With Northeast Georgia getting ready to enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend, here is a list of ways you can honor Memorial Day, as well as have some fun:
WEEKEND EVENTS MAY 22-25, 2026
MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS
Event Name: Annual Memorial Day Parade, Gainesville
Event Date & Time: Monday, May 25, 10 a.m.
Event Location: Downtown Gainesville, Green Street, Starting at First Baptist Church, Gainesville
Event Details: Join us for the 22nd Annual Memorial Day Parade in Gainesville, presented by the American Legion Paul E. Bolding Post #7. This parade begins at 10 a.m. on Green Street. This meaningful community tradition honors the heroes who gave their lives in service to our country. This year, we also celebrate the spirit of America 250 as we look ahead to our nation’s 250th anniversary. Get more information by visiting, https://www.facebook.com/share/1AUJ5bRySg/.
Event Name: Memorial Day Ceremony, Sugar Hill
Event Date & Time: Monday, May 25, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Event Location: Downtown Sugar Hill, 5029 W Broad St., Sugar Hill
Event Details: Join the City of Sugar Hill as we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country this Memorial Day. The Memorial Day Ceremony will be held in front of the Veterans Memorial on West Broad St. at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 25. You may also livestream this special observance on the City of Sugar Hill, Georgia Facebook page as the ceremony begins. Find out more online at https://cityofsugarhill.com.
Event Name: Annual Memorial Day Ceremony, Cumming
Event Date & Time: Friday, May 22, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Event Location: Cumming City Center, Lou Sobh Amphitheater, 423 Canton Rd., Cumming
Event Details: Join the City of Cumming for our Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Cumming City Center Lou Sobh Amphitheater. We will honor fallen veterans with new additions to the City’s Avenue of Flags display, hear a keynote address from Tom McDonald (Retired Army Colonel), and more. Event will be held rain or shine; please plan accordingly. Please plan to sit on the amphitheater seat wall or bring your own lawn chair. Details can be found by visiting https://cummingcitycenter.com.
Event Name: Cars and Guitars Festival, Hartwell
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Event Location: Downtown Hartwell, 165 W Franklin St., Hartwell
Event Details: Get ready for Cars & Guitars—Hartwell’s premier car show extravaganza happening Saturday, May 23rd, from 10 AM – 2 PM in Downtown Hartwell! Featuring 100+ classic cars, live music by DJ Tommy Landrum, shopping, food, and vendors, this FREE event is the perfect way to kick off Memorial Day Weekend! Get details at https://www.discoverhartwell.com.
Event Name: Memorial Day Car Show, Dawsonville
Event Date & Time: Friday, May 22, 4 – 8 p.m.
Event Location: Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, 415 Hwy 53 E, Dawsonville
Event Details: Join us for the Annual Memorial Day Car Show held at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. Vendors and food trucks will be on site. Trophies will be given for Top 20, Top Ford, Top GM, Top Mopar, Top Truck, Farthest Travelled, Top Street Rod, Most Original and GRHOF Best In Show. For details, visit www.destinationdawsonville.com.
Event Name: Memorial Day Fireworks, Buford
Event Date & Time: Sunday, May 24 and Monday, May 25, Various Times
Event Location: Lake Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford
Event Details: View the fireworks from Lanier Islands Resort, or from the water! Enjoy live music and entertainment all weekend long as we honor Memorial Day together. Get details at https://www.lanierislands.com/.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Event Name: Bavarian Fest, Helen
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 23, 6 – 11 p.m.
Event Location: Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen
Event Details: We’ll start off the evening with a Color Guard presentation to honor our men and women in the military. Then, experience a bit of Bavaria while you and your family enjoy our Memorial Day weekend celebration at the Festhalle! A live Oompa band, dancing and a festive Bavarian atmosphere help us honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Get details at https://helenchamber.com.
Event Name: Movies Alfresco, Cumming
Event Date & Time: Friday, May 22, 8 – 10 p.m..
Event Location: Cumming City Center, Lou Sobh Amphitheater, 423 Canton Rd., Cumming
Event Details: Whether you’re an avid movie fan or simply looking for a fun night out with friends, our outdoor screenings offer the perfect way to relax. With kid-friendly picks and films the whole family can enjoy, there’s something for everyone. And of course, your favorite snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. This month’s movie will be the animated film “Elio.” Get details at https://cummingcitycenter.com/events/.
CONCERTS
Event Name: North Georgia Winds Concert, Happy 250th Birthday America, Braselton
Event Date & Time: Sunday, May 24, 4 p.m.
Event Location: Braselton Civic Center, 27 E Lake Dr., Braselton
Event Details: The concert will take place at the Braselton Civic Center, and it is free and open to the public—don’t miss it! North Georgia Winds is an ensemble of professional musicians that perform concerts throughout North Georgia for the benefit of the community. Learn more about the ensemble at www.NorthGeorgiaWinds.com.
Event Name: Uncle Kracker, Gainesville
Event Date & Time: Sunday, May 24, 7:30 p.m.
Event Location: The Hall at Bourbon Brothers, 312 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Gainesville
Event Details: Uncle Kracker cuts right to the chase. He knows people want to kick back, forget about their troubles, and have a good time, so he’s always willing to oblige. For over two decades, the multi-platinum artist, born Matthew Shafer has consistently soundtracked such good times with his boldly breezy blend of country, pop, and rock spiked with a splash of hip-hop. Get tickets at www.thehallga.com.
Event Name: Bad Moon Rising, Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival, Dahlonega
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 23, 7:30 p.m.
Event Location: Holly Theater, 69 W Main St., Dahlonega
Event Details: Bad Moon Rising, a Classic Tributes Live band, invites you to take a trip down the Mississippi delta as they pay tribute to arguably the greatest rock band North America ever produced. Get tickets at https://hollytheater.com.
Event Name: The Stranger, Billy Joel Tribute, Cumming
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 23, 8-10 p.m.
Event Location: Cumming City Center, Lou Sobh Amphitheater, 423 Canton Rd., Cumming
Event Details: The Stranger is the most authentic tribute to Billy Joel. Comprised of some of the best and most experienced musicians in the business, this band brings together an authentic replication of Billy’s timeless music, crowning it with soulful, spot-on vocals that makes listening to a Billy Joel song so special. Concerts are free and open to the community. Just bring a blanket or lawn chair. Get more details at https://cummingcitycenter.com/events/.
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