Tag Archive for: dragon con

DRAGON CON 2025: A ONE DAY ITINERARY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/15/25

Come with us to a day at Dragon con! John and I have attended Dragon Con for years, over 20 for him and in the teens for me. So needless to say, we’re veterans! So, we thought we’d put together the ultimate day at the con for you to grab for next year!

This itinerary is based on Saturday and you will need to purchase a badge to get into any of the Dragon Con hotels.

You’ll start your day by going to see the 10 am Saturday morning Dragon Con parade. It is the best way to see all the best costumes and this is free and open to the public. So, we would recommend you get there an hour early to get a good enough seat to see! Plus, bring water, camp chairs, and snacks as the parade is 2 hours!

Next you will need to fuel your day, so take a lunch break. Grab a bite at any of the local restaurants like Gus’ Fried Chicken for hot fried chicken. Other spots include the Peachtree Center food court, Aviva, or Willy’s to name a few. Plus, there is a food truck parking lot.


While at lunch, download the Dragon Con app and find some things to do during the day, like attend an early afternoon panel with one of your favorite celebrities, comic book artists, and more. This year we saw David Boreanaz who has starred in shows like Buffy, Angle, and Bones. The second panel was Simon Pegg from Sean of the Dead and Mission Impossible. I couldn’t make it to the 40th anniversary panel of Back to the Future, that would have been interesting to see Christopher Lloyd.


Go to the Marriott Marquis and take a walk around the walk of fame. It is a ballroom filled with all types of famous people from TV shows to movies to animators and voice actors. You can just walk around and see who is there or get in line to talk to one of your favorites. Typically, the celebrities charge for photos and signatures so bring some cash!

Then, go find your favorite cosplayers walking around and score a ribbon to attach to your badge! Usually if you interact with them or take their photo, they will give you one, and sometimes swag!

Are you into art? Head to America’s Mart to do some shopping. They have all kinds of goodies you can take home. This is something you could also do first thing during the parade, as we’ve heard that is lighter. The lines can be very long, so if you do this make sure you have at least an hour an a half.

Now, if you don’t want to do this you can head to the Hyatt Regency and people watch in the lobby. People are always happy to snap photos and video with you. They also have a fun “bucket of rum” you can get while doing this.

For our 21 and up readers, this is the perfect time to grab a drink and take a break. Some of our favorites are everything from the bourbon drinks at Sear in the Marquis to beers and Tin Lizzy’s and Skol Brewery to the famed mai tai at Trader Vic’s in the Hilton. There are other great cocktail, wine, and beer locations like Meehan’s Irish Pub downtown and cocktails at Red Phone Booth. Red Phone Booth even does a theme with specialty cocktails and food!

Take a trip down the skybridge, it is great people watching and take a stroll around the Hilton. It is the spot for group photos so you may be able to see a large group of Mario characters to maybe a Marvel meet up. Make sure to visit the Cult of John while you’re in the skybridge as well.

Make sure to turn right after exiting the skybridge between the Hyatt and Marriott Marquis, you’ll find a collection of working droids, and you can interact with! They are my favorite part of Dragon Con and there are so many new ones each year. Wall-e, R2, and BB8 are always there, as well!

It’s time to find another panel! There are so many, two a day is usually what I shoot for, and they are always fun and entertaining. I will never forget the one with Vincent D’Onafro last year! His story about how he got cast in full metal jacket is epic. Or the time, I went the Smallville panel, and all the stars stood on their chairs and sang.

Take a dinner break at one of the local restaurants or hotel restaurants around. We typically always eat dinner at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, it is really affordable, and I love their So Cal bowl. Then, there is also Alma, they have the best Bulgogi beef tacos and a delightful fish dish.

