From cosplay to kickoff: Atlanta’s Labor Day weekend offers something for everyone

Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Warm weather is expected to stick throughout the holiday weekend, which is packed with events across the city, including college football, concerts, festivals, plays and a convention

Dragon Con has returned to Atlanta for its 40th year. Around 75,000 fans are expected to fill a handful of hotels across downtown Atlanta.

“It’s everything from high fantasy, to sci-fi, comic books, music, art and just about anything else you can think of,” said Dragon Con spokesperson Jo Garland.

Organizers say attendees are spending money during their visit. In the last five years, Dragon Con has generated $340 million in economic impact.

This year, extreme heat has been a factor at the event.

Garland said there is increased EMS outside, including several on bicycles, so they can get through the crowds faster.

“It’s always hot, but this is the worst I’ve ever seen it,” attendee Matthew Martin said. “When I was waiting in line to pick up my badge, I actually saw somebody literally pass out in line in front of me.”

Martin has been coming to Dragon Con for years from Orlando. He brought a neck fan Friday and said he will get more creative as the weekend goes on.

“I have another look that has armor and I have an ice vest that I wear underneath it,” Martin said.

For football fans, the Aflac Kickoff Game features Auburn and Baylor on Saturday inside the climate-controlled Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The game has been played in Atlanta since 2008.

Peach Bowl Inc. President/CEO David Epps said, “We’re unabashed when we say that Atlanta is the capital of college football.”

Epps said the Aflac Kickoff game is expected to be worth $30-35 million to the city.

Atlanta braces for nearly 50 events over Labor Day weekend

Dragon Con fans left scrambling after hotel sells, closes for renovations

Dragon Con honoring Dolly Parton with book drive

Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.