There might not be a weekend in Atlanta quite like Labor Day. As the annual Dragon Con brings crowds of people downtown, there are plenty of other activities across the city, whether your jam is live music, restaurants, fireworks or Japanese swords. Here are some highlights of fun things to do in Atlanta this Labor Day Weekend 2023.
1 Dragon Con (Thurs. – Mon.)
It’s back. This 5-day extravaganza provides the setting for comic book and sci-fi afficionados to dress up as their favorite characters, and it's a sure source of entertainment. The legendary parade kicks off at 10 am on Saturday, and events are held all weekend at several downtown hotels. Either join the party, or hang out and watch.
2 Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival (Sat., Sept. 2)
Atlanta has played an integral role in the rise of Hip Hop. So there's no better place to celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop music than at this annual festival, held at the Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park on the Atlanta BeltLine. Featured artists include DJ SCREAM of The Big Facts Podcast & DJ Swamp Izzo of Cash Money Records.
3 Whiskey Run (Sat., Sept. 2)
You might rush to finish this race down the Atlanta BeltLine when you learn someone will be waiting for you with whiskey. Choose a 5K, 10K or half marathon and after the race, treat yourself to samples of whiskey, coffee, Icees and sweets at New Realm Brewing Co. Plus, if you opt for the longer run, the route takes you along newer parts of the BeltLine that you might not have seen before.
4 Food and Street Art Tour on the Atlanta BeltLine (Sat., Sept. 2)
Sample from the explosion of restaurants on the Atlanta BeltLine on this food tour hosted by BiteLines Atlanta Food Tours. Starting at Krog Street Market, called “one of the world’s best food halls” by Travel + Leisure, stop at popular neighborhood restaurants to sample the city’s diverse food scene, relax over refreshing margaritas and uncover Atlanta’s vibrant street art along the way.
5 Samurai Exhibition at the High (through Sept. 17)
If you like samurais, this exhibit is for you. The High Museum is showcasing what they call one of the most important collections of samurai armor outside of Japan. You will find more than 150 helmets, swords and other objects spanning almost 9 centuries. There are even complete sets of armor, and as you view the collection, you will learn how they are designed and discover a little about Japanese culture.
6 Atlanta Beltline’s Free Family Fun Club Series (dates vary by location)
Bring your kids or grandkids on a playdate with this free event in parks near the BeltLine’s Westside Trail. There are Parent & Me Playdates, Grandparent & Me Playdates and Learn-2-Ride Bike Club. Dates vary by location, and run beyond Labor Day weekend.
7 Stone Mountain (Sat., Sept. 2 – Mon., Sept. 4)
There is lots to do at Stone Mountain – hike, kayak, play golf, take the cable car to the mountaintop for stunning views, ride the Scenic Railroad and more. This Labor Day weekend, you can also watch aerial stunts by pro bike riders in the BMX Stunt Show, and view the light show and extended fireworks all three nights.
8 Summer in the South Film Festival (Sun., Sept. 3)
Spend the day at Wild Heaven Brewery and Gardens, watching indie films with titles like The Iron Sheik Massacre, Taxidermy Tim and Barely Breathing. You will have a chance to meet the filmmakers, ask them questions and network with professionals in the film industry.
9 Atlanta Black Pride Weekend (Wed. - Mon.)
Called the largest black gay pride celebration in the world, Black Pride Weekend draws an estimated 100,000 people to the city. There are multiple events over the long weekend, including a festival at Piedmont Park on Sunday.
An Atlanta native, Nicole Gustin is the Founder and CEO of BiteLines Atlanta Food Tours, which offers walking food tours on the Atlanta BeltLine. She considers the BeltLine her backyard, and is excited to see how Atlanta is reinventing itself. To sample some of Atlanta's best restaurants and street art, join us on our unforgettable Food Tour on the Atlanta BeltLine. Or bring your fur baby on Barks & Bites: Doggie Crawl on the BeltLine. Follow on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram @bitelinesatl.