The nights are beginning to cool off and the days are shorter. It's almost fall in Atlanta. As we pull out our boots and put away the bathing suits, there's plenty to keep us occupied. From festivals to football, here are the 11 can't miss events in Atlanta this month.
Heroes and Villains Art Show | September 1
Local beer writer and authority, Ale Sharpton hosts the first Heroes and Villains art exhibit at Monday Night Brewing. Sip on the brewery's first imperial stouts while perusing works of art that depict both heroes and villains from comic books. The show, plus a tour with 36 ounces of beer tastings is only $15. Tickets are available here.
College football kickoff | September 3-6
As the days begin to cool off, there is one thing on the minds of most — the return of football. College football kicks off Thursday, September 3, with Georgia Tech taking on Alcorn State at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Then, the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game takes over the Georgia Dome on Saturday, September 5. Expect to see downtown filled with Auburn and Louisville fans mingling with Dragon Con attendees all weekend.
Dragon Con | September 4-7
If it's Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, it means Dragon Con is back. Hordes of Storm Troopers and Marvel superheroes will descend on Atlanta for the four-day sci-fi, fantasy and comic fan convention. Panels, autograph sessions and all other scheduled activities will attract more than 60,000 attendees. Tickets are still available for $150. If you don't want to go for the whole weekend, the free parade on Saturday morning is a can't miss event. This year's route will be the longest ever. If this is your first time attending, or you just need a refresher, read our guide on surviving Dragon Con here.
AJC Decatur Book Festival | September 4-6
Now in its 10th year, the AJC Decatur Book Festival has grown into the largest independent book festival in the U.S. Over three days, downtown Decatur hums with dozens of festival activities ranging from readings to cooking demos. Twenty-three stages will host authors from all over the world. Fifteen tracks, including romance, poetry and science, guide festival-goers to explore genres in depth. All ages are invited to participate. For more information, check out our full coverage.
Midtown Restaurant Week | September 5-13
More than 40 restaurants will be participating in this year's Midtown Restaurant Week. Classics like South City Kitchen join new favorites like Cooks & Soldiers. Menus range from $25 to $35 and include a multicourse prix fixe menu. Options are available for brunch, lunch and dinner. Reservations are strongly recommended.
ONE MusicFest | September 12
Billed as the largest musical art festival in the Southeast, ONE MusicFest brings an impressive lineup to Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood on Saturday, September 12. Headliners for the festival include The Roots, Lauryn Hill, ASAP Rocky, Janelle Monae, Ghostface Killa and Raekwon. Attendees can also enjoy an Arts Village, food trucks and activities like games and photo booths. Tickets start at $50.
Beltline Lantern Parade | September 12
Every year, the Art on the Beltline exhibit opens to the public on the Saturday after Labor Day. To kick off the exhibit, the Beltline invites revelers to join the Krewe of Grateful Gluttons as they carry colorful, glowing lanterns and play music down the length of the Eastside Trail. Participants will begin the walk at the Irwin and Krog Street entrance at 8:15 pm. Participating in the parade is free.
Jazzoo | September 12
Have you ever wanted to see Zoo Atlanta after the sun goes down? Jazzoo is your chance. On Saturday, September 12, the zoo will open gates at 6:30 for the eighth annual fundraiser. Nibble on fare from more than a 30 restaurants and bars while local bands provide live music on four stages. Tickets start at $100, and all profits go to supporting the conservation efforts of Zoo Atlanta.
Music Midtown | September 18-19
Drake, Elton John, Hozier, Sam Smith and more will take over Piedmont Park the weekend of September 18. For the fifth year at Piedmont Park, organizers are expecting the largest crowd yet. Three stages will host classic favorites like Billy Idol and indie darlings like Jenny Lewis. General admission tickets are $125, and a VIP option is available for $600.
Taste of Atlanta | September 26-28
It's no secret that Atlanta has blossomed into a world-class dining city. The choices of restaurants can be overwhelming. Luckily, Taste of Atlanta is bringing the best that Atlanta has to offer to Midtown for an entire weekend. Nearly 100 restaurants will converge on Tech Square to serve samples from their menus. This year,attendees can leave their cash at home, because the festival is going cashless. Digital wristbands will be both the ticket in and the way to get your fill of food. Preload your wristband with 'Taste Points' (1 point per $1) and top off the points during the festival with your phone or at one of the loading stations.
Atlanta Streets Alive | September 27
Have you ever imagined an Atlanta with no cars? Perhaps during an epic traffic snarl? Well, live your dreams on Sunday, September 27. From 2 to 6 p.m. that day, a 4.5 mile long loop on Highland, North Avenue, Boulevard and North Highland Avenue will be closed to all motorized vehicles. Grab your bike, skateboard or your walking shoes and join in a giant block party. Local businesses will host activities like a climbing wall, and restaurants will extend their services into the streets.
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