Things to do this weekend & Labor Day Weekend | Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2025
ATLANTA - The holiday weekend is here, and whether you’re in the mood for concerts, food, football, or outdoor adventures, there’s something on the calendar for everyone.
RELATED: Metro Atlanta Labor Day weekend forecast: Mild holiday weekend ahead
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
In Atlanta
Atlanta Black Pride Weekend
Dates/Times: Aug 27–Sep 2
Location: Multiple venues across Atlanta
Description: The country’s largest Black LGBTQIA+ celebration, featuring over 25 events including performances, brunches, comedy shows, workshops, parties, and marketplace
Cost: Mostly free
Dragon Con
Dates/Times: Aug 28–Sep 1 (Parade: Saturday, Aug 30 at ~10 a.m.)
Location: Downtown Atlanta (Peachtree Center and surrounding streets)
Description: The largest multi-genre pop culture convention, featuring sci-fi/fantasy cosplay, celebrity panels, performances, mixed-media art shows, gaming, vendors, and a downtown parade. Parade route includes Peachtree Street through Civic Center and North Avenue
Cost: Convention tickets required (pricing via Dragon Con site); parade is free.
TinyCON (Kids’ Convention)
Dates/Times: Aug 30–31
Location: Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Description: Kid-focused convention celebrating fantasy, comics, sci-fi, gaming, with hands-on activities and crafts
Cost: Ticketed—check Children’s Museum site.
Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival
Dates/Times: Saturday–Sunday, Aug 30–31, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Location: Old Fourth Ward Skatepark / Historic Fourth Ward Park
Description: Free music and culture festival celebrating 16 years of hip hop with performances, vendors, and food trucks
Cost: Free
Lemon Drop Festival
Dates/Times: Saturday, Aug. 30
Location: Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St., Atlanta, GA 30303
Description: High-energy Labor Day festival with live music, art installations, and lemon-inspired cocktails in a creative atmosphere
Cost: From $23.18
Taste of Soul Atlanta
Dates/Times: Aug. 30
Location: 385-545 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive NW
Description: Live music, food, cheesecakes, and multiple vendors.
Cost: Free
Pure Heat Community Festival
Dates/Times: Sunday, Aug. 31, Noon–9 p.m.
Location: Piedmont Park, Oak Hill at Charles Allen, Atlanta, GA 30309
Description: Free outdoor festival celebrating Black LGBTQ+ community.
Cost: Free. More info:
Outside Atlanta
Pioneer Days Festival
Dates/Times: Aug 29–31
Location: Sam Smith Park, Cartersville (Bartow County)
Description: Carnival-style midway with rides, games, food, plus arts and crafts vendors
Cost: $10 general admission; $30 unlimited-ride wristband available
Art in the Park (Marietta Square)
Dates/Times: Aug 30–Sep 1, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Glover Park, Marietta Square, Marietta
Description: A three-day juried fine arts festival with artist booths, Chalk Spot, Children’s Art Alley, live music, food, and family fun; highly attended (39th year)
Cost: Free admission
Festival of the Painted Rock
Dates/Times: Aug. 31, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell
Description: Special festival featuring art, music, and nature in a vibrant outdoor celebration.
Cost: $65
LIVE MUSIC
In Atlanta
Ethel Cain at The Eastern
Dates/Times: Friday, Aug. 29, 8 p.m.
Location: The Eastern, Atlanta
Description: Alternative pop artist Ethel Cain takes the stage for a memorable indie‑pop evening.
Cost: From $83
Men I Trust
Dates/Times: Friday, Aug. 29, 8 p.m.
Location: Coca-Cola Roxy, 800 Battery Ave SE
Description: Montreal indie-pop outfit brings its dreamy set to The Battery.
Cost: From $45
Big Wild
Dates/Times: Saturday, Aug. 30, 8:15 p.m.
Location: The Eastern, 777 Memorial Dr SE
Description: Lush electronic/indie crossover show with full live production.
Cost:
EAZYBAKED
Dates/Times: Aug. 29 and 30, 9 p.m.
Location: Terminal West, 887 W Marietta St NW C
Description: Bass music duo kicks off a two-night run.
Cost: From $34
Jimmy Gnecco (of Ours)
Dates/Times: Friday, Aug. 29, 8 p.m.
Location: Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave NE
Description: Intimate set from the alt-rock vocalist.
Cost: From $24
J-Live Monday/Friday 10th Anniversary Show
Dates/Times: Friday, Aug. 29, 9 p.m.
Location: The Drunken Unicorn, 736 Ponce De Leon Pl NE
Description: Underground hip-hop showcase featuring ATL mainstays.
