Memorial Day is an official kickoff to summer and that means barbecue, picnics, family gatherings, plays and festivals.
This weekend, metro Atlanta will have it all from the Atlanta Jazz Festival in Piedmont Park to the Decatur Arts Festival.
From May 25 through May 27, it will be one big party.
ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL
The main attraction of annual festival will be held May 26 -27 in Piedmont Park.
The list of performers — veterans and newcomers — is impressive. Performers include Dianne Reeves, Jon Baptiste with the Dap Kings, Jazzmeia Horn and the Linda May Han Oh Quintet.
This is the 41st year for the festival that, for the first time, will have a May 26 lineup of all female headliners, according to its website.
Over the two days, there will be three stages — the Next Gen, Contemporary and the Legends.
There will also be an artist market, kid zone and food venues.
The first performance on May 26 starts at noon. On May 27 , the first performance begins at 12:30 p.m.
Free. Piedmont Park. www.atlantafestivals.com/
DECATUR ARTS FESTIVAL
The annual arts festival will be held today through May 27in downtown Decatur. It will features artists, gallery tours, food, dance and book signings. It opens with the city’s largest one-night art experience from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.. Visitors can walk around town to see exhibits at various shops and galleries and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks.
Free. Downtown Decatur. decaturartsfestival.com/
“GO”: A NON-DIALOGUE PLAY
“Go” is a non-dialogue play, by Ronald D. Eastman II and Stephanie McFarlane of Mismatch Socks Production. Set in the present-day, “Go” is inspired by Eastman’s life story, where abuse left him silenced until he chose to fight.
The plot follows a young Keith, who is forced into isolation, ill-treated, silenced and kept secluded by an unknown entity on the other side of a heavy steel door. For Keith, the door for Keith is only seen as a way of entry for abuse, and never a pathway to escape, until a girl enters the space.
There will be a question-and-answer session with the writer, directors and cast following the performances.
7:30 p.m. May 25 and 7 p.m. May 26. Free. The Windmill Arts Center, 2823 Church St., East Point. www.thewindmillatl.com/
ATLANTA CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL
Peter Ram, Edwin Yearwood and Skinny Fabulous will be among the entertainers at the 2018 Atlanta Caribbean Carnival on May 26 -27 at Central Park in Atlanta.
There will be a parade that ends at Central Park, where there will be music, arts, crafts, music and food vendors.
All day May 26-27. $15-$100. Central Park, 400 Merritts Ave. N.E. Atlanta. Atlanta Caribbean Carnival.
MONASTERY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TOUR
If you crave quiet and spiritual reflection, consider the “Highlights & Insights” tour at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers.
Trained docents will guide visitors around the grounds, where Trappist monks live, work and pray.
Credit: JOHN SPINK / AJC
Credit: JOHN SPINK / AJC
This monthly tour can only accommodate a small group so registration fills up quickly. The grounds include a bonsai garden, gift shop, bakery and stained glass workshop.
Preregistration is required online. No walk-ins accepted. Visitors should gather in front of the Abbey store.
1:30 p.m. May 26. $12, plus service fee. Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 2625 Highway 212 S.W. Conyers. 770-483-8705 www.trappist.net/
Related: Keep up with the latest weather.
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