It’s going to be a fun and busy Labor Day weekend around Intown, with plenty to do for sci-fi and fantasy fans, bibliophiles, music lovers and sports enthusiasts.
Sci-fi, fantasy and gaming fans will descend on Downtown Aug. 29 to Sept. 1 for the annual Dragon Con that draws thousands of attendees and the chance to meet favorite actors, artists and authors. This year’s guests include Patrick Stewart, Mary McDonnell and Peter Weller among a galaxy of others. The annual parade of costumed characters down Peachtree Street will be held on Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. For a detailed schedule and to register, visit dragoncon.org.
Award-winning writer Joyce Carol Oates will be the keynote speaker at this year’s AJC Decatur Book Festival during Labor Day weekend. Oates will launch her new short story collection with a talk on Friday, Aug. 29, 8 p.m., at the Schwartz Center at Emory University. On Aug. 30-31, more than 300 authors will descend on downtown Decatur for the festival, which will feature readings, workshops, a children’s parade and much more. Other notable authors scheduled to appear include Ron Rash, Emily Giffin, Karin Slaughter, Wiley Cash, Ann Hood, Karen Abbott, Natasha Trethewey, Alan Gurganus and Pat Conroy. For a full line-up of events and authors, visit decaturbookfestival.com.
Imagine Music Festival will take place Aug. 30-31 in Historic Fourth Ward Park, Masquerade Music Park, and Clear Creek Basin. The electronic music extravaganza will feature Seven Lions, Fedde Le Grand, Adventure Club, Destroid, Araab Muzik, Minnesota, Sky Blu of LMFAO, Shwayze, Aphrodite, Dieselboy. Infected Mushroom and many more. For the full lineup and ticket information, visit imaginefestival.com.
29th annual Labor Day Blues Barbecue to benefit radio station WRFG will be held on Sept. 1 from 1 to 8 p.m. at Park Tavern, corner of 10th and Monroe, in Midtown. There will be performances by the Barry Richman Band, Uncle Sugar, Forrest McDonald Band, Willie Hill and Tinsley Ellis. Tickets are available at this link.
Here are more big events happening in and around the city this weekend:
· Chick-Fil-A Fan events, Centennial Olympic Park, Friday – Sunday
· Atlanta Braves vs. Marlins, Friday – Sunday, Turner Field
· Chick-Fil-A Game Fan Fare, Saturday, Georgia World Congress Center,2-6 pm
· Georgia Tech Football, Saturday, Bobby Dodd Stadium, 12:30 pm
· Chick-Fil-A Bowl Game, Saturday, Alabama vs. West Virginia, Georgia Dome, 7 pm
· Atlanta Black Pride, Thursday – Monday, throughout the city
According to the Atlanta Police Department, more than 800,000 people are anticipated to participate in just the ticketed events over the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The Atlanta Police Department in partnership with a host of local and government agencies have a comprehensive security plan in place for holiday activities. The security plan includes a strong law enforcement presence in the areas of the city with large Labor Day events including the Downtown hotel district, Midtown, Centennial Olympic Park, Turner Field and Piedmont Park. Additionally, mounted patrol and on and off-duty personnel will be available to assist with traffic and security issues.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for increased motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic, as well as possible event restrictions. Other holiday tips include:
· Pack light and check event websites for more information about bringing backpacks, food and other restrictions.
· Consider taking MARTA to events, or carpooling, to minimize the traffic volume.
· Be mindful of parking only in permitted lots and be sure to pay attention to any “No Parking” signs to avoid citations or fines.
· Following the Clean Car Campaign by parking in designated areas and removing all valuables from vehicles such as tablets, smart phones and purses.
As always, citizens are encouraged to call 9-1-1 or approach a police officer if they see any suspicious activity or a suspicious package left unattended.
