Need a little Atlanta staycation inspiration?
Are you ready for the long weekend, but need a little vacation inspiration for Memorial Day? Then keep reading to see what you can do right here in the Atlanta area for Memorial Day Weekend 2025. I’ve found 5 events happening from Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26 to jog your noggin and make the most of this three-day weekend. So don’t get caught up in FOMO and the endless scroll this Memorial Day Weekend – get out there and start doing things!
MomoCon - Thursday, May 22 - Sunday, May 25
Are you a self-described anime nerd, manga geek, or cosplay freak? Then you’ve probably already been attending MomoCon for years. For those who are more casual fans of Japanese cultural exports, consider donning your best Sailor suit to spend the weekend in downtown Atlanta immersed in anime culture. If you’ve never been to a convention before, you can expect programming like informational and Q&A panels, meet-and-greets with anime voice actors, plenty of niche vendors, workshops, live entertainment (including V-Tubers), and all kinds of gaming from table-top games to LAN parties. This event is perfect for those who sunburn easily or prefer to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend inside with the a/c on full blast.
MomoCon is a ticketed event intended for all ages. You can purchase a day pass for $50-65 or a 4-day pass for $105. Children aged 9 and under can attend for free when accompanied by an adult. Sound like your thing? Click here for more information about MomoCon.
When: Starts at 2:00 PM on Thursday and ends at 5:00 PM on Sunday
Where: Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta GA, 30313
Atlanta Jazz Festival - Saturday, May 24 - Monday, May 26
The 48th Annual Jazz Festival is a sure bet for those who love live music. Performances include jazz superstars like Dianne Reeves and Ravi Coltrane, just to name a few headliners. If you aren’t familiar with the lineup, you can check out the Spotify playlist above to brush up on your jazz. You can even get a glimpse of the method behind the madness by participating in the jazz workshops held at Park Tavern. There will also be an artist market and a food and drink market. The best part about Jazz Fest? It’s FREE and open to the public! If you want an elevated experience, you can purchase a VIP day pass that includes access to VIP sections with premium seating, complimentary food and beverage, and private restrooms. Parking is limited, so I highly recommend taking MARTA and commuting to Piedmont Park from Midtown or Arts Center. Click here for more information about the 48th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival.
When: 1:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
Where: Piedmont Park, Atlanta GA, 30306
Shipwreck Party at Lanier Islands - Saturday, May 24
Nothing says Memorial Day Weekend like a little fun on the water. Bring the sunscreen and a tri-corner hat for this pirate-themed party that’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy at Lake Lanier! Why not make a whole weekend of it? Lanier Islands offers vacation packages that include accommodations, water park tickets, and access to resort amenities. Click here to see vacation packages at Lanier Islands. You can also go camping, glamping, or stay in a cabin at Camp Margaritaville after a day of swimming and boating on the lake (don’t forget your life jacket!). Click here to plan a stay at Margaritaville Lake Lanier.
When: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Lanier Islands resort
Opening Weekend at Piedmont Park Pool - Sunday, May 25
Are you on a strict budget? After attending the Atlanta Jazz Festival on Saturday, come back to Piedmont Park on Sunday for the opening day of the pool at Piedmont Park! Admission is $5 per person and free swim hours will be from 3:00 – 5:00 PM on Monday, May 26. Click here for more information about the Piedmont Park pool.
When: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Where: Piedmont Park, Atlanta GA, 30309
Memorial Day Weekend at Stone Mountain - Friday, May 23 - Monday, May 26
Hike, explore, and enjoy Stone Mountain this weekend for a family-friendly staycation right next to Atlanta. Don’t forget to stay a little after the park closes for fireworks and the Music Across America drone show. With performances by the 116th U.S. Army band on Saturday and Sunday, this might be the most themed event of this whole list. Active-duty, veterans, and retired military members will receive one free ticket with a valid military ID. Click here to learn more about the Memorial Day Weekend activities at Stone Mountain.
When: 10:30 – 9:00 PM, light show at 9:30 PM
Where: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
