Discover 23+ fun Atlanta Labor Day weekend activities and ideas! This year, Labor Day is on Monday, September 4, 2023. Make the most of the holiday with the fun ideas in this post!
From festivals and concerts to live theatre, the beloved Dragon Con event in Downtown Atlanta, and delicious food-centric events – there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Labor Day in Atlanta!
Additionally, read on to learn more about the history and significance of Labor Day.
A few of our favorite Labor Day activities in Atlanta:
Read on for more details on these events, and other activities!
- Explore sci-fi and fantasy at Dragon Con
- Celebrate Atlanta Black Pride
- Attend an outdoor music festival or concert
- See a hilarious Shakespeare performance
- Taste your way through Atlanta’s best restaurants
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Unique Labor Day Atlanta activities and events
- Labor Day events in Atlanta for foodies, music lovers, sports fans, and more
- Atlanta activities for Saturday, Sunday, & Monday of Labor Day weekend
- Labor Day festivals, concerts, sporting events, and more
- Labor Day ideas for families, couples, friends, and solo activities
Watch the Video: Labor Day Weekend Ideas in Atlanta!
Festivals & Events on Labor Day Weekend
1. Explore Other Worlds at Dragon Con
August 31, 2023 – September 4, 2023
This can’t-miss festival draws tens of thousands of attendees each year. That’s because Dragon Con is “the largest multi-genre and pop culture convention focusing on science fiction & fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe!” Additionally, Dragon Con is a fascinating people-watching experience, as many attendees show up in cosplay attire.
Dragon Con began in 1987, and it’s become a beloved Atlanta Labor Day tradition. The event includes a massive parade, celebrity panels, performances, workshops, contests, an art show, vendors, and so much more. Explore Dragon Con and purchase your tickets!
2. Taste the Flavors of the South at Taste of Soul Atlanta
September 2-3, 2023
Taking place across from Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Taste of Soul Atlanta food festival is a “must” for Atlanta foodies! This street festival is filled with Soul and Southern food, live music, art, urban winemakers, and more.
Additionally, this family-friendly festival is free to attend! Get event details for this amazing Atlanta event!
3. Celebrate Atlanta Black Pride
August 30, 2023 – September 5, 2023
Join the largest Black Pride event in the country! This festival aims to unite the LGBTQIA+ communities along with friends, families, and supporters.
At this week-long celebration, there will be 25+ events, a variety of workshops, celebrity hosts and performances, a comedy show, brunches, and much more! Learn more here.
4. Get Moving at Whiskey Run Atlanta
September 2, 2023
This one’s for Atlanta’s runners! Get sweating at one of the city’s most exciting community races, the Whiskey Run Atlanta.
Join this end-of-summer run along Atlanta’s Eastside Beltline with options of a half marathon, 10k, or 5k! Starting at New Realm Brewing Company, runners and walkers from 19 and under to 70 and older are invited to participate.
Each finisher gets a Whiskey Run t-shirt and event medal. For attendees 21 years or older, continue the fun post race with whiskey samplings and pairings for a taste of the race’s namesake! Learn more here.
5. Attend Marietta’s Art in the Park Event
September 2-4, 2023
This annual Labor Day festival takes place in historic Marietta Square. More than 45,000 guests will gather to enjoy and celebrate art in all its forms. Browse a spacious artist market with works by more than 175 artists from across the U.S. You can also enjoy artist demonstrations, the Children’s Art Alley, a Chalk Spot street display, and more.
Proceeds from the festival support Marietta City Schools and Cobb County Schools. Moreover, this event is consistently recognized as a “Top 20 Event” by the Southeast Tourism Society! Get the scoop on Art in the Park here.
6. Catch Viewings at the Summer in the South Film Festival
September 3, 2023
Labor Day weekend in Atlanta is also home to the Summer in the South Film Festival. This celebration of cinema welcomes independent filmmakers and fans alike!
The Summer in the South Film Festival features independent film screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, live panels featuring industry professionals, networking opportunities, and more! Each year, this all-day event is held at Wild Heaven West End Brewery & Gardens. Get tickets and view the full event schedule.
Concerts: Labor Day Weekend in Atlanta
7. Attend the ATLWKNRD Festival
August 31, 2023 – September 4, 2023
Groove to the smooth sounds of Soul, House, Afro music, and more! Join the 12th annual ATLWKNDR festival for five days of non-stop music.