After dinner, is the ultimate people watching time and the lobby of the Mariott Marquis is the best spot. You can grab some Mead from the Monk’s Mead and take in all the over-the-top cosplays! I’m sure you’ll find a photo op! This year, I really enjoyed what I call, “experience cosplay” where you can interact with the person, play a game, buy a trinket. Like the guy who dressed as a game show host and actually hosted a game show, or the battle of wits from Princess Bride. Also, hopefully you’ll see a herd of T-Rexes as well while you are there. They run a herd most nights!

It’s time for the Saturday night party in one of the ballrooms with dancing, drinks, and fun people watching. One is the Heroes and Villans Ball or the Zombie Prom.

If you’re up for it, concerts start at midnight and you can find some fun, entertaining acts. One year Here come the Mummies played and it was so worth the late night!

That is one packed day!


NETHERWORLD HAUNTED HOUSE BRINGING MONSTERS & MAYHEM TO DRAGON CON 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/26/25

DATES YOU NEED TO KNOW…
Thursday, Aug. 28 – Monday, Sept. 1 | Dragon Con Weekend
Saturday, Aug. 30, 10 a.m. | Dragon Con Parade on Peachtree Street; broadcast live on CBS Atlanta (WUPA, Channel 69) at 10 a.m. EST
Friday, Sept. 19 | NETHERWORLD Haunted House Opening Night

This Labor Day Weekend, the streets of downtown Atlanta will tremble as NETHERWORLD Haunted House brings its legion of monsters to Dragon Con. From grotesque new fiends and fan-favorite creatures to an elaborate parade float brimming with terror, NETHERWORLD will once again fuse fright and fantasy as it kicks off its 29th Season of Screams in spine-chilling style.

As the sponsor of Dragon Con’s Horror Track programming, NETHERWORLD will be present all weekend with a booth located on the Marquis level of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. There, fans can snap photos with NETHERWORLD’s famous monsters, learn about this year’s attractions, snag discounts for Escape the NETHERWORLD, and even sign up to join the “Netherspawn” crew for the upcoming season.

In the iconic Dragon Con Parade, spectators will get the very first glimpse of new nightmare-fueled characters from NETHERWORLD’s 2025 themes — the epic monster showdown MONSTERS ATTACK! and the twisted double feature OBLIVION: RETURN OF THE MANGLER and GRENDEL’S FEAST. Alongside the acclaimed attraction’s float, legendary Netherworld denizens will unleash a sneak peek of the fearsome battles, grotesque creations, and sinister clowns that await haunt-goers this fall.
 
“Dragon Con is our official start to haunt season and the ultimate stage to introduce our new characters and themes,” said NETHERWORLD Haunted House Co-Creator Ben Armstrong. “For 2025, we’re unleashing massive new monsters, mind-bending sets, and some of the most ambitious haunts in our history. Dragon Con gives us the chance to share that excitement with fans before we open our doors, and we can’t wait to see their reactions!”
 
A few short weeks after Dragon Con, the scares officially open for its 29th Season of Screams on Friday, Sept. 19. Guests will journey through the monstrous chaos of MONSTERS ATTACK! before plunging into the horrific depths of OBLIVION: RETURN OF THE MANGLER and the grotesque carnival of GRENDEL’S FEAST. Between haunts, visitors can explore the NETHERWORLD Midway, packed with roaming creatures, food, games, photo ops, and festive fun. Tickets — including General Admission and Speed Passes for faster entry — are on sale now at Fearworld.com, and fans are encouraged to purchase early to secure their spot.

RED PHONE BOOTH TO CELEBRATE DRAGON CON 2025 WITH DOCTOR WHO-INSPIRED EVENTS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/21/25

Red Phone Booth, Atlanta’s premier prohibition experience, is excited to welcome Dragon Con to the city for the ninth consecutive year this Labor Day weekend, August 27 through September 1.  Dragon Con is the largest multi-media, pop culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe.

Red Phone Booth will offer a special series of events and promotions designed to enhance the convention experience for members and attendees alike. Centrally located in Downtown Atlanta, just 100 feet from Peachtree Street at 17 Andrew Young International Blvd, Red Phone Booth is the ultimate destination for fans seeking a unique and immersive celebration during Dragon Con. Convention attendees can get the code for entry through their hotel concierge.

