Best Things To Do Labor Day Weekend In Atlanta
There is so much to do in Atlanta this Labor Day weekend; your biggest challenge will likely be finding a way to fit everything into your schedule. There are events throughout the weekend for families and for adults, from arts festivals to the extremely popular Dragon Con. Readers of all ages will want to check out the schedule for the Decatur Book Festival. Finally, if you're in the mood to shop, head to Marietta for the arts festival, where you can find unique works by some of the city's most talented creative minds.
Dragon Con
Hyatt Regency
265 Peachtree St. N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 669-0773
www.dragoncon.org
Dates: Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, 2014
Get your geek on and head downtown to the Hyatt Regency to experience one of the country's biggest science fiction festivals, Dragon Con. The parade on Saturday morning is free, but be advised that you'll want to get there early, especially if you have little ones who can't see over a big crowd. Adults can enjoy late-night events like the Dragon Con Burlesque and the Late Night Puppet Slam. There are also family-friendly events, including a night at the Georgia Aquarium where guests roam the grounds in costumes. Meet your favorite sci fi stars and make a bunch of new friends at this super-popular event.
AJC Decatur Book Festival
Decatur Square
101 E. Court Square
(404) 471-5769
www.decaturbookfestival.com
Dates: Aug. 29-31, 2014
The Decatur Book Festival is the biggest literary event of the year in Atlanta. You can find your favorite authors ready to sign books in person, and there is always a popular keynote speaker. It takes place in Decatur Square, which is easily reached by Marta. There are also several kid-friendly events, even a youth poetry slam and a Children's Parade on opening day. Of course, there is also a poetry slam for adults, and there are plenty of food and drink vendors on site.
Art in the Park
Glover Park – Marietta Square
50 N. Park Square N.E.
Marietta, GA 30060
(770) 794-5601
www.mariettaga.gov
Dates: Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, 2014
There's nothing better than a summer arts festival for shopping and meeting up with friends, and Marietta is a lovely part of town. This festival contains the work of more than 175 artists and also includes family-friendly fare. There will be a chalk art exhibition and plenty of food and drink vendors on hand in addition to the restaurants located around the square. There will also be walking tours of the area. The fest runs Saturday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Atlanta Black Pride Weekend
Traxx Atlanta
708 Spring St.
Atlanta, GA 30308
(866) 602-5533
www.atlantaprideweekend.com
Dates: Aug. 27 – Sept. 1, 2014
Labor Day weekend will be full of fun events for Atlanta's African-American gay community. It is the time to see and be seen all around town, with events like the Atl Pride Mixer at the Georgian Terrace and the Annual Strip Her at the Legendary MSR. There is also a comedy show and a Ladies of Literature event. Of course, Piedmont Park is getting in on the action with the Annual Pureheat Community Festival on Sunday, and there will be a Soulfood Poetry Slam Jazz Brunch also on Sunday at the Georgian Terrace.
Big Peach Sizzler 10K
Chamblee Marta Station
5200 New Peachtree Road
Chamblee, GA 30341
(678) 895-2631
www.milesforcf.org
Date: Sept. 1, 2014
If you want to work off those calories consumed at barbecues over the weekend, consider signing up for the Big Peach Sizzler 10K on Monday morning. It's the active way to get your Labor Day off to a great start, and it benefits a charity that focuses on Cystic Fibrosis. Of course, there is a massive party at the end of the race, too! It's also one of the qualifying races for the 2015 Peachtree Road Race. The race starts at the Chamblee Marta Station and finishes at the Buckhead Station Shopping Center.
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Keely Herrick is a freelance writer. Her work can be found on Examiner.com. "
