Dragon Con returns to Downtown
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A truly beautiful sight. Photo: Dragon Con Photography
Bring on the wizards and dragon riders. Dragon Con, the largest sci-fi and fantasy convention in the Southeast, has returned.
Why it matters: The four-day festival is one of Atlanta's best homegrown events and a major economic jolt for Downtown's convention hotels and the city.
- Plus, the Saturday morning parade of Star Wars Storm Troopers and elves marching down Peachtree is a bucket-list event.
Reality check: You don't have to be a Dr. Who devotee to head Downtown for Dragon Con.
- Here are several reasons to grab a day ticket (or dedicate the weekend):
Who's who: This year's special guests include Giancarlo Esposito ("Better Call Saul," "Do the Right Thing," "The Mandalorian"), Ming Na Wen ("Mulan" and "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.") Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk ("Firefly") and many more.
Ready player one: The gaming track covers Dungeons and Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, classic arcade games, live-action roleplaying werewolf games — basically all the games.
Pro tip: The panels on nerdy topics like fantasy literature, space exploration and filking — original folk music about sci-fi and fantasy fandom — are worth the price of admission.
- The categories aren't all based on sci-fi and fantasy worlds; other panels cover space exploration, skepticism and deep dives on the policing of technology, including Georgia's laws that govern protests.
Fun fact: The Labor Day weekend event has its traditions, including creating costumes to match the convention hotels' carpets.
The intrigue: Dragon Con rages well into the evening. Head to Trader Vic's, the after-dark rave, or use your charm and score an invite to a private hotel party.
💠Thomas' thought bubble: Seeing Dragon Con attendees dressed as anime characters waiting for a MARTA bus is one of my little joys in life.