Dragon Con is a massive fan convention in Atlanta that runs over Labor Day weekend

Dragon Con is an annual convention held in Atlanta, Georgia, over the Labor Day weekend (usually the first weekend in September). It draws over 80,000 attendees and spans multiple hotels in downtown Atlanta's Peachtree Center. Unlike smaller regional conventions, Dragon Con operates across five connected hotels and includes programming for science fiction, fantasy, comics, gaming, television, film, and cosplay — meaning you can spend an entire weekend there without seeing the same track twice.

The convention runs Thursday evening through Monday, though most of the main programming happens Friday through Sunday. You do not need to attend all four days; many people buy single-day passes or focus on specific programming tracks. The convention is run by a nonprofit organization, and all proceeds go to charity.

Key Takeaways

  • Dragon Con takes place over Labor Day weekend in downtown Atlanta and requires a separate badge for each day you attend.
  • Badges sell out months in advance, and pre-registration during the spring is significantly cheaper than buying at the door.
  • The convention spans five hotels, so plan which programming tracks matter most to you and which hotel to base yourself in.
  • Cosplay is central to Dragon Con culture, but wearing a costume is entirely optional — most attendees wear regular clothes.
  • The convention has no official hotel block, so book your room early through the hotels directly or through standard hotel booking sites.

When Dragon Con happens and how to buy a badge

Dragon Con runs from Thursday evening through Monday morning over Labor Day weekend. The exact dates shift each year because Labor Day is always the first Monday in September. In 2024, for example, Dragon Con ran September 5–9. Check the official Dragon Con website for the current year's dates.

Badges are required to enter the convention space. Pre-registration opens in the spring (usually March or April) and closes when the convention sells out, which typically happens by June or July. Pre-registered badges cost less than day passes bought at the door. If you miss pre-registration, you can still buy single-day passes at the convention itself, though the price is higher and lines can be long on Friday and Saturday.

You can attend just one day or all four days. A four-day badge covers Thursday through Monday; single-day badges are sold separately. Children under a certain age (check the website for the current policy) may not need a badge, but you should verify this before arriving.

The five hotels and how to choose where to stay

Dragon Con uses five connected hotels in downtown Atlanta's Peachtree Center: the Hyatt Regency, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton, Westin, and Renaissance. The hotels are connected by skybridges, so you can move between them without going outside. Programming happens across all five, so your choice of hotel affects which panels and events you can reach most easily.

There is no official hotel block or discounted rate through Dragon Con itself. You book directly with the hotel or through standard booking sites like Expedia or Hotels.com. Because Dragon Con is Labor Day weekend, rooms fill up quickly — book as soon as you know you are attending. Some hotels fill months in advance.

If you cannot get a room in one of the five main hotels, nearby hotels in downtown Atlanta are within walking distance or a short ride away. The convention area is walkable, but distances between hotels can be significant if you are carrying bags or tired.

Programming tracks and how to plan your schedule

Dragon Con divides its programming into tracks: Comics, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Gaming, Cosplay, Film, Television, Paranormal, Burlesque, and others. Each track has its own schedule of panels, workshops, and events. The full schedule is usually posted online a few weeks before the convention, and you can build a personal schedule on the Dragon Con website or app.

With programming happening simultaneously across five hotels, you cannot attend everything. Decide which tracks matter most to you and plan your day around those. Popular panels fill up quickly, especially on Friday and Saturday. If a panel is full, staff usually do not allow entry, so arriving early is important for must-see events.

The convention also hosts evening events like dances, parties, and concerts. These are free to badge holders but can reach capacity. Check the schedule in advance if there are specific evening events you want to attend.

Cosplay at Dragon Con and what to wear

Cosplay — dressing as a character from comics, film, television, or games — is a major part of Dragon Con culture. The convention has a dedicated Cosplay track with contests, panels, and photo opportunities. However, wearing a costume is entirely optional. Most attendees wear regular clothes, and you will not stand out or feel unwelcome if you do not cosplay.

If you do wear a costume, a few practical rules explore. Weapons must be peace-bonded (secured or marked as fake) by convention staff before you enter the main areas. Costumes should not block other people's views or take up excessive space. The convention has a code of conduct that covers respectful behavior in costumes and around other attendees.

Many attendees bring a change of clothes and cosplay for part of the day, then change back into regular clothes for other events. This is common and practical, especially if your costume is uncomfortable or if you want to move between different programming areas without standing out.

What to bring and practical logistics

Bring comfortable walking shoes — you will spend hours moving between hotels and standing in lines. The convention center is indoors and air-conditioned, but the walk from parking or public transit to the hotels can be long.

Bring a portable phone charger. The convention is crowded, and your phone battery will drain quickly if you are using the schedule app, taking photos, or navigating. Many attendees also bring a small backpack or bag for programs, merchandise, and personal items.

Parking in downtown Atlanta is limited and expensive. Many attendees use public transit (MARTA) or rideshare services. If you drive, research parking options in advance — some hotels offer parking for guests, and there are public parking garages nearby, but spaces fill up on Friday and Saturday.

Food options are available at the hotels and nearby restaurants, but lines can be long during peak times. Some attendees bring snacks or eat outside the convention center to save time.

Merchandise, photo ops, and vendor hall

Dragon Con has a large vendor hall where artists, authors, small publishers, and merchandise sellers set up booths. You can buy comics, books, art, costumes, and collectibles. Prices vary widely depending on the vendor and item.

The convention also hosts photo opportunities with actors, artists, and other guests. These are usually ticketed separately and can sell out. Prices and availability are posted on the website before the convention.

If you plan to buy merchandise, bring cash or a card. Most vendors accept both, but some smaller booths may be cash-only. The vendor hall is crowded on Friday and Saturday, so plan accordingly if you want to browse without fighting crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy a badge in advance, or can I buy one at the door?

You can buy a single-day badge at the door, but pre-registration is cheaper and guarantees entry. Pre-registered badges often sell out by June or July, so if you want a four-day badge, register early. Day passes at the door are more expensive and lines can be very long on Friday and Saturday.

What if I cannot get a hotel room in one of the five main hotels?

Downtown Atlanta has many other hotels within walking distance or a short ride away. Book as soon as you know you are attending, since Labor Day weekend fills up quickly across the entire downtown area. Rideshare services are available if you stay farther away.

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the convention?

Outside food and drinks are generally not allowed in the main convention spaces, but you can eat in the hotel lobbies and restaurants. Some attendees eat outside the convention center or in their hotel rooms to save money and time.

Is Dragon Con appropriate for kids?

Dragon Con has programming for all ages, including family-friendly panels and events. However, some panels and evening events are adult-oriented. Check the schedule and content descriptions before bringing children, and supervise them in crowded areas.

What happens if I miss a panel I wanted to see?

Many panels are not recorded or posted online. If you miss a panel, you miss it — there is no way to catch up later. This is why planning your schedule in advance and arriving early to popular panels is important.