Dragon Con, the largest multi-media and pop culture convention in the universe, is set to take over downtown Atlanta this weekend. There’s a full slate of fun-filled events in store so if you’re into comics, movies, manga, anime, cosplay and more, you won’t want to miss this.

When Is Dragon Con 2026?

Dragon Con this year is set for September 3-7, 2026. The event aims to bring together over 70,000 fans for five days of science fiction, fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film.

Celebrating its 40th year, this iconic Labor Day weekend event promises an unforgettable experience across five host hotels—Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Atlanta Hilton, Sheraton Atlanta, Atlanta Marriott Marquis, and Westin Peachtree Plaza—as well as AmericasMart Buildings 2 and 3.

Dragon Con 2026 will feature a diverse lineup of events, celebrity appearances, panels, workshops, and the world-famous Dragon Con Parade, drawing fans from across the globe to celebrate their shared passions. From cosplay to gaming tournaments, live performances to charity auctions, the convention offers something for every geek, nerd, and pop culture enthusiast.

Dragon Con 2026 Key Dates & Basics

•  Dates: Thursday, September 3 – Monday, September 7, 2026

•  Location: Downtown Atlanta (Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree Plaza, Courtland Grand Hotel, and AmericasMart)

•  Membership: 5-day badges available now; prices typically rise closer to the event. checkout.conventions.leapevent.tech 

Plan ahead—hotels and badges sell out fast for this beloved Atlanta tradition.

Schedule of Events for Dragon Con 2026

Dragon Con runs around the clock from Thursday at 5:00 p.m. to Monday at 5:00 p.m., with thousands of hours of programming. Below is a curated selection of some of the can’t-miss events happening throughout the weekend. For the full schedule, visit the official Dragon Con website at www.dragoncon.org or download the Dragon Con app.

What Not to Miss at Dragon Con 2026

•  Dragon Con Night at the Georgia Aquarium (Saturday, Sept. 5) — Exclusive after-hours event with special presentations, food/drinks, and a collectible pin. georgiaaquarium.org 

•  Burlesque, balls, and parties — Heroes & Villains Ball, 8-Bit Bash, puppet slams, and more.

•  Guest panels & signings — Big names in film, TV, voice acting, and literature (announcements ongoing).

•  Costuming Track — Workshops, demos, fashion shows, and the 20th anniversary celebrations. dragoncon.org 

•  Gaming & exhibits — Arcade games, tournaments, art show, and vendor halls.

•  Live performances — Concerts, parades, and special events throughout the weekend.

Practical Survival Tips

•  Download the Dragon Con app or check the schedule online for real-time updates.

•  Stay hydrated and take breaks—con fatigue is real.

•  Use the Dragon Con shuttles between venues. dragoncon.org 

•  Bring snacks, a portable charger, and a small bag/backpack.

•  Respect hotel quiet hours and convention policies.

Dragon Con 2026 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of fandom in the heart of Atlanta. Whether it’s your first time or your 10th, the energy, creativity, and community make it one of the best events of the year.

Thursday, September 3

  • 5:00 p.m. – Convention Opens (All Venues): Dragon Con kicks off with registration and badge pickup across all host hotels.
  • 8:00 p.m. – Twisted Toonz (Marriott Atrium Ballroom): A hilarious live movie read featuring voice acting superstars like Winnie the Pooh as Darth Vader and Christopher Walken as Harry Potter. Arrive early, as this event is a fan favorite
  • 8:00 p.m. – DCW Wrestling (Hyatt Centennial Ballroom II-III): The 19th year of Dragon Con Wrestling brings high-energy matches and surprises, with the DCW Hooligans hyping up the crowd.

