Labor Day weekend in Atlanta: A look at what’s happening in town

Although the temps don’t reflect it, summer is drawing to a close with the arrival of Labor Day and its annual ATL companion, “Clusterfest.”

This joyous, confounding confluence of events each year brings an influx of residents and visitors alike to downtown, Midtown, and other points inside Atlanta’s perimeter. Festivals, football, and fitness are just a few of the many ways to celebrate.

Suffice it to say, traffic will not be your friend (is it ever?), so it’s highly recommended to take MARTA whenever possible.

Here’s some crucial 411 to help plan a schedule for the holiday weekend’s biggest events:

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DRAGON CON 2019

Courtesy of Dragon Con.

Bringing together lovers of science fiction, fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film, this annual affair provides the ultimate in eccentric entertainment. Dragon Con events include autograph sessions, reading sessions, workshops, contests, gaming, and more.

Parade: Trekking down Peachtree Street, this time-honored spectacle overflows with everything from Storm Troopers and Marvel superheroes to monsters and dragons, even Klingons and Harry Potter himself. More than 65,000 spectators line the street, so get there early for the best views.

Parade starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, beginning at Linden Avenue in Midtown and heading south through the heart of downtown.

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TinyCON

At this third annual event, even the tiniest fans of fantasy, sci-fi, comics, gaming, and technology can celebrate their passion at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta.

Outfitted in their favorite costumes, kids can build their own lightsaber, visit the Indiana Jones Archeology Lab, embark on a Pokémon scavenger hunt, and much more.

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BLACK GAY PRIDE

Running through Monday, the Atlanta Black Pride Weekend welcomes more than 30,000 attendees at venues in downtown, Midtown, and beyond during the holiday weekend.

Started 23 years ago, the annual gathering is considered the largest of its kind, hosting dozens of events over a six-day period.

Review the entire schedule at the official website.

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DECATUR BOOK FEST

The nation’s largest independent book festival, the AJC Decatur Book Festival, overtakes downtown Decatur, where more than 75,000 bibliophiles come to fulfill their need for the written word.

This year, the three-day event includes an appearance by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor on Sunday at 4 p.m. at Agnes Scott College’s Gaines Chapel at Presser Hall.

Courtesy of the AJC Decatur Book Festival.

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL KICKOFF

Signaling the official start of college football season, the 2019 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game takes over Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday. Featuring Alabama versus Duke, the game kicks off at 3:30 p.m.

However, festivities start long before then with GameDay Tailgate Built by The Home Depot at the College Football Hall of Fame. On Saturday, enjoy tailgating games, trivia, music from DJ Willy Wow, and much more. Plus, admission remains free through Saturday.

Getty Images

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LUDADAY WEEKEND 2019

Since 2005, rapper and actor Ludacris has celebrated the Labor Day holiday by bringing together the Atlanta community to raise funds for charities benefiting children.

Ludaday Weekend events include a celebrity golf tournament, a celebrity bowling tournament, a collegiate block party, a celebrity basketball game, and a Topgolf takeover.

Courtesy of Ludaday Weekend.

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TASTE OF SOUL

At this free Vine City event, indulge your love of soul food and music with a full schedule of concerts, wine tastings, art, kids activities, a 5K race, and more.

While the Taste of Soul festival is free, certain activities and events do require tickets and/or fees. Visit the website for full details.

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SUNDAY DANCE

Fans of house music are invited to dance the day away at Grant Park during House in the Park, billed as “a musical exploration of the soul and a vision to see house music become a unifying movement.”

Music thumps from 12 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Courtesy of House in the Park.

Now, prepare to get your Clusterfest on!

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