Tag Archive for: downtown atlanta

DRAGON CON RETURNS THIS LABOR DAY WITH 75,000 FANS, COUNTLESS COSTUMES, AND MORE NERDY FUN THAN YOU CAN FIT IN A TARDIS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/20/25

From Screen Legends to Dungeon Masters, Fans Turn Out for Star Encounters, Gaming Hall Glory,

and the Most Colorful Parade This Side of the Multiverse

Dragon Con, the internationally known pop culture, fantasy, science fiction, and gaming convention, returns to downtown Atlanta for the five-day Labor Day weekend, attracting some 75,000 fans from all 50 states and several foreign countries.

Fans come to Dragon Con to meet their favorite actors, artists, authors, creators, and experts, show off their latest cosplay, make new friends, and revel in nerdy fun.

Dragon Con 2025 runs from Thursday, Aug. 28 to Monday, Sept. 1 with events and activities across five host hotels – Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree, and Courtland Grand – plus AmericasMart Buildings Two and Three.

Guests – Cultural icon William Shatner, Mission Impossible’s Simon Pegg, and John Boyega from the Star Wars sequels are set to light up the stage while legendary actor Christopher Lloyd will be on hand to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future.

They will be joined by Bones’ David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel, Superman Returns’ Brandon Routh, Marvel’s Kingpin Vincent D’Onofrio, Arrowverse’s Emily Bett Rickards, and Katee Sackhoff from The Mandalorian, all coming out to meet fans, lead panel discussions, and sign autographs.

The Muppet Show and Sesame Street Muppeteers Bill Barretta (Pepe the King Prawn), Kevin Clash (Elmo), Bonnie Erickson (Miss Piggy), and Dave Goelz (Gonzo) will be on hand to lead fans in sing-alongs, panel discussions, and puppetry demonstrations.

In addition, Dragon Con will host some 300 authors, artists, game designers, puppeteers, scientists, engineers, and other experts to lead panels and talk with fans across 38 tracks of programming, from high fantasy to hard science.

Gaming – Dragon Con, one of the largest gaming conventions in the nation, offers more than three acres of gaming in AmericasMart Building Three, plus additional gaming and game-related programming in the nearby Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel.

Dragon Con offers the full array of games including PC and console games, miniatures, role-playing games, collectible card games, social deception games, LARP games, and a basement full of familiar and rare board games. All gaming is free to Dragon Con members and begins Thursday, Aug. 28 at 4 pm.

Fans can explore traditional arcade cabinet favorites and imports from across the Pacific in the ever-popular Japanese and Asian arcade game section that are free to play. Atlanta’s own Joystick Game Bar returns with a pop-up version of its retro arcade in Peachtree Center Mall.

Programming highlights include the return of celebrity Dungeon Master Mark Meer, who will lead a D&D Live session with the cast of Baldur’s Gate III including Samantha Béart, Tim Downie, Emma Gregory, Cissy Jones, and Dave Jones through a classic adventure. Meer will also team up with Atlanta’s own Dad’s Garage for a one-of-a-kind improv tribute to Baldur’s Gate III.

Sean Copeland, Loremaster at Blizzard Entertainment, Ashley Ruhl, Narrative Director on Star Wars: The Old Republic, along with Alison Carrier from Scopely, Brian Urbanek from Marauder Tech, and content creator Jynxie Rose will participate in multiple panels on game design, development, and content creation. Paris K. Arrowsmith brings the award-winning Cyberpunk Red podcast to Dragon Con with guest stars Mikal Mosley and Tracie Hearne.

Parade – Atlanta’s most colorful and always popular Dragon Con Parade steps off on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 10 am. The parade is free and open to the public.

The parade route remains the same as in past years. Beginning at the intersection of Peachtree Street and Linden Avenue, the parade will head south on Peachtree, east (left) on Andrew Young International Boulevard and north (left) on Peachtree Center Avenue. It will end on Peachtree Center Avenue between John Portman Boulevard and Baker Street, in front of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

The route is convenient to three MARTA stations – North Avenue, Civic Center, and Peachtree Center. Parking downtown is expected to be tight. Dragon Con encourages parade spectators to ride MARTA.

