Labor Day Weekend Events and Festivals in the Southeast

Labor Day, an annual federal holiday in the United States, celebrates the achievements of the American work force with a national day off on the first Monday in September. A time for relaxation with family and friends as well a chance to bid farewell to summer with a long weekend, Labor Day is a popular time for special events and festivals throughout the country. This round-up offers a selection of several fun ways to celebrate Labor Day in the Southeast U.S.

Labor Day Weekend 2011 - Friday, September 2 - Monday (Labor Day) September 5.
Future Labor Day Dates

Find a Labor Day Weekend Event:

• This Page: Labor Day festivals and events in Georgia, Kentucky and North Carolina
  
  
• Next Page: South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
  
  
• Also see: Labor Day Weekend Hotel and Resort Destinations and Packages

Georgia Events

• Callaway Gardens Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival
  Pine Mountain, Georgia - September 2 – 4, 2011
  This annual Callaway Gardens Labor Day Weekend festival features old-fashioned fun and the beauty of the sky filled with the color of hot air balloons. Highlights include balloon rides, family-friendly activities, music, exhibits, demonstrations and more. Friday evening features a gorgeous balloon glow, weather permitting. Also see: Labor Day Weekend Packages | The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens - Compare Rates | The Villas at Callaway Gardens - Compare Rates.
  
  
• Dragon*Con
  Atlanta, Georgia - September 2 - 5, 2011
  This annual multi-media and pop culture convention celebrates science fiction, fantasy,comics,literature, art, music, film and more. Featured events include film festivals, concerts, parties, costume contests, exhibitors, a parade and much more. (If you are planning to attend and are looking for a good online selection of costumes and accessories, shop direct.) Also see: Atlanta Downtown Hotels - Compare Rates.
  
  
• AJC Decatur Book Festival
  Decatur, Georgia - September 2 - 4, 2011
  The largest independent book festival in the country, this popular annual festival features more than 300 authors and activities including author appearances, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, interactive fun for kids and more. Also see: Decatur Hotels - Compare Rates.
  
  
• Art in the Park
  Marietta, Georgia - September 3 – 5, 2011
  Enjoy one of the largest juried art shows in the Southeast during Labor Day weekend. Held in Glover Park, this fine art show highlights over 130 artists, plus a children's art alley and an artist demonstration area. Also see: Marietta Area Hotels - Compare Rates.
  
  
• Annual Labor Day Weekend Catfish Festival
  Kingsland, Georgia - September 3 - 5, 2011
  The largest festival in Southeast Georgia, the annual Labor Day Weekend Catfish Festival features three days of southern-fried catfish, country music, a parade, arts and crafts booths, collectibles and antiques, a family-friendly amusement area, a classic car and tractor exhibit, 5K run, an annual pancake breakfast and more. In addition to the featured catfish, vendors will sell other popular food items such as hot dogs and hamburgers, fries and onion rings, barbecue, boiled peanuts, funnel cakes and soft drinks. Also see: Kingsland Area Hotels - Compare Rates
  
  
• Celebrate Freedom Atlanta
  Marietta, Georgia - September 3, 2011
  Atlanta's largest free one-day outdoor concert will take place on Saturday during Labor Day weekend at Jim R. Miller Park from about 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. with a fireworks finale. Tickets are free, but required. Also see: Marietta Area Hotels - Compare Rates and More about Visiting the Atlanta Area.
  
  
• Midtown Atlanta Restaurant Week
  Atlanta, Georgia - August 27 - September 4, 2011
  Participating Midtown Atlanta restaurants will offer special restaurant week menus and prices, ending on the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. Also see: Top Luxury Atlanta Hotels.

Kentucky Events

• WorldFest
  Louisville, Kentucky - September 2 - 4 2011
  Louisville's international festival held annually on Labor Day Weekend celebrates the city's unique cultures with a world of performances, cuisine, shopping, the Parade of Cultures and a naturalization ceremony. Also see: Louisville Hotels - Compare Rates.
  
  
• Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival
  Winchester, Kentucky - September 2 - 4, 2011
  Enjoy street dances, arts and crafts, concerts, food, paintball and fireworks at this annual festival. Also see: Winchester Area Hotels - Compare Rates.

North Carolina Events

• Labor Day Beach Music Extravaganza
  Bald Head Island, North Carolina - September 2 - 4, 2011
  Enjoy a weekend of beach music, dancing and great food, including a Labor Day weekend picnic, the annual Texas Bar-B-Q and more. Also see: Labor Day Weekend Deals and Packages for information about rental packages featuring discounted Labor Day weekend accommodations.
  
  
• North Carolina Apple Festival
  Hendersonville, North Carolina - September 2 - 5, 2011
  The North Carolina Apple Festival, which is held annually on Labor Day Weekend, recognizes the apple and the apple industry in Henderson County and North Carolina. Events include entertainment, a Labor Day parade, street dance, vendors and more. Also see: Hendersonville Area Hotels - Compare Rates.