Atlanta, GA, August 28, 2025
News Summary
Dragon Con, one of the largest pop culture conventions in the United States, is making its return to Atlanta. This major event will gather thousands of fans to celebrate science fiction, fantasy, comic books, and gaming. Spanning across several hotels in downtown Atlanta, attendees can enjoy panels, cosplay, and an annual parade featuring notable guests. With a variety of activities planned, fans are encouraged to prepare for heavy foot traffic and possible rain during the festivities.
Atlanta will once again be hosting the highly anticipated Dragon Con, one of the largest and most popular pop culture conventions in the United States. This 39th annual event is set to take place over five days, starting on Thursday, August 28, at 5 p.m. and concluding on Monday, September 1, at 5 p.m. Thousands of fans are expected to gather in downtown Atlanta, celebrating their love for science fiction, fantasy, comic books, and gaming.
Dragon Con spans across five prominent hotels in downtown Atlanta: the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Hilton Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Courtland Grand (previously Sheraton Atlanta), and the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel. The hotels are interconnected via skybridges, making it easy for attendees to navigate between venues. The AmericasMart, located just west of the hotels, will host vendor booths and tabletop gaming sections, offering a variety of merchandise and activities for participants.
Attendees can expect an array of activities including panels, autograph signings, tabletop games, cosplay meet-ups, and a grand parade on Saturday, August 30, at 10 a.m. The parade will start at Peachtree Street and Linden Avenue and culminate at the Marriott. This year’s event will feature a diverse range of topics across 32 different event categories, allowing fans to delve deeper into their favorite aspects of pop culture.
Among the notable guests appearing this year are acclaimed actor Vincent D’Onofrio and celebrated artist Donato Giancola, alongside a roster of other prominent figures from the entertainment and creative industries. Dragon Con offers various passes, including full five-day access and single-day admission options. An “eternal” membership is also available for dedicated fans, priced at $4,500. For those unable to attend in person, streaming membership options are offered, as well as a dedicated Dragon Con app for easier navigation and updates.
Registration for the event requires attendees to pick up their passes at the Courtland Grand location. Attendees must present a valid photo ID and an email receipt that contains a QR code for verification purposes. Anyone needing duplicate emails for their passes should contact the Dragon Con office directly.
With Labor Day weekend traffic expected to be congested in Atlanta, particularly on Friday and Saturday, participants are encouraged to plan their transportation accordingly. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) suggests using the Red and Gold lines to reach the Peachtree Center station for the easiest access to the convention. During the event, MARTA will implement crowd management strategies, such as metering at stations and providing additional staff during peak times.
Weather forecasts predict rain over the weekend, prompting organizers to advise attendees to carry rain gear, especially for the parade. Visitors should prepare for heavy foot traffic as fans flock to engage in the rich tapestry of pop culture experiences that Dragon Con has to offer.
Overview of Dragon Con 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | August 28 – September 1, 2025 |
| Location | Downtown Atlanta, GA |
| Hotels Involved | Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Hilton Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Courtland Grand, Westin Peachtree Plaza |
| Annual Parade | August 30, 10 a.m. |
| Notable Guests | Vincent D’Onofrio, Donato Giancola |
| Event Categories | 32 |
| Parking | Challenging; MARTA recommended for transport |
FAQ
What is Dragon Con?
Dragon Con is a popular pop culture convention celebrating science fiction, fantasy, comics, and gaming.
When will Dragon Con take place?
The event will begin on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. and end on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 5 p.m.
Where is Dragon Con held?
Dragon Con is located in downtown Atlanta, GA, across five hotels and the AmericasMart.
How can I get there?
Attendees can take MARTA’s Red and Gold lines to the Peachtree Center station for easy access. Parking may be difficult due to high traffic.
Are there any special guests at this year’s event?
Yes, notable guests include actors and creators, such as Vincent D’Onofrio and Donato Giancola.
What types of tickets are available?
Tickets can be purchased for four to five days, and there’s also an “eternal” membership option at $4,500.
What should I bring?
Attendees should consider bringing rain gear due to forecasted weather conditions, especially for the outdoor parade.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Everything You Need to Know About Dragon Con 2025
- AJC: Dragon Con Labor Day Weekend – What to Know About Atlanta Traffic and Weather
- 11Alive: Labor Day in Atlanta – Events Overview
- AJC: Dragon Con for Kids – An Event Guide for Families
- Wikipedia: Dragon Con
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