The 2025 parade will be televised live on CBS Atlanta (formerly Atlanta 69). Live coverage will begin at 10 am and will remain on air through the entire parade. 

There are a number of live streaming options. DCTV will broadcast the parade live on a closed circuit to the convention’s host hotels, with rebroadcasts throughout the weekend. Parade coverage will also stream on dragoncon.tv, subscription required.

Cosplay – Dragon Con is well known for the quality of its cosplay and that tradition will certainly continue. The nation’s top cosplayers will show off their best work during the show, participating in costume contests every night of the convention and promenading throughout the five host hotels and the streets of downtown Atlanta.

Cosplay competitions remain a mainstay of Dragon Con, including the queen of competitions, Dragon Con Masquerade, the oldest continuously-run competition in fandom, the craftsmanship-focused Friday Night Costume Contest, and the low-key and fan-voted Hallway Costume Contest.

Official Charity – Mental health advocacy and education organization NAMI Georgia is Dragon Con’s official 2025 charity. NAMI Georgia works to raise awareness across the state and provide support to its 18 local affiliates serving individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Through convention-based auctions, special merchandise sales, special events, plus a dollar-for-dollar match from the convention, Dragon Con raised $300,000 in 2024 for the Georgia chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. Since 2015, the convention has raised more than $1.48 million for Atlanta-based charities. 

In addition to fundraising, Dragon Con conducts the largest convention-based blood drive in the nation. Each year, some 3,000 fans donate more than 6,000 units of blood and blood products in the annual Robert A. Heinlein “Pay It Forward” blood drive, benefiting LifeSouth, which serves more than 40 hospitals in the Atlanta area and 110 hospitals in the Southeast.

About Dragon Con

Dragon Con is the internationally known pop culture convention held each Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 28 – Sept. 1, 2025) in Atlanta. Organized for fans, Dragon Con features more than 3,500 hours of comics, film, television, costuming, art, music, and gaming over four days. For more information, please visit www.dragoncon.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

AUTHORS, COMIC CREATORS, SCIENTISTS, AND MAGICIANS IGNITE CREATIVITY AND FUEL FANDOM AT DRAGON CON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/25/25

Dragon Con, Atlanta’s internationally known pop culture, fantasy, sci-fi, and gaming convention, is a hub for creators, experts, and thought leaders from a wide range of fields who help fans explore their interests.

While the convention’s celebrity guests get immediate notice, only about a quarter of Dragon Con’s roster of guests come from television and movies. The majority of convention guests are storytellers, artists, scientists, and other experts in fields like science, space exploration, digital rights, and more.

“Our authors, comic creators, and experts don’t just help fans understand the world — they make sure no one leaves without having their minds at least slightly blown,” convention co-chair Rachel Reeves said. “Whether they’re diving into speculative fiction or tackling real-world topics like science, space, civil rights, or skepticism, we bring in sharp minds who can break down big ideas and make it fun.”

Dragon Con’s 2025 convention runs from Thursday, Aug. 28 to Monday, Sept. 1 with events and activities across five host hotels – Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree, and Courtland Grand Hotel – and AmericasMart Buildings #2 and #3.

Reporters from any outlet approved to cover Dragon Con are invited to seek interviews with artists, authors, and other creators and experts who are attending the convention – not just those listed below, but any guest or attending professional.  For more information, please contact interviews@dragoncon.org.

Guests have the final say on whether to do an interview. They may be limited by schedule, contractual obligations, or other reasons.

Authors

Dragon Con’s roster of science fiction and fantasy authors includes master storytellers whose characters and worlds have transported readers across galaxies, into magical realms, and onto The New York Times Best Sellers list — while racking up awards along the way. Timothy Zahn, author of more than 40 novels including the iconic Thrawn Star Wars series, returns this year. Jim Butcher, best known for The Dresden Files, brings not only his bestselling books but also his outspoken advocacy for mental health awareness. Jack Campbell, the pen name of retired Navy officer John G. Hemry, is a fan favorite for his blend of military science fiction and epic space opera. Roswell, Georgia’s own Delilah Dawson, was recently chosen to continue the beloved Shannara series. Also appearing: Richard Kadrey, whose Sandman Slim books have earned cult status, and Michael Stackpole, the multi-genre storyteller known for his work in novels, games, and screenwriting.

