It's finally warm enough to begin enjoying some of the awesome outdoor activities that come along with summer in Atlanta. Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to kick off the season at one of Atlanta's nearby lakes or hop in the river and "Shoot the 'Hooch!"

Need another way to cool off from the summer heat? Visit one of the Atlanta area aquatic centers, run with the kids through a splash fountain, or scope out a public pool to take a dip!

Outdoor movies are a seasonal favorite in Atlanta! There are free outdoor movies all around the metro area, and it's so fun to pack a picnic and sit under the stars while watching one of your favorite flicks.

What do you look forward to most during Atlanta summers?

There's still time to get tickets for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, happening May 31 - June 2 in Midtown. This is the food-lover's event of the year, with three days of educational classes, tasting tents, chef-hosted dinners, and more.

There are a wide range of packages and experiences available, with tasting tent tickets being the most affordable at $100. The tasting tents include unlimited sampling, with a wide variety of tasty bits, wine, beer and spirits available - so it's not like some other festivals where you pay per taste or use tickets.

In past years, the food has been fabulous. This is a must-go festival for Atlanta food fans! Get your tickets online.

This weekend, head on down to Bouckaert Farms, just 30 minutes south of Atlanta, for the first ever Chattahoochee Hills Country International Horse Trials. The three-day horse triathlon will feature amateur, professional and international athletes, and will even give you a chance to see some Olympian competitors!

The main attraction is three days of grueling competition that tests the training, ability, and strength of a horse, along with the connection between horse and rider. If you need a break from the horses, check out the other fun activities at the festival, including a shopping bazaar, food trucks, a beer garden, a kid zone, bars, rider meet and greets, and more. On Saturday night, festival goers are invited to enjoy a bonfire and live music performances.

Tickets start at just $11 for adults, $3 for kids. Get more information and purchase advance tickets online.

Photo via Facebook

Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner! As usual, Atlanta will be full of fun events to entertain you during the long weekend. Jazz Fest returns to Piedmont Park, the always-popular Brew at the Zoo takes place at Zoo Atlanta, and across the metro area people gather to celebrate America's soldiers.

Take a look at some of the best Memorial Day Weekend events in Atlanta.

Pictured: Salute to the Troops at Stone Mountain Park