In just a few short weeks, downtown Atlanta will magically transform into the backdrop for sci-fi extravaganza Dragon Con, now in its 35th year.
Spanning five days over Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-6, the festival is returning to in-person activities with some limitations for 2021. In past years, Dragon Con brought more than 80,000 attendees to the city, but with changes to passes and restrictions on capacity in place, planners expect attendance closer to 40,000 this year.
“We are excited to welcome fans back to Atlanta for this milestone convention,” co-chair Rachel Reeves said in a press release. “While the health and safety of our fans is always a priority, we have worked hard this year to balance the need to protect our fans’ health with our tradition of throwing an awesome convention that fans will remember.”
And just like that, Dragon Con is back. For those in search of this year’s Dragon Con 101, look no further. Here is everything you need to know:
When is Dragon Con?
The festival is Sept. 2-6, spanning Labor Day weekend in Atlanta.
Where is it?
While the number of attendees may be halved, the footprint remains the same. The conference has a significant impact on downtown Atlanta, as it is held throughout the day and night across five “host hotels”: the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, the Hilton Atlanta, the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel and the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. Additional events and activities occur at AmericasMart Buildings One and Two. This year’s Dragon Con boasts more than 3,500 hours of programming about comics, film, television, costuming, art, music, gaming and other topics.
COVID-19 protocols
After a remote-only convention in 2020, this year’s Dragon Con returns to in-person panels with new COVID-19 protocols. Before entering this year’s live convention, attendees will need to show proof of vaccination or provide a negative COVID test. Other COVID protocols put in place include indoor mask requirements, attendance caps, reduced panel room capacities, and stepped-up cleaning protocols
Beyond mask protocols, the most noteworthy impact of COVID-19 precautions will be the changes to the parade (only pass holders will be able to attend the parade in person this year), and the elimination of both Saturday one-day passes and onsite pass purchasing throughout the convention. All passes must be purchased online.
For the most up-to-date information about all thing Dragon Con and COVID-19, visit https://www.dragoncon.org/updates/
When is the Dragon Con parade?
The parade is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. to about noon, but with an important change. Because of COVID concerns, the Dragon Con Parade will require convention tickets to watch. Many spectators in the past had not paid for a badge to be at the convention, but were merely there to see the parade and take selfies with costumed characters.
Dragon Con’s virtual option
For those fans who are unable to attend in person, you can livestream Dragon Con Goes Virtual for the home viewing price of $10.
“Last year we had 600,000 people viewing our individual panels that we presented and we hit six continents, unfortunately not Antartica. And we’re still doing the virtual show too for folks that are unable to attend. There’s a lot going on,” said Dan Carroll, media engagement director.
Passes
Dragon Con sells a variety of membership passes, including an “eternal” option for $3,500. And in an effort to reduce crowds and increase social distancing, passes will not be sold onsite in 2021. Memberships are available for purchase online through Growtix.
If passes are still available, you can opt for the five-day membership for $140, or choose from single day passes at reduced rates. There will be no Saturday-only membership sales. One-day badges will be available for only Thursday ($20), Friday ($50), Sunday ($60) and Monday ($40).
Regardless of when you get to the convention, your badge is essential. You’ll need to wear it the entire time you’re there, and if you lose it, you’ll have to buy a new one.
Parking info
Unless you are staying at a hotel downtown or live downtown, MARTA, Uber and Lyft are strongly suggested. If using MARTA, the Peachtree Center Station will put you right in the middle of the action.
If public transportation and ride sharing aren’t for you, Dragon Con recommends booking parking in advance through the ParkMobile or Spot Hero parking reservation apps. Check out Dragon Con’s transportation page for more travel-related info including parking.
What is there is to do and see
From daily panels and programming spread out all day, every day, to online and offline gaming areas, the famed Dragon Con parade, costumed convention-goers as far as the eye can see, more gear than you could ever buy at the America’sMart vendor hall, pool parties, nightly DJ sets, Dragon Con wrestling and more, there are endless experiences to seek out at Dragon Con. Just follow your heart, and keep an eye on the schedule via the Dragon Con app.
Also of note this year are the people to see: Matthew Lewis (Harry Potter), Zachary Levi (“Shazam!”) and dozens more actors, animators, authors, voice artists, writers, puppeteers and creators of the shows, movies, comics and games you know and love.
