Whether you choose to celebrate Memorial Day at a patriotic parade or with fireworks at an All-American baseball game, there is plenty to see and do in Georgia over the long holiday weekend. Walton Gas employees have compiled a list of favorites to help you plan some memorable moments.
CEREMONIES
Many Georgia communities host a Memorial Day ceremony to remember fallen soldiers. Check local listings for times and locations.
May 27: Roswell Remembers Memorial Day Ceremony, Roswell
Roswell hosts the state’s largest Memorial Day ceremony, honoring the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our country. Thousands are expected for the program that includes a POW/MIA tribute and laying of the wreath. The program begins at 11 a.m. at Roswell City Hall.
May 27: Memorial Day Program, Oconee Veterans Park, Watkinsville
The Oconee Veterans Memorial Foundation hosts this annual ceremony to honor the 39 service members from Oconee County who have died in the line of duty. Veterans organizations will have displays set up beginning at 10 a.m. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. in front of the Oconee County Veterans Memorial near the park’s entrance.
May 27: Memorial Day Celebration & Ride for America, Madison
Some 1,000 motorcyclists are expected to participate in this ceremony honoring the men and women who have died while in military service. Hosted by the Main Street organization and American Legion, the one-hour program begins in Town Park at 11 a.m.
PARADES
May 25: Memorial Day Parade, Blairsville
This annual community parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. and winds through downtown Blairsville. It ends at the Union County War Memorial Park where a ceremony will commemorate U.S. men and women who died while in military service. Before and after the parade, the Blairsville Spring Arts, Crafts & Music Festival is happening in the downtown area.
May 27: Memorial Day Parade, Dacula
Come rain or shine, this parade goes on to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Planners expect nearly 100 bands, floats and other parade units focusing on a patriotic theme. There are 10,000 plus spectators lining the route when the parade steps off at 10 a.m., so arrive early to find a good spot.
MUSIC
May 25: Live on the Lawn, Snellville
Walton Gas is a sponsor of this free summer concert series that kicks off its 2024 schedule with Aerosmith tribute band Pandora’s Box. Held on the Towne Green, the music begins at 6 p.m. and the headliner takes the stage at 7 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket for seating. Food and beverages will be for sale.
May 25-27: Atlanta Jazz Festival, Piedmont Park
The annual weekend of music is one of the nation’s largest free jazz festivals. Local and national jazz greats will take the stage to perform from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day. Beyond the concert, festival goers can explore the historic park and visit vendors displaying some of the city’s finest arts and crafts, food and drinks, and merchandise.
May 26: Red, White, Bluegrass & Bach, Suwanee
Wear your red, white and blue, and bring your lawn chairs to enjoy this free, family friendly concert at Town Center Park. The Main Street Symphony Orchestra plays patriotic tunes at 7 p.m., followed by a bluegrass performance at 8 p.m.
May 27: An Ode to America, Alpharetta
The Alpharetta Symphony offers a free Memorial Day concert at the town’s bandstand in Brooke Street Park. Bring a blanket, a picnic and the whole family to enjoy a slate of patriotic tunes and big band jazz hits that begin at 7:30 p.m.
LIGHTS & FIREWORKS
May 24-27: Music Across America Drone & Light Show, Stone Mountain Park, Atlanta
Active duty, veterans and retired military personnel can receive a free ticket to see the debut of the park’s new music and lights show. The multi-sensory experience features 250 choreographed color-changing drones creating detailed shapes and patterns in the sky, flame cannons and a fireworks finale that will light up the night sky. The Air National Guard Band of the South will perform May 25–27. Light show general admission ticket is $10 for ages 3 and up.
RUN
May 27: Memorial Day 5K/10K/15K, Marietta
Get your running shoes ready for a meaningful dash of patriotism. As a salute to service, all active and retired military members can run for free. Expect a beautiful course, medals for the first 500 finishers, race shirts and awards across various categories. The energy kicks off at 7:30 a.m. Race information and registration
TOUR
May 26: Memorial Day Tour: Oakland and World War I, Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta
Discover the stories of soldiers, civilians and home front civilians in the Great War during this cemetery tour hosted by the Historic Oakland Foundation, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. During WWI, more than 500,000 Georgia men registered for the Selective Service Act and the state was home to more training camps than any other in the country. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for seniors (65+) and children (5-18).
BASEBALL
May 24: Gwinnett Stripers Salute to Armed Forces, Coolray Field, Lawrenceville
The Atlanta Braves affiliate team hosts a Salute to Armed Forces during its game versus the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. A fireworks display follows the final out. Tickets start at $14. Ticket information
May 27: Atlanta Braves Military Appreciation, Truist Park, Atlanta
For their Memorial Day game versus the Washington Nationals, the Braves are offering a military appreciation ticket package. Purchasers receive a military-themed jersey shirt, and $4 of every ticket sale goes to The Warrior Alliance. A pregame ceremony will honor the men and women who serve and have served in our nation’s military. Ticket information
FESTIVALS
May 24-25: 1890 Days Jamboree, Ringgold
Live music on multiple stages, a parade, classic car show, food and craft vendors and a grand finale fireworks display are the highlights of this two-day event held in historic downtown Ringgold. Admission is free and all events are family friendly.
May 25-27: Apple Blossom Festival, East Ellijay
Admission is free and leashed pets are welcome at this festival spotlighting handmade items made by local artists and craftsmen. Food booths and activities for children round out the offerings. Held at the Gilmer Welcome Center, the festival is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
May 25: BavarianFest, Helen
Veterans and active duty military (and one guest) get free admission to enjoy a live oompah band, dancing and a festive German atmosphere from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Helen Festhalle. Bavarian-inspired foods and beverages are available, too.