Labor Day weekend is here, and with it comes a host of activities happening across Atlanta.
The city is one of the top domestic travel destinations for Americans over the three-day weekend, according to AAA, and with events around the city, here are a few events to keep an eye out for over the next few days.
See wizards and comic book characters? It's Dragon Con
If you're passing near Atlanta's entertainment district this weekend, you may see costumed fans walking around. That's how you know that Dragon Con is back.
The five-day conference brings together fans of science fiction, gaming, fantasy, art, music, film and pop-culture together in Atlanta. What began as a convention for gamers has grown to be one of the largest gatherings of it's kind, branching out to include fandoms from across genres.
The convention includes contests, workshops, panels, a parade, an art show, vendors, games and more.
But, one of the biggest draws is the cosplay. Tens of thousands of conference participants will dress up as some of their favorite characters, and you can still enjoy the costumes by passing by without attending the Con.
More information about Dragon Con can be found here.
College football kicks off inside Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is hosting the Aflac Kickoff game on Saturday, Sept. 5 between Auburn and Baylor to start the college football season for the venue.
Multiple college games, including the SEC Championship and the Peach Bowl, are played inside the stadium each year.
The game will start at 3:30 pm. E.T. in Atlanta.
Georgia Tech season opener starts strong
Also in college football, theGeorgia Institute of Technology Yellow Jackets are taking on the University of Colorado Buffaloes in Atlanta Thursday night.
The teams will take Hyundai Field at Bobby Dodd Stadium at 8 p.m. on Sept. 3.
Georgia Tech will play to asold out crowd, coming off of a win against Colorado in the 2025 season opener in Boulder.
Alberto Mendoza, brother of 2026 NFL No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza, is leading Georgia Tech at quarterback. Mendoza and the team hope to improve on their 15-6 overall record from last year.
Black Pride Parade brings community together
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Atlanta Black Pride Parade, one of the largest in America.
The queer-forward celebration will bring together artists, vendors, performers and more in the area around Piedmont Park throughout the weekend.
The event kicks off Thursday night with a rooftop party, followed by a day party on Friday, an influencers gala, a block party and more throughout the weekend.
More information can be found here.
Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Need Labor Day weekend plans? Here's what's happening in Atlanta