Cost: From $25
D.O.D (UK)
Dates/Times: Friday, Aug. 29, 10 p.m.–3 a.m.
Location: District Atlanta, 269 Armour Drive NE
Description: House DJ/producer behind "So Much in Love" throws a late-night set.
Cost: From $15
Chris Brown at Truist Park
Dates/Times: Aug. 30-31
Location: Truist Park, 755 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta
Description: R&B superstar Chris Brown brings his tour to Truist Park for a major summer performance at the home of the Atlanta Braves.
Cost: From $195
House in the Park
Dates/Times: Sunday, Aug. 31, noon–8 p.m.
Location: Grant Park, 840 Cherokee Ave. SE
Description: Annual house music festival founded in 2005 by DJs Ramon "Rawsoul" Guyton and Kai Alce, featuring performances from legendary DJs in a lively outdoor setting.
Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at the gate
The Australian Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary
Dates/Times: Sunday, Aug. 31
Location: Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park, Atlanta
Description: The world-renowned tribute band celebrates the 50th anniversary of Wish You Were Here with a live performance under the stars at Chastain Park.
Cost: From $42.50
Outside Atlanta
Ashland Craft
Dates/Times: 9 p.m. Aug. 29
Location: Eddie's Attic, 515 N. McDonough Street, Decatur
Description: Former "The Voice" competitor and country singer Ashland Craft is on tour to promote her latest album titled "Dive Bar Beauty Queen." She'll also be selling her hand-picked thrift finds at the show. Special guest Hunter Chastain.
Cost: From $20
Nightrain International – Guns N’ Roses Tribute
Dates/Times: Saturday, Aug. 30, doors 9:15 p.m., show 9:30 p.m. (21+)
Location: MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main St., Woodstock
Description: Tribute band Nightrain International brings the energy of Guns N’ Roses to MadLife for a late-night show.
Cost: From $32
Summer Concert Series: 7 Bridges
Dates/Times: Friday, Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Thrasher Park, 93 Park Drive, Norcross
Description: Final summer concert of the season featuring 7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience. Guests can bring picnics or takeout, and donations of canned or nonperishable food will be collected for the CAN-Do Food Drive.
Cost: Free admission; reserved tables for six or eight available for $90
ART
In Atlanta
Faith Ringgold Exhibit at High Museum of Art
Dates/Times: Ongoing through Oct. 12
Location: High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree Street NE
Description: Explore impactful works by Faith Ringgold, including her celebrated "Cassie’s Word Quilt," alongside the museum’s extensive art collections.
Cost: From $23.50 for non-members
"Jeanne Lanvin: Haute Couture Heritage" — SCAD FASH
Dates/Times: Through Sunday, Aug. 31 (closed Labor Day)
Location: 1600 Peachtree St NW
Description: Landmark exhibition on the French couture pioneer.
Cost: Free
R. Land — Atlanta Contemporary
Dates/Times: Through Sept. 7
Location: 535 Means St NW
Description: Solo show by the beloved ATL pop-folk artist.
Cost: Free
"Continuum: Photography in Atlanta, 1840–Now" — Carlos Museum
Dates/Times: Aug. 21–Dec. 7 (open Fri–Sun)
Location: 571 South Kilgo Cir NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
Description: Survey of Atlanta photography across centuries.
Cost: From $8
Outside Atlanta
"Metro Montage XXV" — Marietta Cobb Museum of Art
Dates/Times: Through Sunday, Aug. 31
Location: 30 Atlanta St SE, Marietta, GA 30060
Description: Annual juried show spotlighting regional artists.
Cost: From $8
THEATER
In Atlanta
Atlanta Black Theater Festival
Dates/Times: Friday, Aug. 29, 8 p.m.
Location: Spelman College's Jackson Performing Arts Center and Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel
Description: Live, bold performances, innovative storytelling, inspiring workshops, staged readings, film screenings, art, an expo, and networking.
Cost: Tickets vary
A Very Special Hospital
Dates/Times: Aug. 29
Location: 7 Stages Theatre, 1103 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta
Description: Winner of the 2025 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award, Matt Hoffman’s A Very Special Hospital is a dark comedy about healthcare and family, directed by Peter Hardy. Cast includes Hannah Brumley, Louis Kyper, Jeff Hathcoat, Karine Dieuvil, Lauren Garcia, and Kristian Rodriguez.
Cost: Ticketed — discounts available for groups of 10+
"Muse of Fire" Playwriting Festival — Shakespeare Tavern
Dates/Times: Friday, Aug. 29, 8 p.m.
Location: 499 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Description: New works celebration from Tavern’s playwriting program.
