Plenty more to do
What you see here is just a sampling of Memorial Day events around metro Atlanta. In fact, there are so many events, you could fill up your holiday with things to do. Staff writer Jill Vejnoska has an hour-by-hour guide on Memorial Day at myAJC.com.
You can also search our online calendar for events in your area at AJCaccessAtlanta.com.
While this holiday weekend is considered to be the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for everyone who has died serving in the American armed forces.
From ceremonies to honor fallen heroes to family-fun activities, there are plenty of options across metro Atlanta this Memorial Day weekend.
Here’s a look at some of the events Sunday and Monday:
Ceremony at Marietta National Cemetery
More than 10,000 veterans are buried at the Marietta National Cemetery. Honor them Monday by attending the annual ceremony that features patriotic music, speakers and more.
The event begins at noon and admission is free. Maj. Gen. Edison E. Scholes will be this year’s keynote speaker.
Marietta National Cemetery, 500 Washington Ave. N.E., Marietta. nmdaga.org/program.htm.
Gwinnett’s Fallen Heroes Memorial ceremony
Honor Gwinnett's fallen soldiers during the annual ceremony at the county's Fallen Heroes Memorial. The event, held at 1 p.m. Monday, will include the addition of a new name to the memorial — fallen Buford native Kyle Gilbert. Entry is free. The Fallen Heroes Memorial is located outside the Gwinnett County courthouse.
Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. www.gwinnettcounty.com.
Memorial Day Weekend — Salute the Troops at Stone Mountain Park
An extra-long fireworks finale synced to music tips the drill sergeant hat to those who have served our country, both past and present. The Lasershow producers are building on last year’s enhanced fireworks and flame cannons — which send blazing bursts nearly 100 feet. The Lasershow Spectacular will showcase a new segment titled “Drone Wars: The Mountain Awakens,” featuring a parody of a galaxy far, far away telling a classic story of good versus evil — with good ultimately prevailing. Some guests may want to hit the park before the sun goes down and check out other attractions including Summit Skyride and Geyser Towers. All active and retired military with valid ID receive a complimentary Adventure Pass, discounted tickets for immediate family, and 20 percent savings on food and merchandise. The following are the hours for Memorial Day weekend: 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Lasershow with fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Sunday-Monday. Adventure Pass: $24.95-$29.95 with discounts available online. Note: You don’t need an Adventure Pass to go only to the laser show and fireworks (only the parking pass for vehicles to enter Stone Mountain Park, which is $15 for a daily parking pass or $40 for an annual parking pass).
Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 1-800-401-2407, www.StoneMountainPark.com.
Gwinnett Braves
The Gwinnett Braves are at home this weekend and will feature fireworks on Monday. Sunday’s game starts at 2:05 p.m. and Monday’s game is at 6:05 p.m. Tickets for most games start as low as $9.
Coolray Field, 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville. Gwinnettbraves.com.
Yaarab Shrine Circus and Carnival
The annual circus and carnival, now in its 74th year, is back at Marietta’s Jim R. Miller Park, and it’s open through Monday. Enjoy more than 40 rides, midway games and a flea market in addition to multiple circus shows each day.
Gates open at noon Sunday and 10 a.m. on Memorial Day. Gate admission free for children under 10, $7 for adults.
Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta. 404-419-6775, www.yaarabshrine.net.
Six Flags Over Georgia
Memorial Day weekend marks the debut of the new DC Super Friends kids area, which with Bugs Bunny Boomtown offers a total of 12 rides and attractions aimed at the park’s younger guests but which the entire family can enjoy. Also new for 2016 is the New Revolution virtual reality experience available on the Dare Devil Dive coaster. Old faves include Great American Scream Machine, Thunder River and Superman: Ultimate Flight. Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags’ in-house water park, is open too.
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday; 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday. Call or check website for remaining operating schedule and park hours. General admission at the gate is $64.99 for adults and $44.99 for children under 48 inches tall, but discounts abound; save $20 on adult tickets at www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia. AAA and some credit unions also sell discounted tickets. Children 2 and younger are admitted for free. Discounts available on the park's website.
Six Flags Over Georgia, 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell. 770-948-9290, www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia.
Atlanta Braves game
Celebrate Memorial Day with an Atlanta Braves game (playing against San Francisco Giants) featuring special ceremonies including five giant stars being on display in the outfield, each star representing a branch of military. Each star will be held by members of that branch; active military members will line the base paths along with both teams for the national anthem and USO representatives will hold a giant American flag in the outfield (USO is celebrating its 75th anniversary). The Memorial Day game starts at 1:10 p.m. There's also a 5:05 p.m. game on Sunday that will feature a concert by country music sensation Chris Stapleton after the Braves take on the Miami Marlins. Single-game tickets start as low as $7.
Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive S.E., Atlanta. www.atlanta.braves.mlb.com
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