ATL Cops Gearing Up For Crazy Labor Day Weekend

ATLANTA, GA — Take tens of thousands of science fiction and fantasy lovers, throw in a bunch of diehard college football fans, add some folks celebrating Pride, some excited concert-goers and a bunch of book-lovers just down the road and what do you have? You've got Atlanta on Labor Day weekend.

Atlanta Police are urging residents to be mindful of the craziness that has become a yearly ritual in Atlanta over the long weekend. Huge crowds and insane traffic are expected, especially downtown and in Midtown, between now and Monday.

In all, police say at least 700,000 people are expected at Dragon Con, the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game, Black Gay Pride, LudaDay Weekend, Taste of Soul Atlanta and other events. Just down the road, the Decatur Book Festival is expected to draw another 80,000.

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"The diversity of our events is an important part of what makes the City of Atlanta a unique, multifaceted destination," said Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields. "We hope everyone has a great time and enjoys the best Atlanta has to offer. Our officers will be out among the crowds and stand ready to serve."

In addition to downtown and Midtown, police say large crowds are expected at events at Piedmont Park, Lakewood Amphitheater, Lenox Square and other destinations. Police intend to be highly visible in the city to help protect residents and visitors, ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible and respond to emergencies.

The department urges residents to plan their travel wisely and consider taking MARTA, as traffic and parking will be concerns. Event-goers are reminded to be mindful of their surroundings and call 911 to report any suspicious activity.

Event-goers are urged to:

• Remove valuables from their vehicles. Laptops, smartphones, cash and other items are routinely stolen from unattended vehicles at large events.
• Make sure any firearms are secured in a gun safe or locked in a secure part of vehicles.

Here's a listing of some of the events going on over Labor Day weekend 2018 in Atlanta:

• Dragon Con. Downtown. 80,000 people
• Dragon Con Parade. Downtown. 60,000 people
• Black Gay Pride. Candler Park. 30,000 people
• Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game. Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 60,000 people
• Taste of Soul Atlanta. Northside Drive. 10,000 people
• Georgia Tech vs. Alcorn State. Ga. Tech Stadium. 30,000 people
• LudaFam Day. Northside Drive. 15,000 people
• "Lynyrd Skynyrd" concert. Lakewood Amphitheater. 10,000 people
• Taste of Soul Atlanta. Northside Drive. 10,000 people
• Pure Heat Community Festival. Piedmont Park. 77,000 people

Photo courtesy Atlanta Police Department