TrekUnity
When
September
Attendance
~85,000
Admission
Ticketed
Setting
Indoor
Dragon Con takes over several downtown Atlanta hotels each Labor Day weekend for a fan-run, round-the-clock celebration of sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, comics, and cosplay — famous for its massive costume parade through the streets and its all-night party atmosphere.
Unlike convention-center shows, Dragon Con sprawls across connected host hotels, giving it a uniquely immersive, community-driven feel that draws tens of thousands of costumed fans from around the world.
Want to go? Turn Dragon Con into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
Labor Day weekend (early September)
Admission
Membership badge required (multi-day)
Parking
Downtown garages fill fast; MARTA rail drops you steps from the host hotels — take it.
Nearest airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) — ~20 min via MARTA
Typical weather
Warm, humid Atlanta early September — 80s °F; the con itself is indoors and air-conditioned.
Official website
Location
Atlanta, GA
Where to stay
Host hotels (Marriott Marquis, Hyatt, Hilton)
The connected host hotels sell out a year ahead.
Downtown Atlanta hotels
Walkable or a quick MARTA ride from the action.
Midtown stays
Near the arts district, short MARTA hop.
Where to eat & drink
Sweet Auburn / downtown eats
Quick options near the host hotels.
The Varsity
Iconic Atlanta drive-in institution.
Ponce City Market
Buzzy food hall in a historic building.
Nearby attractions
Georgia Aquarium
One of the largest aquariums in the world.
World of Coca-Cola
The brand's downtown museum.
Centennial Olympic Park
The 1996 Games park in the heart of downtown.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + badge
- •MARTA from ATL
- •Afternoon: badge pickup
- •Evening: downtown dinner
2Con + parade
- •Morning: the Dragon Con parade
- •Afternoon: panels + cosplay
- •Evening: host-hotel nightlife
3Con + aquarium
- •Morning: panels + vendor hall
- •Afternoon: Georgia Aquarium
- •Evening: more con
4Last day + depart
- •Morning: final panels
- •Head to ATL
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Book a host hotel a year out — they sell out almost immediately.
- Ride MARTA from the airport straight downtown.
- Catch the Saturday-morning costume parade — it's the signature event.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dragon Con?
Labor Day weekend each year, spread across host hotels in downtown Atlanta.
How is it different from other cons?
It's fan-run and hotel-based rather than in a convention center, giving it a 24-hour, immersive, party-like feel — plus a huge costume parade.
How do you get around?
Take MARTA from the airport and between spots — downtown parking is scarce during the con.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Dragon Con or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.