Friday, September 4

  • 10:00 a.m. – Workshops Begin (Various Locations): Level up your skills with workshops on acting, writing, Tai Chi, belly dancing, and more. Check the schedule for specific times and locations.
  • 7:00 p.m. – Pin-Ups by the Pool Party (Courtland Grand Hotel Pool and Courtyard): Hosted by May Hemmer and Phoebe Nyx, this poolside event features music, a pin-up competition, and glamorous fun. Dress in your best retro attire
  • Midnight – Late-Night DJ Dances and Filk-Singing (Various Locations): Dance until dawn or join traditional sci-fi filk-singing sessions, running late into the night

Saturday, September 5

  • 10:00 a.m. – Dragon Con Parade (Peachtree Street, Downtown Atlanta): The iconic parade showcases stunning cosplay, with thousands of costumed fans marching through the streets. Spectators are welcome to line Peachtree Street for this free, public event.
  • 7:00 p.m. – Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium (Georgia Aquarium): An exclusive after-hours event with ambient music, food, and drinks. General Admission and VIP tickets are available (Dragon Con badge lanyards not accepted). Shuttles depart from the Marriott Marquis at 6:00 p.m.
  • 8:00 p.m. – Georgia Philharmonic Orchestra (Hyatt Regency Centennial Ballroom): Enjoy a 90-minute symphonic performance of iconic film, TV, and video game scores, perfect for fans of all ages.
  • 9:00 p.m. – Palmetto Knights Tournaments (Courtland Grand Hotel): Witness unchoreographed medieval combat demonstrations by the Palmetto Knights, showcasing historical tactics and weaponry.

Sunday, September 6

  • 10:00 a.m. – Kids Character Encounter (Hyatt Regency V): A family-friendly event where kids can meet and take photos with over 50 costumed characters in a stroller-friendly space.
  • 8:00 p.m. – Dragon Con Burlesque: A Glamour Geek Revue (Courtland Grand Hotel, Grand Ballroom): Hosted by May Hemmer, this dazzling show features glamorous geek-themed performances. Free with your Dragon Con badge.
  • Midnight – Late-Night DJ Dances and Filk-Singing (Various Locations): The party continues with more dancing and filk-singing sessions.

Monday, September 7

  • 10:00 a.m. – Author Signings (Westin Overlook): Meet your favorite authors for free autograph sessions. Check the schedule for participating guests, as some may have limitations on items signed.
  • 8:00 p.m. – The Late Night Puppet Slam (Westin Peachtree Ballroom): Join Bob and Carl: The Sci-Fi Janitors for a hilarious, 18+ puppet variety show featuring geeky acts from the Puppetry Track.
  • 5:00 p.m. – Convention Closes (All Venues): Dragon Con 2025 wraps up, leaving fans counting down to next year’s 40th anniversary celebration.

Highlights and What to ExpectDragon Con 2025 promises a vibrant lineup of celebrity guests, including artists like Francesco Francavilla (his first convention appearance since 2019), Tom DeFalco, Becky Cloonan, and Steve Englehart, who will be featured in the Comics and Pop Art Alley at AmericasMart.

Kids 12 and under can pick up complimentary sketchbooks at the Comic and Pop Artist Alley info table for free sketches and autographs from participating artists.

The convention also hosts the Dragon Con Charity Auction, raising funds for worthy causes, and features exhibitors from major brands to indie creators showcasing new products. Gaming enthusiasts can dive into epic sessions, while cosplayers will shine in the parade and various contests.

The event spans multiple genres, including anime, comics, costuming, fantasy, gaming, media, steampunk, and video gaming, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

For music lovers, Dragon Con 2025 will feature performances by bands like Lame Genie and Jason Charles Miller, adding a heavy metal and rock vibe to the festivities. Video rooms at the Hilton (202 & 203) will screen cult classics, anime, and mixed media animation, with both subbed and dubbed options available.

Practical InformationDragon Con takes place across five hotels in the Peachtree Center neighborhood near Centennial Olympic Park, with additional vendor space at AmericasMart.

Tickets are available for purchase, and prices can be found on the official Dragon Con website. Note that some events, like Dragon Con Night at Georgia Aquarium, require separate tickets. Attendees are encouraged to review the convention’s no-weapons policy and prepare for security checks, especially at off-site events.

Final Word

With so much to see and do, planning your Dragon Con weekend is essential. Visit dragoncon.org for the latest schedule updates, guest announcements, and ticket information.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Dragon Con veteran, this year’s convention promises to be a galactic celebration of pop culture. Don’t miss out on the fun—Atlanta’s biggest party is just days away!

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