Atlanta's Biggest Annual Festivals and Events

Dragon Con: Labor Day Belongs to the Fans

Every Labor Day weekend, downtown Atlanta turns into a giant celebration of science fiction, fantasy, comics, gaming and film. Dragon Con began in 1987, and 2026 marked its 40th edition, held September 3 to 7. The convention spreads across five host hotels, the Hyatt Regency, Marriott Marquis, Hilton, Westin Peachtree Plaza and Courtland Grand, plus AmericasMart, with skybridges linking several of the buildings.

The highlight for many families is the free parade on Saturday morning, a tradition since 2001. Thousands of costumed fans march down Peachtree Street, turn onto Andrew Young International Boulevard and finish in front of the Marriott Marquis, while crowds line the sidewalks. You do not need a badge to watch. The 2027 convention is set for September 2 to 6.

Running Peachtree on the Fourth of July

Atlanta celebrates Independence Day by running. The Peachtree Road Race, organized by Atlanta Track Club, is billed as the world's largest 10K, drawing more than 50,000 runners and walkers from Lenox Square in Buckhead to the finish in Piedmont Park. The first race in 1970 was won by Jeff Galloway.

In 2026 the event became the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race after the AJC ended its long run as title sponsor. On race day, Kenya's Patrick Kiprop defended his men's title in 27:37 and Ethiopia's Tsigie Gebreselama won the women's race in 31:02, while Tatyana McFadden earned her ninth Peachtree wheelchair win. The next race is July 4, 2027.

Music in Piedmont Park

Shaky Knees started in 2013 and has moved around the city, from Historic Fourth Ward Park to Centennial Olympic Park and Central Park, before settling into Piedmont Park in 2025. The 2026 edition ran September 18 to 20 with The Strokes, Twenty One Pilots and Gorillaz headlining more than 50 acts. Dates for 2027 had not been announced as of early October 2026.

Music Midtown, founded in 1994, made Piedmont Park its home from 2011 onward and last took place in September 2023. Organizers put it on hiatus in 2024, and there was no festival in 2025 or 2026. Fans are still waiting for word on a return.

The Atlanta Jazz Festival is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country. Its 49th edition filled Piedmont Park over Memorial Day weekend, May 23 to 25, 2026, with The Roots, Kamasi Washington and Esperanza Spalding among the headliners.

Spring Blooms at the Dogwood Festival

Founded in 1936, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is one of the city's oldest traditions and has been held in Piedmont Park since the early 1990s. Expect fine art and craft booths, food, live music on two stages, a kids' area and a crowd favorite, the canine frisbee contest. The 91st festival is scheduled for April 9 to 11, 2027, with free admission and donations encouraged.

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