Stormtroopers on parade at last year’s Dragon Con (Photo by Asep Mawardi)

The Atlanta Police Department is urging both city residents and visitors to be mindful of events taking place over Labor Day weekend beginning today across Downtown and Midtown. Events are expected to draw large crowds and increased traffic.

More than 700,000 people are expected to attend DragonCon, Black Gay Pride, LudaDay Weekend, Taste of Soul Atlanta and sporting events including Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins, Georgia Tech vs. Alcorn State and the Chick-fil-a Kick Off Game.

Other smaller events are also taking place throughout the city at various locations. In addition to Downtown and Midtown, large crowds can be expected at Piedmont Park, Lakewood Amphitheater, Lenox Square and other destinations, including thousands heading east to the Decatur Book Festival.

Atlanta Police Officers will be highly visible in the city to help protect the public, ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible and respond to any public safety needs.

The Department urges everyone to plan their travel wisely this weekend and consider taking MARTA carpooling or ride-sharing. Event-goers should be mindful of their surroundings and call 9-1-1 to report any suspicious activity.

Collin Kelley is the executive editor of Atlanta Intown, Georgia Voice, and the Rough Draft newsletter. He has been a journalist for nearly four decades and is also an award-winning poet and novelist.