A Whovian Transformation

In honor of this year’s festivities, Red Phone Booth will undergo a remarkable transformation, painting the iconic entrance, an antique London red phone booth, to BLUE to resemble the famous police box from Doctor Who. This homage to one of the most beloved sci-fi series will set the tone for a weekend filled with adventure, camaraderie and celebration. Additionally, Red Phone Booth has added an intergalactic window mural that sets the tone before you even step inside.

Exclusive Events and Offers

The Dragon Con themed Cigar Lounge will create themed craft cocktails to transport you across time and space. Each evening, guests can enjoy a complimentary Pasta and Salad Bar from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. while supplies last, courtesy of Amalfi Cucina & Mercato, offering a taste of Italy to fuel the night’s festivities. At 10:01 p.m., Red Phone Booth will host a complimentary toast in honor of the 10th Doctor from Doctor Who. Patrons are invited to raise their glasses and celebrate the spirit of adventure and the many Dragon Cons to come.

Throughout the weekend, members of the Dragon Con Cigar Club can take advantage of an exclusive BOGO Cigar Offer on select cigars, allowing them to buy one cigar and get another of equal or lesser value free.  Guests will also enjoy raffle prizes and giveaways all weekend. You never know what might materialize, from merch to VIP experiences.

In the spirit of Dragon Con, Red Phone Booth will adopt a “Geek Chic” Dress Code for the weekend, encouraging cosplay while maintaining a standard of elegance. While creativity is encouraged, guests are reminded that attire must be fully covering, and body paint will not be permitted.

Members are encouraged to secure their spot at these exclusive events by making advanced reservations through the member app. For those seeking a more demure, more mindful Red Phone Booth experience, the Buckhead location will maintain its regular dress code and atmosphere throughout the holiday weekend.

For more information about the Dragon Con events at Red Phone Booth, or to learn more about membership opportunities, visit www.RedPhoneBooth.com. For entry, please ask your hotel concierge for the code.

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.

BOARD GAMES, BOSS BATTLES, AND BALDUR’S GATE: DRAGON CON DELIVERS FOR GAMERS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/1/25

More Than Three Acres of Gaming Lets Gamers Do It All

Dragon Con, one of the nation’s largest gaming conventions, offers something for every kind of gamer, from the latest hit video games and international arcade cabinets to rarely seen board games and fan-favorite tabletop titles.

An estimated 75,000 attendees are expected to descend on downtown Atlanta for the five-day convention held over Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 28 – Sept. 1), filling the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree Plaza, and Courtland Grand Hotel, as well as AmericasMart Buildings Two and Three.

Dragon Con’s gaming floor, spanning more than three acres in AmericasMart Building Three, features a massive assortment of games: console and PC games, RPGs, LARPs, miniatures, collectible card games, and an extensive board game library

As always, Dragon Con offers a place to connect, learn, and play. Panels and discussions led by some of gaming’s most influential designers, developers, and voice actors offer fresh insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert advice. After the sun goes down, the Heroes & Villains Ball and the 8-Bit Bash give gamers a chance to unwind and celebrate their favorite fandoms.

“Whether you’re rolling dice in a dungeon, throwing hands in a competitive fighting video game, or looking to learn something new about your favorite games, Dragon Con’s got you covered,” said convention co-chair David Cody. “Gaming isn’t one thing at Dragon Con – it’s all things. We celebrate every corner of the gaming universe, from tabletop to video games, role-playing, and beyond.”

Programming highlights include the return of celebrity Dungeon Master Mark Meer, who will lead a new D&D Live 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.

Magic: The Gathering remains a competitive staple, while Disney’s Lorcana continues to grow in popularity. A relatively new game, Lorcana lets players create unique Disney narratives using beloved characters, music, and lore.

