Wow August flew by fast. Back to school events and getting in last minute summer vacations filled up my schedule and had me busier and more tired than usual. I am excited that Fall is coming, but before we get into pumpkin flavored everything, lets officially wrap up summer. Labor Day Weekend is filled with lots of events throughout the city. Plus new shows touring in Atlanta and plenty of free festivals as well. I have a few adult events listed too when we need time away from the kids. You are sure to find at least one thing that that you definitely want to check out this month.
Labor Day Weekend Events
Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens, September 2-4
Enjoy Labor Day Weekend at Callaway Gardens, with nightly hot air balloons lighting up the sky. Waterfront activities including putt-putt, beach access and fireworks
Labor Day Weekend at Stone Mountain Park, September 3-5
Enjoy a day (or three) of adventure and activities for the whole family, including fireworks and laser show and new BMX stunt show.
Labor Day Weekend at Six Flags White Water, September 3-5
Really send off summer with a trip to the water park for the holiday weekend. Pretend you are at the beach in the Atlanta Ocean Wave Pool or race down the Wahoo Racer.
Free and Special Events
Football Fest at College Football Hall of Fame, September 4
This FREE outdoor festival will feature games, activities and entertainment for the whole family, as well as performances from drum lines, step teams, cheerleaders and DJs. Wear your favorite team’s gear and get ready for some fun.
Dirty Birds Rally at Atlantic Station, September 9
Families in Atlanta can cheer on their Falcons at this fun pep rally. There will be appearances from current players and coaches, musical performances, giveaways and more. All FREE to the public.
Tot Spot at Atlantic Station, September 13
This September event is great for children 5 and under. Featuring FREE activities, Septembers theme is Science and will have special guest, Jeffini The Great Science Show.
Museums and Attractions
Twilight Trek at Zoo Atlanta, September 2
Come visit the zoo after dark, use night-vision technology to see the animals you usually wouldn’t see during the day. Great for the whole family, but activities are geared more for children 6+. Kids 3 and under are free, $25 for non-members, $20 for members
Twilight Tots at Zoo Atlanta, September 3
Bring your little ones out to explore the Zoo and observe animals after-hours. Activities are best enjoyed by families with kids 5 and under.
Tiny Con at The Children’s Museum, September 3-4
Wear costumes to celebrate fantasy, science fiction, comics, gaming and technology that’s just for kids featuring hands-on activities and crafts, including potions class, Jedi training and more. Registration required: $20.95; ages younger than 1, free.
Wild Kratts: Creature Power at The Children’s Museum, now- September 5
Let your creature powers free in this immersion of the Wild Kratts world. Discover animal habitats and defeat the villains. Registration required: $20.95; ages younger than 1, free.
Second Sunday at High Museum, September 11
Enjoy FREE admission to the museum. Families can participate in art-making activities, performances, and the High’s permanent collection and special exhibitions.
Paw Patrol Live at The Fox Theatre, September 10-11
Bring your kids out to see Chase, Marshall, Sky and the gang as they set out on adventure at sea.The show is only an hour and tickets start at $19. This is a cashless venue.
Monster Jam at Gas South Arena, September 10-12
If you have kids that are into monster trucks this may be the event for you. See their favorite cars match up against each other, do stunts and freestyles. Make sure to bring your headphones.
Fall Family Night Hike at Chattahoochee Nature Center, September 16
Atlanta families can explore the sounds and sights of the forest. On the hike participants will see nocturnal animals like owls and bats. Also includes an animal encounter and a campfire where you can roast a marshmallow. $12 per person.
Disney on Ice Presents Frozen and Encanto at State Farm Arena, September 21-25
Step into the magical world of Disney with your favorite characters, scenes and songs from Frozen and Encanto. Great entertainment for the whole family
La Cucarachita Martina at Center for Puppetry Arts, September 22 – October 2
This Latin rock-n-roll musical is based on the popular Cuban and Puerto Rican children’s story about a roach who is on a journey to find true love
Weird Science Day at Fernbank Museum, September 24
Bring your family out to explore strange, unusual and weird things. Multiple activities, including color changing fire, slime and bubbles bigger than a dinosaur egg. Tickets $22-25, 2 and under free.
Cocomelon Live: JJ’s Journey at The Fox Theatre, September 24
This musical production is interactive with magical special effects. Your little ones can sing and dance along to all of their favorite songs. Tickets $37 and up
Space: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond at Illuminarium, now – Dec. 31
Another immersive experience but this time in space. See Saturn’s rings up close, kick up moon dust and transport into the unknown.
Festivals and Fairs for Families in Atlanta
Dragon Con in Downtown Atlanta, September 1-5
This is a 5-day event families in Atlanta can participate in and enjoy live panels, gaming, cosplay, contests, workshops and much more. Held at Atlanta hotels, guests can buy 1-day pass or 5-day passes.
Food-o-Rama Food Truck Festival at Grant Park, September 3
This food festival will feature more than 50 food trucks and restaurants. Bring your appetite, lawn chairs and money.
Art in the Park at Marietta Square, September 3-5
This 3-day art festival will have over 175 artists from all over the country. Including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography and more. Kids art gallery and activities as well.
Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Lanier, September 10
Georgia’s Biggest Hong Kong cultural event. Families in Atlanta can enjoy cultural events, taste cuisine from around the world and join to cheer their favorite teams.
Flip Circus at Town Center Mall, September 15-19
A new show with an up close and personal interaction with the artists. Presented by the Circus Vazques. Tickets $25-65
Gwinnett County Fair at Gwinnett County Fair Grounds, September 15-25
Get the family together to ride carnival rides, see themed stunt shows, watch puppet performances, listen to live concerts and more. $10 for 12 and up; ages 6-11, $5; ages 5 and younger, free; ride tickets, $1.25 each
Taste of Smyrna at Smyrna Village, September 17
The whole family will find something they love with food from more than 30 restaurants, enjoy live music and entertainment for kids. Free admission; food and drinks additional cost
JapanFest at Gas South Convention Center, September 17-18
Celebrate Japanese culture with an anime village, food vendors, performers, workshops, games and more. $12-$18; ages 6 and younger, free
Roswell Arts Festival at Roswell Town Center, September 17-18
Celebrate the arts with this festival including artists, local entertainment, kid’s activities and more. Free event for families in Atlanta
Buckhead Fine Arts Festival at Buckhead Village, September 17-18
This festival will have 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, metalwork, glass artists, jewelers and offer artist demonstrations and live acoustic music.
North Georgia State Fair at Jim R. Miller Park, September 22- October 2
The largest fair in the metro area is coming back. Enjoy all your favorite rides, live entertainment and fair food. Admission $7, 10 and under are free.
Events for Adults Only
High Frequency Fridays at High Museum, September 2
Adults only can vibe out with the city’s most popular DJs. Take in the Museum’s collection, create a piece of art, and participate in a tour. There will be drinks and food available for purchase.
Night Market at Home Depot Backyard, September 8
This event will feature Atlanta chefs, entertainers, artisans and mixologists. There will be live music, you can shop and enjoy an evening under the stars with friends.
Fernbank After Dark at Fernbank Museum, September 9
Enjoy an evening with a date or friends. Just for adults, activities include outdoor explorations in WildWoods, museum exhibits, live music, full bars, tapas menus, and science demonstrations.
There is so much happening this month that you are sure to enjoy a few of these events. I hope that you get some quality time with your family while enjoying the last bit of the warm weather. Families in Atlanta are really lucky because of all the options and parts of towns the city offers. If you are tired after all these fun activities, be sure to check out these easy dinners for a quick meal.
