Labor Day weekend is here, which means Atlanta is basically giving everyone one last excuse to have some fun before summer officially starts winding down. From Dragon Con and free festivals to football, art, theater, and plenty of live entertainment, there is no shortage of things to do around the city this weekend.
September 4
Dragon Con
One of Atlanta’s biggest annual events is back for its 40th anniversary! Dragon Con takes over Downtown Atlanta from September 3–7 with cosplay, gaming, comics, celebrities, panels, workshops, and just about every corner of pop culture you can think of. Even if you aren’t attending the convention, the famous parade on Saturday is free to watch.
More information:
https://www.dragoncon.org/
Hamilton
The Tony Award-winning musical Hamilton is back in Atlanta at the Fox Theatre. The show combines hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and Broadway to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton, and performances continue through September 20.
More information:
https://www.foxtheatre.org/
Georgia Tech vs. Colorado
College football is officially back in Atlanta! Georgia Tech opens its season Thursday night against Colorado at Bobby Dodd Stadium. If you’re a football fan, this is a pretty exciting way to kick off Labor Day weekend.
More information:
https://ramblinwreck.com/
September 5
Dragon Con Parade (FREE)
Even if you don’t have a Dragon Con badge, you can still experience one of Atlanta’s most entertaining Labor Day weekend traditions. The Dragon Con Parade starts at 10 a.m. and features thousands of cosplayers making their way down Peachtree Street. Expect superheroes, anime characters, fantasy costumes, and plenty of very creative outfits.
More information:
https://www.dragoncon.org/
Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival (FREE)
Atlanta Hip Hop Day returns to Historic Fourth Ward Park for a free two-day celebration of Atlanta’s hip-hop culture. Expect live performances, local vendors, food, art, and plenty of Atlanta pride throughout the weekend.
More information:
https://www.atlantahiphopday.com/
Marietta Art in the Park (FREE)
Head over to Marietta Square for this annual Labor Day weekend arts festival featuring around 200 artists, live music, food, a kids’ zone, and the popular Chalk Spot. It’s a great option if you want to spend the day outside and support local artists.
More information:
https://www.mariettaartinthepark.com/
Georgia State vs. North Carolina A&T
Georgia State football is back! The Panthers take on North Carolina A&T at Center Parc Stadium on Friday night. If you want to catch some college football without leaving Atlanta, this is an easy weekend option.
More information:
https://georgiastatesports.com/
Auburn vs. Baylor – Aflac Kickoff Game
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is hosting a major college football matchup Saturday afternoon when Auburn takes on Baylor in the annual Aflac Kickoff Game. Even if you’re not an Auburn or Baylor fan, the atmosphere downtown should be hard to miss.
More information:
https://www.mercedesbenzstadium.com/
September 6
House in the Park Music Festival
Spend Sunday afternoon in Grant Park at House in the Park, an annual Atlanta music festival celebrating house music and the city’s dance culture. The lineup includes DJs and artists like Ramon Rawsoul, Kai Alce, Salah Ananse, and DJ Kemit.
More information:
https://houseinthepark.com/
ATL Labor Day Classic
Morehouse and Clark Atlanta University face off in the inaugural ATL Labor Day Classic at B.T. Harvey Stadium. It’s a brand-new Atlanta football tradition and a fun way to spend Sunday supporting two historic HBCUs.
More information:
https://morehouseathletics.com/
WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event
Wrestling fans have a big night ahead at State Farm Arena as WWE’s Sunday Night’s Main Event comes to Atlanta. The televised event features several major WWE stars and will also include a live performance from Quavo.
More information:
https://www.statefarmarena.com/events
Senoia Porchfest (FREE)
Take a little trip outside Atlanta for Senoia Porchfest, where local musicians perform on porches and neighborhood stages throughout downtown Senoia. The free festival runs from 3–10 p.m. and features 27 stages of live music.
More information:
https://www.senoia.com/
Also Happening This Weekend
Stone Mountain Labor Day Weekend
Stone Mountain Park is celebrating Labor Day weekend with daytime entertainment, an aerial acrobatic show, and the classic Lasershow followed by fireworks at night. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a full day of activities outside the city.
More information:
https://www.stonemountainpark.com/
Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival
If you’re up for a little road trip, Callaway Gardens is hosting its annual Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival through Sunday. The weekend includes hot air balloons, a nighttime Balloon Glow, fireworks, and family-friendly activities.
More information:
https://www.callawaygardens.com/
Museums on Us (FREE)
Bank of America cardholders can receive free general admission to participating museums across Georgia September 5–6. Atlanta-area participating locations include the High Museum of Art, Atlanta History Center, and Center for Civil and Human Rights.
More information:
https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us
If you want to stay right in Atlanta, Dragon Con, Atlanta Hip Hop Day, the Aflac Kickoff Game, House in the Park, and the ATL Labor Day Classic are some of the biggest things happening this weekend. And if you’re looking for something free, the Dragon Con Parade, Marietta Art in the Park, Atlanta Hip Hop Day, and Senoia Porchfest are all great options.
