Ways to Enjoy Labor Day Weekend

After almost two weeks of classes, it’s time for a break. Labor Day Weekend is Aug. 30 – Sept. 2, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the day off from work and school.

Whether you're out and about in the city or relaxing on your couch, here are some options for enjoying the long weekend.
 

Dragon Con

Aug. 29 – Sept. 2

Downtown Atlanta

One of the biggest conventions in the city, Dragon Con returns, bringing pop culture and cosplay to Atlanta. Science fiction, comic books, gaming, literature, art, and film will be featured throughout the weekend. Tickets can be purchased for one or multiple days. For those who don’t want to attend the indoor events, the enormously popular — and free — parade takes place along Peachtree St. on Aug. 31 at 10 a.m.
 

College Football Returns

Aug. 29 – Sept. 2

College football is back, and it’s time to reimmerse yourself in the spectacle of the sport — at the stadium or at home. On Thursday, Aug. 29, Georgia Tech travels to South Carolina to take on defending national champion and top-ranked Clemson as part of the launch of the new ACC Network. On Saturday, football returns to Mercedes-Benz Stadium when Duke squares off against No. 2 Alabama at 3:30 p.m. in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. No matter where you are this weekend, there will be college football to watch. See the complete schedule here.

If you visit the College Football Hall of Fame before the end of August, you can enjoy free admission.
 

Catch a Volleyball Game

Aug. 30–31

Tech's football team may be away this week, but the volleyball team will host three matches throughout the weekend, against Long Beach State, Southern University, and UNC Asheville. Games are free to attend.

Decatur Book Festival

Aug. 30 – Sept. 1

Downtown Decatur

The Decatur Book Festival is one of the largest independent book festivals in the country. The festival is free to attend and takes place in several venues throughout Downtown Decatur. There will be book signings, keynote speakers, and performances throughout the weekend. Several of the presenters are members of the Georgia Tech community, including President Emeritus G. Wayne Clough. If you are interested in taking a deep dive into the literary world, learn more at decaturbookfestival.com.
 

Taste of Soul Atlanta

Aug. 30 – Sept. 2

10 Northside Drive (across from Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

Taste of Soul Atlanta is composed of several events throughout the weekend that showcase soul food and music. Some are free, such as the Taste of Soul Atlanta festival. Others, such as the Soul in the City Concert, require tickets. No matter what you choose to do, though, you will find lots of good food, good music, and family- and kid-friendly events. View the full schedule of events here.
 

Natural Life Festival

Aug. 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Historic Fourth Ward Park

The Natural Life Festival is an annual celebration of living healthy, natural, mindful lives. Throughout the day, there will be workshops on natural living, yoga, music, and even an all-day Kids Zone. General admission tickets are free and can be found through Eventbrite; visit the Natural Life Festival website to learn more.
 

Big Peach Sizzler 10K and 5K

Sept. 2, 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

Brookhaven and Chamblee MARTA Stations

The Big Peach Sizzler 10K and 5K is hosted by Miles for Cystic Fibrosis, an organization that supports research to find a cure for the disease. The 5K starts at 7 a.m. at the Brookhaven MARTA Station, and the 10K begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Chamblee MARTA Station. Both races finish at the Buckhead Station Shopping Center, and they also both serve as qualifiers for the 2020 AJC Peachtree Road Race. After they cross the finish line, Big Peach Sizzler participants will be treated to a party featuring food, fun, and games. Learn more about the race, Miles for Cystic Fibrosis, and how to register at the official website.