Attracting thousands of festival-goers each year, The Atlanta Weekender festival is centered in the Edgewood Club District in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. The event is curated by the same masterminds behind Atlanta’s House In The Park festival and features over 40 DJs.
Music lovers of all ages can attend ATLWKNDR with a one-day pass or all five days. Plus, be sure to check out the event’s signature merch! Learn more here.
8. Experience the Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival
September 2-3, 2023
Head to Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward Skate Park for an immersive day into Atlanta’s Hip Hop scene! This two-day festival celebrates 50 years of Hip Hop and all the elements of Atlanta’s influence upon the genre.
During the festival, experience live performances from the industry’s biggest names and up-and-coming artists. Additionally, explore vendor booths full of merch, or upgrade to the festival’s VIP areas. Learn more about this free, all-ages festival and celebrate Atlanta Hip Hop Day in the city!
9. Get Mellow at Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute
September 2, 2023
Groove to the smooth sounds of The Beach Boys and other surf music at the Sail On Tribute event! You’re sure to have a great time during this beach-inspired concert at the Strand Theatre in Marietta, GA!
With over 80 shows a year, “Sail On is the most booked Beach Boys Tribute in the world!” Playing all the Beach Boys classic hits, a few songs from the extended catalog, and more, this a must-attend Labor Day Weekend concert to attend in Atlanta for Beach Boys fans! Learn more here.
10. Experience the Australian Pink Floyd Show
September 2, 2023
For rock and roll fans, head to the outdoor Cadence Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park for a chill evening featuring the sounds of Pink Floyd! This show is described as “the biggest and most spectacular Pink Floyd Show on the planet!”
The Australian Pink Floyd show has sold more than four million tickets to concerts across 35 countries. In fact, they’re so talented that David Gilmour (the voice and guitar behind Pink Floyd) even booked this act to perform at his 50th birthday celebration! Learn more and get tickets here.
11. Feel the beat at the House In The Park Festival
September 3, 2023
The House In The Park festival is a must-attend Atlanta music scene event. Going strong since 2005, the event features a range of house music from local, regional, and international artists.
At this one-day event, join over 15,000 house music fans in Atlanta’s Grant Park. Featuring DJs Kai Alce, DJ Kemit, Salah Ananse, Ramon Rawsoul, and more, hear the best of the House music genre. View festival details and ticket options here for this rain-or-shine Atlanta Labor Day weekend music event!
12. Have Fun at the El Pum Pum Latin Festival
September 3, 2023
Move to the beats of Reggaeton and Latin music at the El Pum Pum Latin Festival hosted at Lakewood Amphitheater. This festival is an all-ages event featuring the hottest Latin artists of today.
Check out the festival’s lineup showcasing music from these artists and more:
- Chencho Corleone
- El Alfa
- Zion & Lennox
- Jowell y Randy
- Jay Wheeler
- Nio Garcia
- Ryan Castro
- DJ Nelson
Enjoy your favorite artists and the end of summer at this hit Atlanta outdoor music venue. Secure festival tickets and learn more here.
13. Control the Set List at Aux Cord Wars Live
September 3, 2023
For an even more immersive music event, attend Atlanta’s Aux Cord Wars Live. Featuring the sounds of Hip Hop, Rap, R&B, and more, be part of this two-hour show by picking which songs you want to hear!
Hosted by entertainers Jay Dukes and Trizzy, Aux Cord Wars allows you to the control the music. Play the songs you want to hear for the audience and get the chance to win cash and prizes on the spot. Hosted at Center State in Midtown Atlanta, this Labor Day weekend show is a fun and unique hang!
14. More Concerts to Explore
Explore more live music concerts happening Labor Day Weekend 2023 in Atlanta:
- Sept. 1, 2023: Ebb & Flow at Eddie’s Attic
- Sept. 2, 2023: 5 Seconds Of Summer at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
- Sept. 4, 2023: Tiwa Savage at the Buckhead Theatre
- Sept. 4, 2023: David Kushner at Terminal West
- Sept. 5, 2023: Madonna with Bob the Drag Queen at State Farm Arena
- Sept. 5, 2023: Bowling for Soup at The Masquerade
- Sept. 5 2023: Yoke Lore at Variety Playhouse
- Sept. 5, 2023: Asking Alexandria & The HU at The Eastern
Atlanta Sports Games Around Labor Day Weekend
15. Catch a Braves Game at Truist Park
You can’t end a summer in Atlanta without seeing a Braves game! Head to Truist Park to cheer on the home team. While you’re in the area, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to visit nearby at The Battery. Browse Braves tickets here.
