaway every Memorial Day weekend, Ace Hardware is again giving away a FREE 8″ x 12″ U.S flag on May 25, 2024 — no purchase necessary. The flags are available at participating locations, while supplies last.

AMC Theatres

Go to the movies over the holiday weekend. AMC Theatres offers 25% off evening ticket prices every day before 4 p.m. See the newest summer blockbuster with blockbuster savings! Plus, enjoy fan favorites flicks with AMC Theatres’ $5 Fan Faves series.

BBQGuys

If you’re looking for hot deals on everything you need for outdoor cooking, BBQGuys is holding a Memorial Day Sale with lots of summery savings on grills, equipment and more — up to 60% off.

Big Lots

Save big at Big Lots! The discount store is offering lots deals on everything you need for summer fun, including patio furniture, pools & accessories, outdoor lighting, grills and more. In addition, veterans, active military and their families can enjoy a year-round discount of 10% off all in-store and online purchases.

Ford

Rev up the savings for your service. Ford offers a special discount on vehicles for military personnel and first responders. This offer is valid year-round. Enter your zip code to find the nearest Ford dealer for more details.

Lowe’s

Summer is the time for lots of indoor and outdoor projects! From May 16 to 29, 2024, Lowe’s is holding its Memorial Day Sale.In-store and online at Lowes.com, find savings on everything from sun-blocking patio furniture and outdoor power equipment to make the most of time spent outdoors to tools, paint and smart home products to finish indoor projects.

Regal Cinemas

Head to the movies on the cheap over the holiday weekend at Regal Cinemas! Regal Cinemas is bringing back popular and classic movies back to the big screen with its Forever Favorites series. Tickets are just $5.

Walgreens

Military and veterans (and their families) receive 20% off eligible regular-priced items at Walgreens — from May 24 to 27, 2024. The offer is only valid in-store with myWalgreens membership and proof of service.