Comic Creators

Comics — and the powerhouse writers and artists behind them — are a cornerstone of Dragon Con, taking fans into the creative process behind the legendary heroes, villains, and worlds that have shaped pop culture as we know it. Craig Kyle, a longtime Marvel writer best known for creating fan-favorite X-23 and contributing to X-Force, New X-Men, and Amazing X-Men, will be on hand along with Eisner Award–winning artist and writer Becky Cloonan, who made waves with her self-published hit The Mire, earning her both critical acclaim and the prestigious Inkpot Award. Former Marvel editor-in-chief Tom DeFalco brings decades of experience and more than fifty published works to the table. Legendary writer Steve Englehart has shaped the stories of Spider-Man, Captain America, The Fantastic Four, Batman, and Superman. Illustrator Darick Robertson, co-creator of Transmetropolitan and The Boys, bridges comics and screen as a creator and executive producer. And Colleen Doran, a New York Times bestselling artist, has contributed to Neil Gaiman’s Troll Bridge and Stan Lee’s Amazing, Fantastic, Incredible.

Electronic Frontiers Foundation

Dragon Con’s EFF track exists at the intersection of technology, law, activism, and society, and how they fit within the framework of a democratic society, touching on AI, information security, privacy, and individual rights online. This year’s guests bring serious policy chops to Dragon Con. They include: Meredith Rose, senior policy counsel at Public Knowledge and a science fiction and fantasy/horror author, covers tech, copyright, fandom, and music. Kurt Opsahl of the Filecoin Foundation focuses on cybersecurity and protecting the decentralized web. Hayley Tsukayama, associate director of legislative activism at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, drives state-level tech and privacy policy. And Tatiana Rice, director of AI legislation at the Future of Privacy Forum, explores the shifting dynamics between AI, data privacy, and civil rights.

Space Scientists

The Space track explores the unfathomable vastness of space, from manned missions to low earth orbit to the latest telescopes, missions, and probes that are bringing back hard information about our solar system, our galaxy, and regions beyond. This year’s guests span galaxies — and disciplines. They include: Les Johnson, futurist, author, and NASA technologist, writes both space science for the public and hard science fiction. Dr. Brett McGuire, astrochemist and MIT professor, has contributed to cutting-edge work at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Harvard-Smithsonian. Astrophysicist Steph LaMassa helps lead research on supermassive black holes with the James Webb Space Telescope. Dr. Robert E. Hampson, neuroscientist and author, explores how the brain encodes memory at Wake Forest. And Kim Steadman, systems engineer at NASA, is planning surface operations for NASA’s Dragonfly mission to Titan.

Science

Dragon Con’s Science Track brings together experts from a wide range of fields to share their passions and dive into the real-world science that fuels fandom, challenges assumptions, and sparks curiosity. This year’s guests include paleontologists David Moscato and Will Harris, co-hosts of The Common Descent Podcast, who use fossil hunting experience to lead entertaining discussions about life on Earth; Award-winning science writer Bethany Brookshire explores how humans relate to the environment and their place in it; Ryan Consell, an engineering professor and author of the Stealing from Wizards series, blends science with storytelling; and psychopharmacologist Jessica Cail, a Hollywood science advisor, unpacks addiction and the science behind favorite shows from Marvel, Disney, and Netflix.

Skeptics

Experts presenting in the Skeptic track teach critical thinking and good science in an entertaining way, giving fans the tools to spot scams, misdirection, and misinformation. This year’s guests include Brian Brushwood, award-winning magician and host of the hit podcast The World’s Greatest Con; comedian and director Ian Harris, known for his dead-on impressions and smart, socially charged humor; author and stand-up comic Leighann Lord, a StarTalkRadio co-host with Neil de Grasse Tyson and veteran of Comedy Central, HBO, and Showtime; and Curt Anderson, a professional magician and academic who specializes in human deception and how we fall for it.

