Dragon Con Parade: 2025 In-Depth Guide
Every Labor Day weekend, Atlanta transforms into a vibrant hub of cosplay, creativity, and community during Dragon Con, one of the most iconic pop culture conventions in the U.S.! Dragon Con 2025 will take place from Thursday, August 28 through Monday, September 1, 2025, bringing together fans of science fiction, fantasy, gaming, comics, art, and more for a five-day celebration unlike any other.
Whether you’re marching in the famous Dragon Con parade or geeking out over celebrity panels, this event is a can’t-miss experience for pop culture enthusiasts.
A Galactic Gathering in the Heart of Atlanta
From sky bridges to cosplay kingdoms, Atlanta’s hotels become the galaxy’s coolest convention hub.
Dragon Con is hosted across five main downtown Atlanta hotels:
These venues are connected by sky bridges, allowing attendees to easily move between panels, workshops, gaming zones, and other events without stepping into the Southern summer heat. The Peachtree Center area becomes a massive playground for pop culture fans, featuring:
- Themed events and programming
- An expansive exhibitor hall
- A juried art show
- Three acres of gaming at the AmericasMart buildings
When Fandoms Take Over—Mark Your Calendar
Labor Day weekend becomes a pop culture parade of epic proportions.
- Event Dates: August 28 – September 1, 2025 (Thursday–Monday)
- Dragon Con Parade: Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 10:00 AM on Peachtree Street
- Parade Broadcast: Live on CW 69 Atlanta and streamed online
The parade features more than 3,200 costumed participants and draws thousands of fans. It’s a must-see spectacle and a defining moment of the Dragon Con experience.
For Every Kind of Fan—Who Should Attend?
Dragon Con is an open invitation to fans of all genres and levels of interest:
- Cosplayers and costume enthusiasts
- Sci-fi and fantasy lovers
- Gamers (tabletop, video, RPGs)
- Artists, authors, and creators
- Families seeking fun, kid-friendly programming
What to expect:
- Hundreds of programming tracks (anime, comics, gaming, literature, tech, steampunk, and more)
- Celebrity panels and autograph sessions
- Costume contests and cosplay meetups
- Kid’s programming and family entertainment
- After-hours events including concerts and dance parties
Parade, Panels, and Pure Magic—What Makes It Special
The Dragon Con parade is the largest parade in Atlanta, spanning nearly a mile and featuring fandom groups like the 501st Legion and dozens of creative mashups and original characters.
Beyond the Parade
- Exhibitor Hall: Shop for comics, collectibles, and geeky merchandise
- Art Show: Applications open February 1 – March 1, 2025
- Gaming Rooms: Tabletop and video games across 3+ acres of space
- Panels and Workshops: Hosted by professionals and pop culture icons
- Live Entertainment: Concerts, stand-up acts, and late-night events
- Community Projects: Including the Superheroes Project benefitting the Atlanta Community Food Bank
This multi-genre convention is a celebration of science fiction, fantasy, gaming, comics, art, literature, music, and more—all in one unforgettable location.
Parking Made Easy—Where to Park for Dragon Con Parade 2025
Parking downtown fills quickly, especially on Saturday morning. Recommended garages include:
- Peachtree Center Parking Garage (161 Peachtree Center Ave NE)
- AmericasMart Garage
- SunTrust Plaza Garage
Daily parking rates: Typically range from around $10 to $20. For convenience and to avoid delays, consider using MARTA public transportation. Closest stations include:
- North Avenue Station
- Civic Center Station
- Peachtree Center Station
Pack Your Cape and Let Tripster Handle the Rest
Headed to Dragon Con? Don’t just wing it—Tripster makes it easy to turn your Atlanta cosplay weekend into a full-on getaway.
Book centrally located hotels near the parade route, grab tickets to top Atlanta attractions, and plan your trip in just a few clicks. With exclusive discounts, flexible vacation packages, and plenty of family-friendly options, Tripster helps you plan smarter—so all you have to do is show up in costume.
Book your Dragon Con adventure now and get ready for a weekend that’s anything but ordinary.
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