Memorial Day 2017: Events Abound Around Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA -- Memorial Day has always been a special time in the country, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle to remember those who have served the United States as a member of the military. Families have frequently used the day to commemorate the armed forces and visit the historic sites and landmarks from wars past in the area, there are many ways to spend Memorial Day weekend.

Several events abound around Atlanta for the holiday weekend, including a number of entertainment-related activities. SIGN UP: To get notified of more local news like this, click here to sign up for the Atlanta Patch. Or find your Atlanta-area town here. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.

While the Jazz Festival in Midtown will be one of the largest, there are plenty of smaller events around the city as well. Here are some events that will draw large crowds to Atlanta for Memorial Day Weekend.

Atlanta Jazz Festival: Check out one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country this weekend at Piedmont Park. Heavy crowds are expected at the event, which has been going strong now for over 35 years. The hours are Friday: 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Piedmont Park 400 Park Drive Northeast Atlanta, GA 30309.

Momocon: Tens of thousands of comic book, anime and video game fans are in town this weekend for Momocon 2017, one of the largest events of its kind in the United States. If you see a strangely dressed man or woman downtown, it may well be a cosplayer. The four-day event ends Sunday, May 28. Georgia World Congress Center285 International Blvd, NW Atlanta, GA 30313-1591.

Atlanta Game Fest: Game enthusiasts from around the nation are gathering at the Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center in Dunwoody for the Atlanta Game Fest. The event, filled with boardgames and fun, began Thursday, May 25 and will wrap up Monday, May 29.

Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Parade: The free annual Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Parade will span two miles, inviting participants to indulge in the sounds of soca and dance through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Noon. May 27. Civic Center Marta Station, 435 West Peachtree St., Atlanta. Atlantacarnival.org.

Brew At The Zoo: On Saturday, May 27 from 4:30 to 10 p.m., Zoo Atlanta will hosts its annual unlimited sampling of over 70 beers and wines, live music on five stages, and more in the home of over 1,000 animals from around the world. Zoo Atlanta 800 Cherokee AveAtlanta, GA 30315.

“I Survived I-85 Party”: Sweetwater Brewery is so happy with the completion of the Interstate 85 bridge repair that it is throwing an “I Survived I-85 Party” on Friday, May 26. Tickets to the party, live concert and brewery tour are $12. 4:20 p.m.-7 p.m. May 26. $12-$25. SweetWater Brewing Company, 195 Ottley Drive, Atlanta. Xorbia.com.

Chris Rock's "Total Blackout" tour: Comedian Chris Rock will be in Atlanta performing at the Fox Theatre all Memorial Day weekend. He has a show on three consecutive nights, beginning Friday, May 26 at 7 p.m. through the 28th at the Fox Theatre. The comic is on his “Total Blackout” tour. 7 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday. May 27-28. $65.60 - $144.95. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. Foxtheatre.org.

City of Dunwoody Memorial Day Tribute. Dunwoody will host a ceremony honoring fallen soldiers at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, May 29. Free. Brook Run Park. 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody. 678-382-6700. www.dunwoodyga.gov.

Image via Discover DeKalb