About Dragon Con

Dragon Con is the internationally known pop culture convention held each Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 28 – Sept. 1, 2025) in Atlanta. Organized for fans, Dragon Con features more than 3,500 hours of comics, film, television, costuming, art, music, and gaming over four days. For more information, please visit www.dragoncon.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.

DRAGON CON SELECTS NAMI GEORGIA AS ITS OFFICIAL 2025 CHARITY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/13/25

Significant Mental Health Issues Across Georgia

Demands Increased Investment in Awareness and Support

Dragon Con, Atlanta’s internationally known pop culture, sci fi, fantasy, and gaming convention, has selected mental health advocacy and education organization NAMI Georgia as its 2025 official charity.

Many Georgians struggle with mental health challenges without access to the care they need, making it critical to invest in resources that support well-being, resilience, and recovery across our communities. In fact, approximately 1.4 million adults in Georgia experience mental illness annually, yet only 41 percent receive treatment.

NAMI Georgia is a leading voice on mental health in the state, working to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for those affected by mental illness. They empower more than 18 local affiliates to offer advocacy, education, support, and public awareness to improve the lives of individuals and families dealing with mental health challenges.

Through convention-based auctions, special merchandise sales, special events, plus a dollar-for-dollar match from the convention, Dragon Con raised $300,000 in 2024 for the Georgia chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. Over the last decade, the convention has consistently raised more than $100,000 for each of its annual official charities – and more than $200,000 in each of the past four years – for a total of more than $1.48 million donated to Atlanta-based charities since 2015.

“What makes Dragon Con truly remarkable isn’t the costumes or the panels – it’s the heart of our community,” said Pat Henry, president of Dragon Con, Inc. “Every year, our fans rally behind a new cause, showing up with incredible generosity and a spirit of giving that inspires us all. Their support for local charities is a powerful reminder of what this community stands for.”

Dragon Con 2025 is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28 to Monday, Sept. 1 in downtown Atlanta. The convention attracts more than 75,000 pop culture fans from all 50 states and several foreign countries who come to Dragon Con to meet their favorite actors, creators, and experts, show off their latest cosplay, make new friends, and revel in the joy that is Dragon Con.

For more information about NAMI Georgia, visit https://namiga.org/ or follow them on your favorite social media platform.

GLENN HOTEL ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/22/24

Glenn Hotel Atlanta, where there is a lion in every southern heart.  This stunning, ornate boutique hotel began as a 1920s landmark that is “guarded” by 39 lions atop the building. To pay homage, lion artwork is prevalent throughout the entire space from the lobby, in the elevator, and even in the rooms! Warm, inviting, casual yet charming, opulent, manicured while lavish, The Glenn Hotel is an oasis in the heart of downtown and where everyone is welcome. It’s the perfect place for a vacation, staycation, or even a weekender! As the elevator says when you get to the 10th floor, “wow!” 

Lobby Area 

You’re greeted in the lobby with Glenn art deco tilework on the ground and follow it to the left to the large, sweeping bar filled with touches of metal, green velvet, and opulent marble. There is a lounge area around it filled with velvet chairs, booths and a large couch. If you come in from the valet area, you’ll immediately see a beautiful bookcase filled with books, “there is a lion in every southern heart” sign to the right, and to the left the check-in. The check-in just as beautiful with hints of marble, lion artwork, and modern metal. It all ties together into a medley of modern and sleek without overpowering the character and charm of the traditional elements of the building. Did you know that the Glenn Hotel Atlanta was built as an office in 1923 and was named for a former Atlanta Mayor? 

