Like ants to a crumb, throngs of cars will amass on the interstates leaving Atlanta as they head for the nearest saltwater and sand. AAA forecasts that the 2015 Memorial Day weekend will see the highest travel volume in the last 10 years.
You, however, will not spend hours breathing in car fumes and the waft of sun-baked pavement. Your weekend is planned with a special theme for each day to make this Memorial Day weekend one to remember and enjoy.
Friday - Be cultured
Arts Festival: Wind down from the long week and ease into the extended weekend with a little stroll. Artwalk kicks off the weekend-long Decatur Arts Festival. Starting at 5pm, downtown Decatur rolls out the welcome for you enjoy exhibits at local galleries, shops and even restaurants. Munch on complimentary snacks and drinks, purchase a local brew, listen to the DJ, or be mesmerized by the fire twirler.
For more information see accessatlanta.com/artwalk.
Saturday - Be Americana
Take America's favorite pastime and drizzle it with the adult beverage of choice for the American dynamic duo of beer and baseball! Take in one or both, Atlanta has you covered with choices.
Namaste on the field: Bring your best downward dog and warrior pose for an hour of yoga on the field. Return later in the afternoon to watch the Braves play where you previously struck a pose. Yoga Day at Turner Field package includes an outfield ticket, yoga mat and yoga class.
Brewers and Baseball Tour: It all begins with a two hour private party at Sweetwater Brewery, including a brew tour and 6 tastings. Once you are properly libated, it's on to Turner Field in your round-trip, luxury charter bus to see the Braves take on the Brewers. The Brewery and Baseball Tour also includes your game ticket, as well as selected food and drink.
Family-friendly: See the game, eat the hot dogs and then stay after for something extra special. Tonight, your Braves game ticket includes a special showing of "The Sandlot" on the big screen at Turner Field.
Adult-only: If you prefer the beer without the baseball, then head to Zoo Atlanta. Beer and wine mix with music and games for an over-21 night of wild fun during Brew at the Zoo. Nearly 1,400 animals surround you as you imbibe while taking in a game of cornhole, show off your steady hand during giant Jenga, or roll the high score on inflatable ski ball.
Sunday - Be Festive
Atlanta loves its warm-weather festivals and Memorial Day weekend is no exception. Each has its own personality, but you can't go wrong with any of the choices below.
Salute to the Troops: This event is hailed as "Atlanta's largest three-day Memorial Weekend Event." Military personnel can take advantage of a free adventure pass with valid ID. For the price of parking, an entire family can enjoy the lasershow and extended fireworks finale.
For more information see accessatlanta.com/stonemountain-salutetroops.
Jazz Festival: The 38th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival is one of the nation's largest free jazz festivals. This month-long celebration comes to fruition in Piedmont Park with music, food and even a kids zone.
For more information see accessatlanta.com/jazzfest.
Atlanta Bachata Festival: It's all about the moves at the 7th annual festivities centered around latin beats and dancing. Workshops, pool and social dance parties keep things shaking from 9 a.mm until 4 a.m. at the Grand Hyatt in Buckhead.
For more information see accessatlanta.com/bachatafest.
Ren Fest: The turkey legs and jousting extend to Monday for Memorial weekend only. See shows, throw weapons, play games and eat in the style of 16th-century Europe at the Georgia Rennaisance Festival.
Monday - Be Thankful
Take today to remember what Memorial Day is all about. It has become synonymous with cookouts, beach trips and the unofficial start of summer, but this holiday originally started as Decoration Day. Officially becoming a federal holiday in 1971, Memorial Day honors all American soldiers who died in battle.
Largest Memorial Day Ceremony in Georgia: Roswell attracts approximately 6,000-7,000 people from around the southeast to the Roswell Memorial Day Ceremony. Celtic pipes and drums help set the mood for a patriotic program that includes the National Anthem, Presentation of Colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, speakers and a 21-gun salute. Following the program, eat BBQ on the lawn while listening to live music.
For more information see accessatlanta.com/roswellremembers.
Find more Memorial Day parades and ceremonies around Atlanta
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