In just a few days we will celebrate a fun national holiday - Labor Day! But just when is it, what is it, and why do we celebrate it?
Labor Day is a time to appreciate the contributions of the working class and to honor how hard they work to help our country grow and prosper. It is celebrated each year on the first Monday in September and is a national federal holiday in the United States and Canada, which means most people have the day off of work. And, since it always falls on a Monday, it means most people get to celebrate with a three day weekend!
Looking for ways to enjoy this long weekend in Atlanta?
Here are some of our top picks!
1) FIND A FESTIVAL - Festivals this weekend include Marietta Art in the Park, Noshfest in East Cobb, Pioneer Days Festival in Cartersville, Taste of Soul Atlanta, the Decatur Book Festival and the Natural Life Festival at Old Fourth Ward Park. Check out our calendar to get all the scoop HERE.
2) GO TO A BRAVES GAME! The Braves take on the Chicago White Sox Fri, Sat & Sun and the Toronto Blue Jays on Labor Day afternoon. Special events include fireworks on Friday night, open batting practice on Saturday, free games in Hope and Will's Sandlot Sunday & much more. More info HERE.
3) HEAD TO STONE MOUNTAIN - Labor Day Weekend events include three nights of fireworks + the lasershow (FREE) starting at 9:30pm Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Enjoy a day visiting the park's attractions with a special 40% of advance purchase discount too! More info HERE.
4) ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? - Get in the team spirit with hundreds of fellow fans at Tailgate Town. This free, outdoor fan experience at the Georgia World Congress Center features interactive sponsor displays, live entertainment, contests, games and more! Plus, it's the last day to enjoy FREE ADMISSION at the College Football Hall of Fame! Info HERE.
5) DON'T MISS ATLANTA'S MOST UNIQUE PARADE! The annual Dragon Con Parade will step off on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 10:00 AM. And for young fans, the Children's Museum of Atlanta is offering TinyCON®, a two-day celebration of fantasy, science fiction, comics, gaming, and technology…just for kids! More info HERE.
6) PURSUE EVERYTHING AT THE HIGH - There are only two more weeks to see The Pursuit of Everything: Maira Kalman's Books for Children at the High Museum of Art! This colorful exhibition exploring the extensive catalog of Maira Kalman’s imaginative stories and illustrations, which have delighted readers of all ages for more than 30 years.
7) COOL DOWN WITH COKE - Make your way to World of Coca-Cola, where guests will be greeted with cans of New Coke – the actual recipe from 1985 – which made a limited-time return this summer. World of Coke is the refreshing break you need from the Atlanta heat with more than 100 drinks to sample from around the world. Plus, through Sept. 2, college students can simply present their valid student IDs at the ticketing window and purchase a ticket for $10 – more than 40 percent off regularly priced tickets.
8) TAKE A ROAD TRIP & FLY - Let your Labor Day take flight! See hot air balloons soar, or take a tethered ride yourself in a picture-perfect farewell to Summer. The magic begins with the extraordinary Friday Night Balloon Glow, where balloons illuminate the night, and the festivities continue all weekend long. Spend your Labor Day weekend engaging in a variety of family-friendly events, including live music, beach activities, a Classic Car Show and a Kids Zone*, or escape for a quiet hike or bike along miles of winding trails within Callaway Gardens. In between morning and evening Hot Air Balloon activities, bring your swimsuits and plan ahead for a day of fun in the sun at Robin Lake Beach. More info HERE.
9) RUN WITH RESPONDERS - The First Responders Labor Day 5K/10K/15K is on Monday in Kennesaw. Responders receive free entry. More info HERE.
10) REV YOUR ENGINES: Now is your chance to prove your skills on the track for some great prizes! Race at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Marietta on Friday, 8/30, through Sunday, 9/2, and get one of the Top 20 lap times by the last race Sunday night to be a part of the Championship Race-off on Monday, Labor Day, 12-3pm! The Top 20 standings will be posted every hour on the hour on FACEBOOK so you can keep track and come on back if you get bumped off the top rankings to qualify!
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