Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Photos Courtesy of Dragon Con
Five Days of Epic Geekery
Every Labor Day Weekend, Atlanta transforms into a geek-fueled playground for one of the largest pop-culture conventions in the galaxy: Dragon Con. Running from August 28 to September 1, 2025, Dragon Con spans five downtown hotels and envelops the city in a whirlwind of sci-fi, fantasy, comics, gaming, literature, cosplay, music, and art—as well as late-night raves, parades, and more.
This isn’t just a convention—it’s a multiverse of fandoms, bringing together tens of thousands of fans (estimates suggest attendance has exceeded 80,000 in recent years) to celebrate the bizarre, the imaginative, and the delightfully nerdy.
Programming You Can’t Miss
1. The Legendary Parade
Saturday morning’s parade along Peachtree Street is the showpiece of Dragon Con weekend. Thousands of cosplayers—complete with Stormtroopers, dragons, superheroes, and more—march before a crowd of approximately 75,000 onlookers. This dazzling display of passion and creativity is pure Dragon Con magic.
2. Fifty Tracks of Fan-Focused Programming
Whatever your obsession—be it anime, YA lit, alternative history, robotics, podcasting, or filk—you’ll find a panel for it. Thousands of hours of content across dozens of specialized tracks cater to every niche imaginable.
3. Epic Live Acts & Musical Moments
This year’s highlights include a symphonic concert by the Georgia Philharmonic, performing iconic scores from beloved films, TV, and video games. Late-night electrifying DJ dance parties follow the concerts—from Friday through Sunday—powered by both filking sessions and dance beats until dawn.
4. Medieval Combat & Dragon’s Cup Tournament
Witness history come alive with the Palmetto Knights, a medieval reenactment group engaging in authentic, foot-combat tournaments, including the celebrated Dragon’s Cup—a spectacle of armor, swords, and ancient tactics.
5. Twisted Toonz—Live Movie Readings
Prepare for absolute hilarity at Twisted Toonz, featuring voice-acting superstars reinterpreting beloved films—like “Winnie the Pooh as Darth Vader” or “Pinky & the Brain as Frodo and Sam.” These tongue-in-cheek performances are legendary, riotous, and highly Instagrammable.
6. Art, Awards & Nerd Culture
From the Art Show and Comic & Pop Artist Alley, to Dragon Awards—honoring fan-favorite works in sci-fi, fantasy, and horror across books, games, TV, and more—the convention intersects creativity with fandom in the most expressive ways.
7. DragonConTV Streaming
Can’t attend every panel? Catch highlights—parodies, skits, live shows, and more—via DragonConTV, the convention’s in-house production studio. Members can stream content live in the hotels or on-demand at home.
Honorable Mention: Dragon Con Party at the Aquarium
One event stands out as enchantingly unique: Dragon Con Night at the Georgia Aquarium. Held this year on August 30 (7:00 pm–11:00 pm), it’s an exclusive, after-hours aquatic wonderland featuring:
- Ambiance meets cosplay—roam illuminated galleries in full Dragon Con attire, surrounded by manta rays, jellyfish, and dazzling marine life.
- A special sea lion presentation at 8 pm in Truist Sea Lion Studios.
- Commemorative collectible Dragon Con pins, limited to the first 1,500 attendees.
- Food and drinks in the Coastline Café, plus cashless bar access, all set to ambient tunes—and an enchanting underwater vibe.
It’s a must-see soirée that redefines party venues—mixing cosplay, marine marvels, and con camaraderie.
Why Dragon Con Matters
Community & Creativity Collide
Dragon Con thrives because it’s built by fans, for fans. Originating in 1987 with just a few hundred sci-fi gamers, it now spans genres and generations—always maintaining its grassroots, fan-first energy.
Tradition Meets Innovation
From carpet-themed costumes to late-night tiki-bar revelry at Trader Vic’s in the Hilton, Dragon Con blends quirky traditions with new surprises every year.
A Full-Immersion Fanworld
Whether you’re attending panels, rocking out at night, wandering the artist alley, or just people-watching in amazing cosplays, Dragon Con offers five days of full-spectrum fandom immersion.
Be There or Be Square (in an Epic Way)
Dragon Con Weekend isn’t just a convention—it’s an odyssey. From theatrical parade pageantry and genre-bending programs to underwater revelry at the aquarium, every moment is curated for wonder, connection, and community.
If you’re in—or planning to be in—Atlanta that Labor Day Weekend, consider yourself invited to sci-fi royalty. Just don’t forget your cosplay—and maybe a waterproof prop—for the most spectacular five days ever.
