Hello, local readers! If you’re staying in town for the holiday, you’ll appreciate this week’s edition of our weekend guide, filled with the best things to do in and around Atlanta this Memorial Day weekend. Don’t forget to add our tips to your Foursquare To-Do list, and as always, be sure to add anything we missed in the comments section. Enjoy your long weekend!
Stone Mountain Memorial Day Weekend Celebration
Stone Mountain Park. Saturday through Monday. Free admission; $10+ to park.
Atlanta’s larger-than-life Memorial Day celebration kicks off on Saturday at Stone Mountain Park with family-friendly attractions and an all-new Lasershow (now in Mountainvision!), as well as a special patriotic fireworks show in celebration of the brave men and women who serve our country. All active and retired military personnel will receive a FREE Adventure Pass and $10 off tickets for their immediate family members, in addition to other special offers.
More info and directions.
SweetWater Beer Dinner
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Friday, 6 pm. $50.
After meeting and mingling (and enjoying a round of SweetWater Sch’Wheat) on Fleming’s outdoor patio, guests will sit down for a three course dinner of calamari, burgers, and walnut turtle brownies. Each course will be paired with a local SweetWater brew and one of the renowned brew masters will even be on hand to describe the beers as you delight in their deliciousness.
More info and directions.
23rd Annual Decatur Arts Festival
Decatur’s Courthouse Square. Saturday, 10am – 6pm; Sunday, 11am – 6pm. Free.
This month-long celebration of the arts kicked off with the Poster Unveiling back on May 5, but this Memorial Day weekend you can partake in the Kids and Teens Arts Festival, the New Dance Festival, a Silent Auction and perhaps the most anticipated event, the Artists Market. The Artists Market features more than 160 artists selected through a competitive jury process. The market is known for its high quality of artwork and attracts artists from all over the southeast and beyond.
More info and directions.
Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week
Select Downtown Atlanta restaurants. Saturday through June 5. $25+.
One of Atlanta’s most anticipated (and tastiest) culinary events is back this year to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week kicks off this Saturday and will feature tried-and-true favorites as well as new restaurants such as Dantanna’s Downtown and Georgia Peach. Diners will have the opportunity to sample a variety of Atlanta’s finest cuisine and enjoy exclusive 3-course menus all week long. Make your reservation at one of the 25+ participating restaurants today to secure your spot at this year’s DARW, which promises to be one of the best yet.
More info and directions.
Atlanta Jazz Festival
Piedmont Park. Saturday through Monday. Free.
Don’t miss one of the country’s largest free jazz festivals, now in its 34th year, this Memorial Day weekend at Piedmont Park. This showcase features jazz legends and up-and-coming greats in the genre such as the Warren Wolf Quintet, Audrey Shakir, and the local North Atlanta HS Jazz Band. Local artists and food vendors will also be on site all weekend long.
More info and directions.
Brew at the Zoo
Zoo Atlanta. Saturday, 5:30pm – 9:30pm. $35+.
It’s time for the 4th Annual Brew at the Zoo where animal enthusiasts gather for beer, wine, and a wild time! An event ticket gets you admission to the zoo plus unlimited tastings of more than 70 beers and wines, free carousel rides and train rides, and live music from local bands.
More info and directions.
Wish I Was In Destin Block Party
Flip Flops. Friday, 6:30pm – 10:30pm. $15 advance, $20 at the door.
Not going to make it to the beach this Memorial Day weekend? No problem! Start the holiday weekend with a beach-inspired night of partying at Flip Flops, complete with a complimentary drink, great drink specials, music from 3 DJs and a band, and a free raffle at 4 Crescent Avenue bars. Raffle prizes worth more than $500 will be up for grabs, including 2 round trip tickets to Destin, Florida courtesy of Vision Airlines, 2 tickets to Brookhaven Beer Fest on June 11th, and more.
More info and directions.