Cost: From $15
The McElroy Family Live
Dates/Times: Saturday, Aug. 30
Location: Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree Street NE
Description: Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy, along with their father Clint, bring their hit podcasts My Brother, My Brother and Me and The Adventure Zone to the stage. The McElroys are bestselling authors, podcasters, and entertainers known for projects like Sawbones, Wonderful! and more.
Cost: From $67.70
Outside Atlanta
"The Wiz" — Aurora Theatre @ Lawrenceville Arts Center
Dates/Times: Through Sept. 7
Location: 128 E Pike St, Lawrenceville
Description: The Tony-winning Oz reimagining with Atlanta talent.
Cost: From $43
COMEDY
In Atlanta
Dad’s Garage: "Felt Street"
Dates/Times: 8:30 p.m. Fridays
Location: 569 Ezzard St SE
Description: "Felt Street" is a twisted parody of a classic kids' television show guaranteed to ruin your childhood.
Cost: From $24
DL Hughley
Dates/Times: Aug. 28–31 (multiple showtimes)
Location: City Winery, 650 North Ave. NE
Description: One of the Original Kings of Comedy, DL Hughley is also known for his sitcom The Hughleys, which aired for four seasons on ABC and UPN. He performs a four-day run of stand-up shows at City Winery.
Cost: Ticketed — check City Winery for details
Outside Atlanta
Michael Blaustein
Dates/Times: Aug. 29–31 (five shows)
Location: Helium Comedy Club, 11500 Webb Bridge Way, Alpharetta
Description: Internationally touring comedian and co-host of the hit podcast Stiff Socks with Trevor Wallace, Michael Blaustein has also appeared on Amazon Prime’s Inside Jokes and MTV’s Punk’d. He headlines five shows at Helium Comedy Club.
Cost: From $42
SPORTS
In Atlanta
Aflac Kickoff Game
Dates/Times: Saturday, Aug 30 (kickoff ~12 p.m.); Sunday, Aug 31 (kickoff ~3 p.m.)
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Downtown Atlanta
Description: Two major college football games kicking off the season, held over the long weekend. Syracuse vs. Tennessee on Aug. 30. Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina on Aug. 31.
Cost: Ticketed as per game; check Mercedes-Benz Stadium or Aflac website.
Big Peach Sizzler 10K & 5K
Dates/Times: Monday, Sept. 1; 5K at 7 a.m. (starts Brookhaven MARTA), 10K at 7:30 a.m. (starts Chamblee)
Location: Finishes at Buckhead Station, 1 Buckhead Loop NE
Description: Labor Day road race with post-race party (biscuits & beer).
Cost: Registration required.
Outside Atlanta
College Football Kickoff at Reformation Brewery
Dates/Times: Saturday, Aug. 30, noon–9 p.m.
Location: Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm St., Woodstock (with additional viewing at Canton location)
Description: Celebrate the return of college football with all-day game viewing on indoor screens and an extra-large LED screen outside in Woodstock. Featured matchups include Texas vs. Ohio State (noon), UGA vs. Marshall (3:30 p.m.), and Clemson vs. LSU (7:30 p.m.). Enjoy Reformation’s Bourbon Cherry Cola, signature craft beers, and 808 Boiled Peanuts available 1–8 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Marshall Thundering Herd
Dates/Times: Saturday, Aug. 30, noon–9 p.m.
Location: Sanford Stadium, Athens
Description: First game for UGA of the season is against Marshall at home.
Cost: From $45
Atlanta Dream vs. Dallas
Dates/Times: Friday, Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Gateway Center Arena, College Park
Description: Late-season WNBA action.
Cost: From $122
Gwinnett Stripers vs. Durham Bulls (MiLB)
Dates/Times: Monday, Sept. 1
Location: Coolray Field, 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville
Description: Labor Day home game for the Braves’ Triple-A club.
Cost: From $12
OTHER
In Atlanta
Play the Animal Way
Dates/Times: Aug. 31, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta
Description: Zoo-wide celebration of animal enrichment where animals sniff scents, solve puzzles and explore toys; guests learn about the zoo’s enrichment program and enjoy themed activities.
Cost: Included with admission
Turtles Exhibit at Fernbank Museum
Dates/Times: Through Sept. 7
Location: Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road
Description: Exhibit featuring live turtles, exploring their natural history, survival challenges, anatomy and behaviors. Includes hands-on activities and live presentations.
Cost: Included with museum admission
Outside Atlanta
Pickens County Sheriff's JeepFest
Dates/Times: Aug. 29-31
Location: 8795 Highway 53 East, Jasper
Description: Annual 3-day event packed with Jeep obstacles, trails, mud, concerts, rides, food, merchandise and more. All proceeds benefit children of Pickens County.