Around Labor Day weekend 2023, the Atlanta Braves will play home games on:
- Wednesday, August 23 – vs. New York Mets
- Tuesday, Sept. 5 – vs. St. Louis Cardinals
- Wednesday, Sept. 6 – vs. St. Louis Cardinals
- Thursday, Sept. 7 – vs. St. Louis Cardinals
- Friday, Sept. 8 – vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
- Saturday, Sept. 9 – vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
- Sunday, Sept. 10 – vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
16. Watch the Atlanta Dream take on Phoenix and Minnesota
August 29, 2023 & September 1, 2023
Or, attend the Atlanta Dream games taking place around Labor Day weekend in Atlanta and away!
Cheer on Atlanta’s WNBA team as they take on Phoenix Mercury at Gateway Center Arena. This home game will take place on August 29th. Or, go with the team to play against the Minnesota Lynx at Target Center on September 1st.
Whether home or away, feel the energy of Atlanta during these Labor Day games!
17. Cheer on Atlanta United FC
August 30, 2023 & September 2, 2023
More of a soccer fan? Look no further than Atlanta’s own Atlanta United FC!
Cheer on Atlanta’s home team as they play against FC Cincinnati at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 30th. As part of the MLS team’s seventh season, join thousands of other fans to cheer the players to a win. View tickets here.
For United super fans, travel with the team labor day weekend to face off FC Dallas in Texas on September 2nd!
18. Root for the Yellowjackets in the 2023 Aflac Kickoff Game
September 1, 2023
On September 1st, watch the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets take on the Louisville Cardinals in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This game will kick off the two team’s seasons as part of the ACC conference.
This year will mark only the third time these two teams have only ever faced off. So far, the Yellowjackets hold a 2-0 win advantage over the Cardinals.
Root for the Yellowjackets live at the game in Atlanta or watch from a local bar on ESPN or ABC!
Unique Labor Day Weekend Ideas
19. Get Outside with a Walking Tour of Atlanta
September 1-3, 2023 on Labor Day Weekend 2023
Tours offered several days per week year-round!
Play “tourist” in your hometown (or entertain guests) with a walking tour of Atlanta! Unexpected Atlanta offers two tours to choose from. On the Grant Park Past & Future Food Walk, you’ll taste 8 Southern-inspired dishes at 3 local food stops. Along the way, you’ll make new friends as you explore one of Atlanta’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods! This tour includes 1.2 miles of easy walking, including a stroll through Historic Oakland Cemetery.
Alternatively, choose the King Historic District Tour to get an in-depth look at the people and locations that inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. There is no doubt that the labor movement is intertwined with the struggle for Civil Rights and the ongoing fight for equity. On this tour, you’ll be inspired to take action to continue Dr. King’s incredible legacy. Named by Conde Nast as one of the 17 best things to do in Atlanta!
20. See the (Abridged) Complete Works of William Shakespeare
August 5-September 3, 2023
Head to the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse to catch a “hilarious, high-speed romp through all 37 of the Bard’s plays (and 154 sonnets) in two hours!” During the performance, three talented actors will tackle a wide variety of roles while taking you on a wild theatre journey.
Don’t forget to arrive early! That’s because food and drinks are available for purchase at the tavern starting 75 minutes before each show (but refreshments close 10 minutes before showtime). Get your Shakespeare tickets here!
21. Take a Day Trip Someplace Unexpected
This Labor Day, why not skip the crowds and visit someplace a little more off-the-beaten path?
Day Trip Ideas from Atlanta
- Providence Canyon – hike around “Georgia’s little Grand Canyon!”
- Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden – explore this folk art destination for the day – or extend your day trip with a stay in one of their on-site suites.