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

Werewolf and other social deception games will once again claim a central spot in late-night gaming. Known for its accessibility and high energy, Werewolf is often an entry point for the gaming curious while retaining its appeal among veterans.

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.

DRAGON CON 2024: THE YEAR OF THE PANEL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/14/24

From Star Wars to the newest hit show to old school Anime and everything in between, Dragon Con is a yearly convention that brings all of the universes together for one big party. Whether you want to people watch or enjoy a parade, meet up with like-minded strangers, and enjoy a panel or two, there is so much to do at Dragon Con. This year with our 80,000 closest friends, was no different. Stunning cosplays, fun celebrity panels, enchanting parade, and a ribbon or two later Dragon Con 2024 was one for the books.

Panels

We are calling this year, Dragon Con 2024: The Year of the Panel! After the writers and actors strike last year prevented the usual TV show or movie focus, this year the panel came roaring back to life for us. We went to more than we ever had before from the entire star studded cast of 12 Monkeys TV show, the beautiful and funny Jared Padaleki best known for his time on Supernatural, and even dropped into a Marvel panel starting Vincent D’Onofrio, who I loved in Full Metal Jacket.

12 Monkeys panel had all of the stars like Aaron Stanford who played Cole, Amanda Schull who played Cassie and even Emily Hampshire that played Jennifer Goines. They spoke about their audition stories. The stand out was Shull who plays Cassie, she auditioned 7 or more times for this role. What she didn’t know is that a big star, they didn’t say who, was supposed to play Cole and wanted his wife to play Cassie. She would have a read with him and he wouldn’t show up or would just be super mean. I would never want to audition!! Some other fun facts were that they all hated the chair the most and they all spoke about what roles they would like to play other than their character.


The second panel was with the beautiful Jared Padaleki who started out in Gilmore Girls. Did you know he was only supposed to be in about 4, but ended up in 70? His biggest role came with Supernatural as Sam Winchester. On Supernatural is where he met his wife, Genevieve, who played Ruby, the demon. She was supposed to be with him on this panel but herself and her kids were all sick. He also revealed his least favorite episode was the Nutcracker and gave a descriptive detail of some of the stunts he had to perform. What I really enjoyed about this panel was how kind, warm, personable, and funny he is in person.


Finally, the best story of the entire con was at the Marvel panel with Vincent D’Onofrio. I am a huge Stanley Kubrick fan and am very familiar with his role as Private Pile in Full Metal Jacket. John and I agree we really loved his audition story about getting that role. He was good friends with Matthew Modine, who was the lead in the movie. He was bouncing and ran into him, Matthew told him to send in a tape. Back then you had to rent a camera to tape an audition and it was expensive. So, he sent in a tape to Stanley Kubrick and a bit later a British man called him saying Stanley Kubrick was on the line. He thought it was a prank from his friends and hung up on him! On Stanley! Kubrick called him back and said, “DON’T HANG UP!” So he sends him words to read. There was no punctuation or anything and he would have to tape himself again reading those words. He deduced from the words it was a Vietnam era soldier in training. He got the part. He also spoke about THAT scene in Full Metal Jacket, Kubrick’s only note was to channel Lon Chaney, you know from Nosferatu. Be epic. He said he knew he nailed it when Kubrick brought him back to see it on the screen. Did you know the drill sergeant was an actual drill sergeant? No wonder it was so lifelike!

Trends


Trends are usually a big thing, but this year it seemed like nothing really trended big like Barbie and Mario last year or Stranger Things the year before. One trend that is still going strong is the Loyal order of the ribbon. In case you don’t know, the ribbon trend is that people make ribbons and trade them for other ribbons. They actually were in the parade this year! I got an amazing ribbon about Supernatural this year that said, “Jared finally.” There are so many great ones, I am partial to the carpet ribbon and the 24601 from Les Misérables last year as my favorites ever.


With that another year at Dragon Con is done.