Apharetta Gears Up for Virtual and Live Memorial Weekend Events

From watching a livestream Memorial Day service to strolling a Streetfest, you can find things to do in Alpharetta this weekend.

Pre-pandemic Memorial Day on the Square in AlpharettaPhoto by author

Cities across Georgia are coming back to life, and Alpharetta is no exception. With more people fully vaccinated and Governor Brian Kemp’s executive order lifting most of the state’s remaining coronavirus restrictions, plans for Memorial weekend celebrations are ramping up.

To be sure, there are still some lingering effects of the pandemic. Alpharetta’s Memorial Day tribute will be virtual, as it was last year, due to Covid.

The City of Alpharetta and the Rotary Club of Alpharetta are hosting the ceremony, which will be live-streamed on Monday, May 31, at 9 a.m. You can tune in at https://youtu.be/L4DkvDbskyU.

But if you’re chomping at the bit to get out and about after a year and a half of lockdowns, there are plenty of live events to attend.

Those who like arts and crafts can browse artworks and other hand-crafted products at the Alpharetta Arts Streetfest May 29-30. On Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, more than 100 artists from across the U.S. will be at The Grove at Wills Park, located behind the Alpharetta Community Center.

Artists will be featuring a wide variety of mediums including mixed media, photography, pottery, jewelry, textiles, glass, wood, metal and paper art.

And the kids aren’t being left out. There will be free hands-on activities for children.

Festival goers can stroll through the outdoor gallery, meeting the artists and shopping, but are asked to maintain proper social distancing with masks requested but not required.

Following CDC guidelines, organizers will provide extra space between artists’ booths and hand sanitizing stations will be paced throughout the streetfest.

A festival wouldn’t be a festival without plenty to eat and drink, and food vendors will also be adhering to strict health rules.

The activities will be held rain or shine, although the forecast is for sunshine and warm temperatures.

Another event to honor those who have served our country is the Walk of Memories located at American Legion Post 201.

According to the Legion, this memorial is “the only one of its kind in Georgia,” and pays tribute to U.S. veterans, family and friends through a walkway of nearly 8,000 bricks inscribed with the names of Georgians who have served our country.

American Legion Honors Veterans:photo by author

A World War M60 tank weighing 93,000 pounds, a Vietnam-era UH-1 Huey helicopter flown during the 1968 offensive in the Republic of Vietnam, and a 40mm Mark 1 twin gun mount removed from the USS Polk Country are all on display for the walk.

Several recurring events will also be part of the Memorial Day weekend.

Downtown visitors can browse the Alpharetta Farmers Market on May 29 from 8:30 – 12:00 pm. at the Town Green by Alpharetta City Hall.

And if you're in the mood for music, another recurring event is Avalon Nights Live, located in the Avalon Plaza, the central green space in front of Regal Cinemas.

Avalon Plaza:photo by author

Friday, May 29 from 6 pm to 8 pm, Bumpin’ the Mango, billed as Atlanta’s top “funk and soul” band, will liven the plaza and draw out the dancers.

It’s free, and people are encouraged to bring their own tailgate chairs and maintain social distance between groups.

Although coolers aren’t allowed, an event bar will be set up & operating out of the back of Avalon's Concierge.

With music, food, memorials, artists, and a prediction of good weather, Alpharetta activities provide a chance to recognize our veterans and celebrate summer. So stay safe, stay healthy, and enjoy the celebration.

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