- Columbus, GA – bike or stroll along the river walk, or take on a whitewater rafting adventure! Grab a cup of coffee at Iron Bank Coffee Co. and head to the Columbus Museum for a taste of art and history.
22. Be Mesmerized by a Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens
September 1-3, 2023
Light up your Labor Day by heading to Callaway Gardens for a hot air balloon festival! During this fun, weekend-long event, hot air balloons will light up the sky of Robin Lake Beach. Then, a fireworks display will dazzle the family.
Additionally, Callaway Gardens offers putt-putt golf, waterfront fun at Robin Lake Beach, a floating obstacle course, a butterfly center, “Birds of Prey” show, and more! Learn more and buy your ticket.
23. Go Camping with Friends or Family
September 1-3, 2023
You don’t have to go far outside of Atlanta to find fantastic camping spots. In fact, there are many spots within an hour of the city to enjoy scenic views and find an escape from the busy streets.
Check out these camping spots for a long weekend in Georgia’s natural world:
- Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain, GA
- Red Top Mountain State Park in Acworth, GA
- Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, GA
- High Falls State Park in Jackson, GA
A Brief History: What is Labor Day?
Before you celebrate, learn the history of this holiday. According to the U.S. Department of Labor:
“Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.”
The first Labor Day parade was held on September 5, 1882, in New York City (pictured above, via Wikimedia Commons). That’s when thousands of workers marched in a parade from City Hall to Union Square to advocate for safer and more fair working conditions. The day’s events also included a speeches, a concert, and a picnic.
More than a decade later, Labor Day became a federal holiday on June 28, 1894. That’s when Congress passed an act to make the first Monday in September of each year Labor Day.
Labor Day is a fun holiday to enjoy – but it’s important to remember its origins, too. For hundreds of years, organized labor unions in the U.S. have fought for more livable wages, reasonable working hours, safe working conditions, and protections for workers.
Each year, many Americans celebrate Labor Day with parades, picnics, and parties. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to use the holiday as a time to consider steps toward unionization and collective bargaining. (For more information on this, check out the Economic Policy Institute’s unionization data!)
Lastly, Labor Day is often thought of as the unofficial end of summer – even though fall officially begins a few weeks later, on September 23, 2023.
FAQs: Labor Day in Atlanta 2023
1. What is the typical weather during Labor Day weekend in Atlanta?
Atlanta typically experiences hot days and warm nights during late August and early September. The day’s high temperatures average from 75 degrees to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. When attending events during Labor Day Weekend, plan for warm summer weather and be sure to stay hydrated!
2. Is Atlanta crowded during Labor Day weekend?
With public and private school systems back in session around the time of Labor Day, many Atlantans stay in the city during the holiday weekend. As a result, the city is commonly bustling at this time. We encourage giving yourself ample time to travel to events and find parking upon arrival in Atlanta during Labor Day weekend.
That said – with so many things to do, eat, and see – there’s space for everyone to enjoy! If you crave a more low-key vibe, try exploring Atlanta’s suburbs, hit the trail for a hike outside the city, or book a guided small-group event, like our walking tours .
3. What are the best transportation options to use throughout the city?
One side effect of a booming, vibrant city can be the traffic. To avoid traffic during Labor Day weekend, take advantage of the city’s MARTA train and bus system. View the train line and bus stops for stress-free access to your favorite ATL events.
Additionally, you can order a Peach Pass if you plan to regularly pass through designated Georgia Express Lanes.
4. Are there fireworks shows to see during Atlanta Labor Day weekend?
Yes! Head to Stone Mountain Park for an epic Labor Day Weekend Celebration from September 2-4, 2023. See the park’s newest light show after sundown, plus an extended fireworks show special for the holiday. This one-of-a-kind show features over 250 color-changing drones creating an immersive light display, along with lasers, flame effects, and of course, a spectacular fireworks show!
5. Are there dog-friendly spots to hang out during Labor Day weekend in Atlanta?
Atlanta is home to many dog-friendly spots. Take your four-legged friend along with you to spots like Fetch Park. With five locations across the city, this dog friendly social pub is the perfect spot to hang with friends and meet other pups! Learn more about Fetch Park here and tap into the best dog spots in Atlanta.
We wish you a safe and fun Labor Day weekend in Atlanta! For more ideas to explore our city, check out our regularly-updated blog page!
