Atlanta GA, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta’s Dragon Con 2025 brought together over 75,000 fans, raising approximately $320,000 for NAMI Georgia. This event, recognized as the largest multi-media pop culture convention, has donated over $2 million to mental health initiatives over the years. Attendees enjoyed diverse programming and contributed to blood donations, showcasing community spirit and engagement. The upcoming 40th anniversary promises even more excitement for fans globally.
Atlanta Celebrates Dragon Con 2025 with Record Fundraising for Mental Health
Atlanta hosted the 39th annual Dragon Con from August 28 to September 1, 2025, attracting over 75,000 fans from all 50 states and six inhabited continents. Recognized as the largest multi-media pop culture gathering in the world, this year’s event raised approximately $320,000 for NAMI Georgia, a local mental health organization.
The funds raised in 2025 contribute to a remarkable total exceeding $2 million that Dragon Con has donated to NAMI Georgia over the years. The convention not only generated significant financial support for mental health initiatives but also encouraged attendees to give back to the community by donating over 10,600 blood components to local hospitals.
Event Highlights and Accommodations
The Dragon Con weekend featured an array of events, including panels, workshops, contests, live music, gaming, and cosplay activities across 32 event categories, appealing to a wide range of interests such as anime, sci-fi, and fantasy. The annual Dragon Con parade, a popular highlight, took place on August 30 at 10 a.m. on Peachtree Street, beginning at Linden Avenue and concluding in front of the Marriott.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage with celebrity guests, including notable figures like William Shatner, Simon Pegg, John Boyega, and Christopher Lloyd. The Vendor Hall and Comic Artist Alley were open on the final day of the event, providing fans with numerous shopping options from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition, visitors could access the Dragon Con app, which offered schedules, maps, and event listings for convenience.
Registration and Transportation
Registration and badge pick-up were available at the Courtland Grand Hotel, requiring a photo ID and email receipt for verification. Given anticipated traffic congestion in downtown Atlanta, attendees were advised against using personal vehicles for parking and were encouraged to utilize the MARTA public transportation system for easy access to the event.
The convention took place across five hotels—Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Courtland Grand Hotel (formerly Sheraton Atlanta), and the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel—connected by sky bridges for easy navigation among sites.
Looking Ahead
As its 40th anniversary approaches, Dragon Con is set to take place from September 3–7, 2026. The anticipation surrounding next year’s event promises to deliver even more excitement for fans around the globe as they celebrate another year of pop culture and community engagement.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 28 – September 1, 2025 |
| Attendance | Over 75,000 attendees |
| Funds Raised for NAMI Georgia | Approximately $320,000 |
| Total Raised Over the Years | Exceeds $2 million |
| Blood Donations | Over 10,600 components |
| Celebrity Guests | William Shatner, Simon Pegg, John Boyega, Christopher Lloyd |
| Event Categories | 32 different tracks |
| Next Event Dates | September 3–7, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Dragon Con?
Dragon Con is a multi-media pop culture convention held annually in Atlanta, attracting fans of various genres, including sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and more.
How many people attended Dragon Con 2025?
Over 75,000 fans attended Dragon Con 2025, making it one of the largest gatherings of its kind.
How much money did Dragon Con raise for NAMI Georgia?
This year, Dragon Con raised approximately $320,000 for NAMI Georgia, contributing to a historical total of over $2 million since its inception.
What activities were available at Dragon Con?
Activities included panels, workshops, contests, live music, gaming, and cosplay across various event tracks.
When is the next Dragon Con?
The next Dragon Con will take place from September 3–7, 2026, celebrating its 40th anniversary.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Dragon Con Raises Nearly $500K for Charity
- 11Alive: Dragon Con Parade Recap
- Atlanta News First: Everything You Need to Know About Dragon Con 2025
- Wikipedia: Dragon Con
- Google Search: Dragon Con 2025
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.
