Make your Labor Day weekend in metro Atlanta count: Parties, house music and family-friendly fun
Are you ready for an epic Labor Day weekend? From festivals and food pop-ups to parades, parties and family-friendly fun, here are 10 can’t-miss events everyone will enjoy.
Dragon Con
Known as one of the largest pop culture conventions in the world, Dragon Con is taking over five downtown Atlanta host hotels with epic cosplay, celebrity panels, gaming, film screenings and a free parade that will shut down Peachtree Street.
Location: Downtown Atlanta; Date: August 28-September 1; Admission: $35 and up; Time: Times vary, see website; Website: dragoncon.org
Atlanta Black Pride Weekend
Celebrate Black pride in Atlanta this Labor Day weekend with dozens of parades, parties, concerts, brunches and more.
Location: Metro Atlanta area; Date: August 28-September 1; Admission: Free; Time: Times vary, see website; Website: atlantaprideweekend.com
Bubble Planet Experience
This immersive experience takes bubbles to the next level with interactive installations at Exhibition Hub Atlanta Art Center. Step inside various themed rooms, explore VR technology and enjoy lots of hands-on fun with the whole family.
Location: Doraville - 5660 Buford Hwy NE; Date: August 28-November 30; Admission: $23.90 and up; Time: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Sun-Thur); 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Fri-Sat); Website: bubble-planet.com
Ludacris’ Chicken and Beer Labor Day Pop-Up
Ludacris is bringing his iconic Chicken and Beer to life with a special pop-up at One Flew South. This event is perfect if you’re looking for a spot to enjoy good food, drinks and music.
Location: Atlanta BeltLine - 670 DeKalb Ave NE; Date: August 29-31; Admission: Free; Time: 3-11 p.m.; Website: opentable.com
Pioneer Days Festival
This family-friendly Labor Day tradition is packed with arts and crafts, carnival rides, fair food and plenty of games to keep the fun going all weekend long.
Location: Cartersville - 1155 Douthit Ferry Rd; Date: August 29-Sept 1; Admission: $10, Free (10 and younger); Time: 4-11 p.m. (Fri); Noon to 11 p.m. (Sat-Sun); Noon to 10 p.m. (Mon); Website: pioneerdaysgeorgia.com
Glow in the Dark Foam Party
Start your night at Knock Music House for a one-of-a-kind foam party. Enjoy happy hour specials, glow stations featuring jewelry, temporary tattoos and more.
Location: Buckhead - 1789 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE; Date: August 30; Admission: $17 and up; Time: 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.; Website: eventbrite.com
TinyCON
Bring the kids in costumes to meet their favorite characters and explore hands-on activities at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. From arts and crafts to interactive games and photo ops, this is a great way to spend time with the family or get out of the house.
Location: Downtown Atlanta - 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW; Date: August 30-31; Admission: $10 for members, $25 for non-members; Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Website: childrensmuseumatlanta.org
Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival
This free two-day festival will showcase local and national artists and celebrate all things hip-hop at Historic Fourth Ward Park. Expect live performances, dance battles, food, arts and more.
Location: Old Fourth Ward - 680 Dallas St NE; Date: August 30-31; Admission: Free; Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Website: eventbrite.com
Cocktail Class at ASW
Learn the basics of bartending while creating three tasty cocktails at your own bar station at this cocktail class at ASW Distillery. This is perfect if you’re looking for a fun outing with the girls, your friends or even a date.
Location: Cobb - 900 Battery Ave SE; Date: August 31; Admission: $50; Time: 2-3:30 p.m.; Website: exploretock.com
House in the Park
House music lovers, this one’s for you. This festival is an all-day outdoor dance party at Grant Park’s recreation center featuring live DJs Kai Alce, Kemit, Salah Ananse and Ramon Rawsoul.
Location: Grant Park - 537 Park Avenue SE; Date: August 31; Admission: $20; Time: Noon to 8 p.m.; Website: houseinthepark.org
20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in September