Cost: Free for spectators
Splash Night
Dates/Times: Friday, Aug. 29, 6–9 p.m.
Location: The Splash Park, 5039 W. Broad St., Sugar Hill
Description: End-of-summer celebration with live performances by Bach to Rock, Soul Dynamics and All Stars Performing Academy. Kids can enjoy a pirate sword giveaway and interactive dance, followed by a screening of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl after sunset at the Bowl.
Cost: Free admission
Movie Under the Stars
Dates/Times: Saturday, Aug. 30, 6–10 p.m.
Location: Brookhaven City Centre, 4001 Peachtree Rd. NE, Brookhaven
Description: Outdoor showing of the animated film The Wild Robot with hands-on crafts, family activities and food trucks.
Cost: Free admission
Activate Alpharetta Grand Opening
Dates/Times: Friday–Sunday, Aug. 29–31 (free gameplay, open to public)
Location: 3020 Windward Plaza, Alpharetta
Description: Activate, an interactive game room experience blending mental and physical challenges, celebrates its second Georgia location with a grand opening weekend featuring free 75-minute gameplay sessions for families, friends, and teams. The new 10,880-square-foot venue brings nearly 20 new jobs and a fresh dose of active entertainment to the community.
Cost: Free during opening weekend
Fall Downtown Classic Car Cruise
Dates/Times: Saturday, Aug. 30, 2–7 p.m.
Location: Logan Farm Park, 4405 Cherokee Street, Acworth
Description: Display of classic cars or showcase your own while supporting Horizon Field, an all-inclusive sports facility for individuals with disabilities.
Cost: Free for spectators; $5 entry fee for vehicles
LABOR DAY FESTIVITIES
In Atlanta
The Social Club: Labor Day Weekend
Date/Time: Friday, Aug 29, 9–10 p.m.
Location: The Loft, 1374 W Peachtree St NW
Description: A club night for adults (21+), with general admission pricing inclusive of fees
Cost: From $33
Labor Day Pop-Up: Chicken and Beer
Dates/Times: Aug. 30–Sept. 1; Friday 3–11 p.m., Saturday brunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m. & dinner 3–11 p.m., Sunday brunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m. & dinner 3–10 p.m.
Location: One Flew South on the Atlanta BeltLine
Description: Ludacris’ Chicken and Beer pop-up returns for the holiday weekend with signature dishes including the fried chicken honey butter biscuit.
Cost: Ticketed — check venue for details
Beer & Comedy Labor Day Show — SweetWater Brewing
Dates/Times: Monday, Sept. 1, 8 p.m.
Location: 195 Ottley Drive NE
Description: Stand-up showcase with brewery vibes to cap the weekend.
Cost:
WRFG 40th Annual Labor Day Blues BBQ
Dates/Times: Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, 1–8:30 p.m.
Location: Park Tavern, 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Description: Annual celebration featuring blues performances by Selwyn Birchwood, Jontavious Willis, Blue Velvet Atlanta, and John Németh, with proceeds supporting WRFG 89.3 FM community radio
Cost: $30 advance, $40 at door; free for children 12 and under
Outside Atlanta
Labor Day Weekend Hot Air Balloon Show & Glow
Dates/Times: Aug 29–31
Location: Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain
Description: Hot air balloon festival with beach access, floating obstacle course, putt-putt, and nightly ballooning plus fireworks
Cost: From $30 general admission
Labor Day Weekend at Stone Mountain Park
Dates/Times: Aug 30–Sep 1; attractions open ~10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Laser Show at ~9:30 p.m., followed by extended fireworks
Location: Stone Mountain Park
Description: Celebrate working heroes with family attractions, Silver Starlets aerial acrobatic shows at 3, 5:30 & 8:30 p.m., plus Classic Laser Show and fireworks each night
Cost: Lasershow free with park access; daily or annual parking pass required; attraction tickets vary.
Community Day at CNC
Dates/Times: Monday, Sep 1, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Chattahoochee Nature Center
Description: Community day highlighting new features. Bring a picnic and enjoy summer activities. Last day of Butterfly Encounter.
Cost: Free admission
Labor Day Dining Deals
Sugo Labor Day Prix Fixe – Enjoy a special three-course Labor Day prix fixe menu at Sugo on Aug. 29, Aug. 30, and Sept. 1. Diners can choose from dishes like spanakopita, eggplant parmesan, beef cheeks, and cannolis, all for $32 per person.
If you would like to submit an event for a future listing, send an email with details like the ones above to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.