The Room 

THE PENTHOUSE! Not only is it extravagant, but it’s also functional and calming. Inside you’re greeted with a desk and a powder room, yes, a second bathroom! Beyond that you walk into the living space with a large blue velvet couch and round dining table, functional and stylish! In the bedroom suite, the bathroom and bedroom meld into one breathtaking room. Dual vanities, sauna and spa like shower, while the restroom has its own “room” with fun animal print wallpaper. Standing out is the soaker tub positioned in the middle of the room only separated from the bed with a glass wall. On the other side of the glass wall, the large, king bed is gorgeously flanked by two glowing pendant lights and right in the middle of a green accent wall adorned with a gold and black lion mirror. WOW! Plus, throw open all the drapes, because you can’t skip the view! Being on the corner you have the same view as the Skylounge the floor above you, with 180 views or more from Mercedes Benz stadium all the way over to the Westin. 

Glenn’s Kitchen, onsite dining room 

Located in the lobby of the Glenn Hotel Atlanta, it’s a downtown Atlanta destination for sensational dishes like this char-grilled salmon! Light and slightly charred salmon cooked perfectly atop a bright, lemon, creamy risotto that brings out the savory salmon flavor wonderfully! Then, they amped up the flavor with tangy pickled onions to mix in. We paired it with the bright, herbaceous Garden in the sky cocktail filled with cool cucumber and tangy mint. 

Some of our other favorite dishes start with the starters like the Deviled Eggs and Jalapeno Hushpuppies. The Deviled eggs are sharp and tangy, a tasty spicy, sweet savory bacon jam on top. Yum! Speaking of spicy, the Jalapeño hushpuppies start out sweet with corn and honey, then the spicy jalapeño kicks in for a balanced bite! The spicy dipping sauce is icing into her cake. We paired this with Glenn’s Old fashioned a traditional cocktail yet that is boozy and a slight sweetness for balance. 

We also tried one of their salads, the Ahi Tuna Salad, and a handheld, the Short Rib sandwich. The Short rib sandwich is meaty and tender short rib paired with a spicy and creamy horseradish aioli, finished off with slaw on a crunchy ciabatta roll. And the Ahi Tuna Salad is savory and seasoned ahi tuna with a bright spring salad, tangy dressing, and creamy avocado. 

SkyLounge Atlanta: Rooftop Bar at the Glenn Hotel 

Take the special elevator up to the rooftop where you’ll find SkyLounge Atlanta! It is a rooftop oasis with some of the best views of downtown Atlanta. Plus, they have light bites like hummus and fun cocktails, like the Centennial, to celebrate the Glenn building’s 100-year anniversary! The view is a must see! 

FIVE WAYS WORLD OF COCA-COLA IS LIGHTING UP DOWNTOWN ATLANTA THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/29/22

The holidays are officially upon us, and today, World of Coca-Cola is kicking off the season by announcing the launch of its annual holiday celebration. Now through early 2023, the Atlanta attraction invites friends and families to experience holiday magic and make memories to last a lifetime with larger-than-life decorations, festive family photo opportunities, seasonal beverages and more. In addition, the iconic Coca-Cola Caravan will visit World of Coca-Cola on Dec. 10 to spread holiday joy over shared experiences and moments of magic.

“Each year, we look forward to bringing people together to make memories and celebrate the holidays with us,” said Christophe Lair, Senior Director Retail Operations and Administration. “Coca-Cola has been a part of seasonal celebrations around the world for generations, and World of Coca-Cola has become a must-visit destination and annual tradition for Atlantans and visitors alike looking to experience the magic of the holiday season.”

To make the most of every magic moment, don’t miss these five festive experiences, including:

