Everything You Can Do in Atlanta This Labor Day Weekend

Tell your friends and family to save the hubbub about not wearing white anymore after this weekend because none of that matters -- it’s freakin’ Labor Day weekend. That means a much-need, four-day respite from weekly responsibilities awaits us all, so don’t let this opportunity to relax, explore the city, and downright have fun pass you by. In honor of the holiday, here’s an extended guide for you with everything that you can do in Atlanta this Labor Day weekend.

Go on a local food tour to kick off Black Restaurant Week

Friday, September 4
Various locations
Black Restaurant Week starts on Friday, and there’s no better way to kick off this weekend than by supporting Atlanta’s Black-owned restaurants. Participating restaurants and lounges include Apt 4B, Chef La's Fish Fry, Fin & Feathers, Members Only, Ms. Icey’s Kitchen, Paschal's Restaurant, Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours, and countless others. There are enough restaurants to have a mini food tour of your own, so get ready for a taste of Black Atlanta.
Cost: Prices vary

Virtually attend Dragon Con

Friday, September 4 - Monday, September 7
Online
If you’ve been telling yourself for years that you’re going to finally go to Dragon Con, then this year is probably your best chance to get a glimpse at what it’s like. Although it won’t be held in person, the massive convention is livestreaming all weekend long, and participants will be able to access its content over their phone, computers, and your smart TVs. In the new virtual format, there will be three channels of programming, chat rooms, costume contests, art shows, and an online vendor hall. Even the beloved Dragon Con Parade returns, so don’t miss when the convention streams this weekend.
Cost: Free

Check out Decatur Book Festival online

Friday, September 4 - Monday, September 7
Online
Like Dragon Con, the AJC Decatur Book Festival has also had to make a major pivot this year. Rather than the typical in-person festivities, all panels and showcases will be held online, making for a healthy and safe experience. The virtual event starts on Friday and stretches all the way until October 4, and digital programming for this opening weekend includes a short documentary festival, must-see interviews, the 2020 Lillian Smith Book Awards, and much more.
Cost: $15+

Experience a drive-in

Friday, September 4 - Monday, September 7
Multiple locations
Unless you’ve been going hard on Netflix all summer, you likely still have that itch to go see a movie in person, which is why you should try one of Atlanta’s amazing drive-in experiences this weekend. Plaza Theatre is screening Quentin Tarantino’s slept on classic Jackie Brown, and Springs
Cost: Prices vary

Go on a SPAcation

Friday, September 4 - Monday, September 7
Midtown
Let the woes of this summer go with a spa trip-turned-vacation. Loews Hotel’s Spa Package is the perfect call for those who are simply looking to relax this Labor Day Weekend. The package includes two discounted 60-minute fusion massages and valet parking, and visitors can further rejuvenate by joining the hotel’s Cityscape Yoga session, which overlooks Midtown’s skyline, early Saturday morning. Give yourself a weekend to exhale.
Cost: $584+

Sport your best Derby attire

Saturday, September 5
Buckhead
Even 2020 couldn’t stop the show for The Kentucky Derby, as it’s set to return for its 146th iteration this weekend. Witness the epic horse race this weekend at the Southern Gentleman, which will be getting in on the action with fun programming of its own. In addition to giveaways and Derby-inspired cocktails, the restaurant will be holding contests for best hat and best dressed, so come correct, sporting your best Derby attire.
Cost: Prices vary

Participate in the final weekend of Free Comic Book Summer

Friday, September 4 - Sunday, September 6
Online
Like Record Store Day in April, this year’s Free Comic Book Day in May was ravaged by the pandemic, so it was forced to readjust. Instead of limiting the rescheduled event to just one day, its organizers opted to stretch Free Comic Book Day into Free Comic Book Summer. The ongoing celebration concludes on Wednesday, September 9, so take some time over the next few days to patronize your favorite local comic book stores in honor of the final weekend of Free Comic Book Summer.
Cost: Free, but purchase suggested

Support Atlanta’s strip clubs

Friday, September 4 - Monday, September 7
Multiple locations
As Thrillist covered earlier this week, local strip clubs have had a roller coaster of a pandemic. However, being that Atlanta is revered for them, take this Labor Day weekend as an opportunity to visit one of the city’s strip clubs once again. Your support will go a long way, and being in the A, your visit is guaranteed to be lit.
Cost: Prices vary

Celebrate BIPOC queer womxn with specialty cocktails

Sunday, September 6
Midtown
Sips With Her presents a chic evening experience that promotes the celebration of Black, Indigenous, Queer Womxn of Color during Atlanta Black Pride. Starting at 7pm, attendees can hit up Parlor -- who is also participating in Black Restaurant Week -- for live music courtesy of DJs, specialty cocktails, and appetizing small plates.
Cost: $15-$20

Have a special Labor Day brunch

Monday, September 7
Midtown
Before you sneak off to grab food from your friends’ and relatives’ cookouts, start your Labor Day off with a special brunch from Little Rey. From 9am-3pm, the restaurant is offering brunch that features both breakfast tacos as well as guest’s favorites from the weekend brunch menu. While dining in is an option, you can grab some brunch for takeout, and you can place those orders online.
Cost: $15+

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