ATLANTA — Atlanta is preparing for an unusually busy Labor Day weekend, with three major events expected to draw more than 100,000 people to the city and generate more than $100 million in economic impact.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Dragon Con, Atlanta Black Pride and the college football kickoff are all happening this weekend, creating a major boost for hotels, restaurants, bars and other local businesses.
“I think we sometimes have an embarrassment of riches when we have all these major events,” William Pate, CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, told Channel 2’s Michael Doudna.
Dragon Con is celebrating its 40th year in Atlanta, while Atlanta Black Pride has been a longtime Labor Day weekend tradition. The city also played a role in creating the modern college football kickoff game.
“I think it also speaks to just the diversity of the city that we have three major events, and you can pick and choose,” Pate said.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Trapped in the elevator with inmates: An inside look at Fulton County Jail’s issues
- Popular squishy toy recalled over choking and intestinal blockage risks
- Wellstar Health System reaches deal to acquire north Georgia hospital
The crowds are expected to fill hotel rooms across the city.
Ramon Reyes with the Omni Hotel said Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest times of the year for the hotel.
“Oh, it’s the first weekend we look at when we’re budgeting,” Reyes said.
The demand is expected to extend beyond hotel rooms, with restaurants and bars also preparing for a surge in customers.
“We’re busy, busy to the point where we don’t have room for much else,” Reyes said.
And the economic boost isn’t limited to Atlanta’s largest hotels and businesses.
Food trucks, parking attendants and other small businesses also stand to benefit as tens of thousands of visitors move throughout the city.
Pate said events that return year after year can be especially valuable to Atlanta’s economy.
“What really helps drive the business are the things that are here every year,” Pate said.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2026 Cox Media Group