  1. Get an Insta-worthy photo with the Coca-Cola Caravan: Since lighting up the small screen in a TV ad that first aired in the mid-1990s, the Coca-Cola Caravan has signaled the start of the festive season for nearly three decades. On Dec. 10 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., the Caravan will park outside World of Coke for a fun-filled day of holiday celebrations. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and former Atlanta Falcons football players DJ Shockley and Harry Douglas will welcome attendees, and guests will enjoy photo ops, festive games and more.
  1. Enjoy Holiday Décor Galore: Throughout World of Coca-Cola and outside on the green, guests are surrounded by trees aglow with thousands of twinkling lights and giant decorative ornaments, setting the scene for guests to take and share photos of their time together. Inside, enormous Coca-Cola bottles deck the halls, merry tunes keep spirits bright and festive surprises are around every corner. A special exhibit, “Coca-Cola Christmas around the World,” features historic, holiday-themed Coca-Cola artifacts that celebrate the season.  
  1. Sip Exclusive Seasonal Samplings: Year-round, the Taste It! beverage experience features selections from different countries around the world, but during the holiday season, it also includes curated seasonal samplings. This year, the exhibit is offering custom limited time Freestyle mixes such as Coca-Cola Vanilla Swirl, Coke Zero Vanilla Swirl and Sprite Vanilla Frost, among others. QR codes are placed throughout the exhibit to share fun facts and details about the origin of each beverage. 
  1. Make Memories with Sundblom Santa Claus: Inside the Pop Culture Gallery, visitors are invited to explore the history of the Sundblom Santa Claus through a collection of paintings on permanent display. They may also take part in the festive “My Coke Story” activation that celebrates joy, laughter and memories that come with the holiday season. Select stories will be displayed at the attraction for visitors to read and enjoy.
  1. Stock Up on Stocking Stuffers: Before leaving the World of Coca-Cola, guests can take a memento of their visit home with them. The Coca-Cola Store offers a variety of apparel, accessories and commemorative items sure to make ideal holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for family and friends. For those who prefer to shop from the comfort of home, CokeStore.com offers even more holiday goodies.

Consumers with questions may call 1-800-676-COKE or visit our website at www.WorldofCocaCola.com to purchase tickets.

DRAGON CON PARADE RETURNS IN 2021 WITH SIGNIFICANT COVID-RELATED CHANGES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/7/21

Traditionally Open to the Public, This Year’s Parade Will Not Allow Spectators; Only Dragon Con Badge Holders Will Be Allowed on the Parade Route.

Dragon Con Encourages Fans to Tune-In to the Live Broadcast on

CW69, YouTube, and Other Social Media Platforms

 

The famous Dragon Con Parade, perhaps the best-known event at the annual five-day pop culture, fantasy, sci-fi, and gaming convention, will return to Peachtree Street in 2021, but with significant changes made necessary by the current Covid pandemic.

Now in its 35th year, Dragon Con 2021 runs from Thursday, Sept. 2 to Monday, Sept. 6 with events and activities across five host hotels – Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree, and Sheraton Atlanta – and AmericasMart Buildings #1 and #2.

Traditionally free and open to the public, the annual Dragon Con Parade usually offers the spectacle of thousands of cosplayers, young and old, dressed as their favorite pop culture characters marching down Peachtree Street. The Dragon Con Parade attracts as many as 75,000 spectators in some years.

This year, however, the Dragon Con Parade will be modified and scaled back. Not only will it be smaller than in past years, with fewer marching participants, spectators will not be allowed on the route.  Only Dragon Con badge holders will be allowed to watch the parade in person.

Instead, CW69 will broadcast the parade (live at 10 a.m., with a rebroadcast ?) with additional feeds available on YouTube and other social media platforms. Fans who purchase a Dragon Con Goes Virtual membership ($10) will also have access to the parade through their subscription platform.

“It was important to bring back the tradition of the Dragon Con Parade as quickly as we could. It’s important to us and our fans, and to the whole city,” said Rachel Reeves, convention co-chair. “But, in the interest of public health, and in consultation with the City of Atlanta, we simply couldn’t allow the kinds of crowds we typically see.”

“We know it will be strange to have the Dragon Con Parade without thousands of kids lining the sidewalks, but the past two years have seen a lot of sensible-yet-disappointing decisions that prioritize public health over sentiment,” Reeves said. “This is just another one of those decisions.”

In addition to a scaled back parade, there will be no Saturday-only badge sales before the convention or during it.  Saturday is always the convention’s busiest day.  In addition, the hours immediately before and immediately after the parade have been the most popular times to purchase Saturday-only memberships, with the effect of swelling convention attendance to its largest numbers of the weekend.

Finally, all five host hotels plus AmericasMart will have stepped up security at all hours to ensure only Dragon Con badge holders will have access to the convention.