Stone Mountain Park’s Memorial Day Weekend

Over Memorial Day Weekend, Stone Mountain Park turns the granite dome just east of Atlanta into a four day getaway built for families and couples. You can spend the day on the one mile walk to the summit or opt for the Scenic Railroad’s five mile loop around the base. Between stops, keep your schedule flexible with crowd favorites like Dinosaur Explore and the Summit Skyride, then plan to shift gears as the park moves into its evening program.

As sunset settles over Stone Mountain Lake, you’ll want to make your way to the Memorial Lawn for the Music Across America Drone and Light Show. Massive projections play across the mountain face while synchronized drones build patterns overhead, delivering a crisp, modern spectacle with the mountain itself as the backdrop. The night closes with a patriotic fireworks finale that honors those who serve, and the atmosphere feels part outdoor festival, part large scale attraction.

For the smoothest experience, arrive before 5:00 PM so you can park and claim a good spot on the lawn. Bring a large blanket or folding chairs for comfortable seating, and leave pets at home since animals are not allowed in attraction areas or on the Memorial Lawn during fireworks. If you plan to walk the mountain, wear sturdy footwear because the granite can be slick when damp; also budget for daily parking at $20 per vehicle, or consider an annual pass if you expect to return.

If you’re staying the full weekend, you can keep everything close by with an RV or tent site at the Stone Mountain Park Campground, or choose the Evergreen Resort or the Stone Mountain Inn for traditional hotel amenities near the trails and lakefront. Private rentals in Stone Mountain Village can work well for groups, and broader area options are easy to compare on Lake.com. Weather can affect the light show and fireworks, so check with park staff on site if conditions force a cancellation; you may bring your own cooler with snacks and non alcoholic drinks, and lawn access for the show is included with an attractions ticket or a dedicated light show ticket.