Photo by Candra Umunna | The Signal Archives
Over the years, sci-fi conventions have soared in attendance and media attention. The events have escalated from the intimacy of an independent comic store to stadium participation.
While Comic-Con is the West Coast’s answer to passionate fans, Dragon Con is the answer for the South.
The multi-genre convention is held at Atlanta’s Downtown district at the Hyatt Regency, Hilton, Marriott Marquis, the Sheraton Atlanta and the Westin Peachtree Plaza.
And whether you’re into sci-fi, fantasy, comic books, Brit television or all of the above, Dragon Con offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Founded in 1987, Dragon Con 2014 will run from Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, so it’s time to start planning.
Things to do
- Cosplay: One of the most beloved pastimes at cons are dedicated fans dressing up as beloved fictional, pop culture and sci-fi characters.
- Shopping and walking the exhibit and dealer’s rooms where you can purchase art, comics, books and collectibles
- Sit in to hear celebrities and guests speak on panel stages.
- Gaming tournaments
- Writing workshops
- Late night concerts all nights
- Film and television screenings
While the writing workshops and screenings are always fun, the panels are always a big hit. Oftentimes the line will even reach all the way around the block for a panel with popular actors. Once you block off the panels you’re interested in, make sure you get there early enough to get good seats!
The dances are always fun, whether it is the Heroes and Villains Ball or the smaller but cozier Middle Earth Dance Party. Just remember that the MARTA stops running at 1 am, so if you don’t want your ride to turn into Cinderella’s pumpkin, you should make plans accordingly.
Event highlights:
- The Annual Dragon Con Parade: Saturday, Aug. 30 at 10 a.m.
- Dragon Con Burlesque: A Glamour Geek Revue: Saturday, Aug. 30 at 11:55 a.m.
- Wrestling: On Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. There will be various wrestling matches including a first ever Girls Against Boys 6 way.
- Night at Georgia Aquarium: Aug. 30, 7-11 p.m. Come celebrate a night of music, dancing, art releases, and a costume contest, ended by a live dive event in the whale shark tank!
- DJ parties until dawn: Check out live DJ parties after the last concert of the evening on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and party until the sun rises!
Who to see
- Amy Acker: popular actress of Joss Whedon, of “Angel” and “The Cabin in the Woods” fame.
- Colin Baker: played the 6th incarnation of “Doctor Who”
- Patrick Stewart: celebrated film and theater actor, most known for “Star Trek” as Jean Luc Picard and Charles Xavier of “X-Men.”
- Tricia Helfer: Cylon Number Six on “Battlestar Galactia”
- Evanna Lynch: Luna Lovegood in the “Harry Potter” franchise
- Giancarlo Espostito: Gustavo Fring on “Breaking Bad”
- Julie Benz: Actress known for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, “Angel”, “Dexter”, “Jawbreaker”, and currently “Defiance”
- Emma Caulfield: beloved character, Anya, on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
Tips for attendance
Pre-Plan: Pre-planning is the best way to keep yourself on track. Go on the website a few days before the convention and take a look at which tracks and panels you’re interested in so you can plan accordingly. The Pocket Program might vary from what actually is going on, so invest in the free apps for the Con that are more up to date.
Wear comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be on your feet all day walking from one panel to another and possibly dancing in the evenings, so take care of your means of transportation!
Seriously, the app is your best friend: Before the Con starts, the printed program is already out of date, but the app is constantly updating to let you know the latest on panels, guests and concerts.
Realize you will not get to see everything: At most, you will make 3-4 panels a day. The trick is to pick your absolute must-sees and then just let the flow of the convention take you where you’re meant to be.
Keep your badge safe: If you lose your badge, you will have to purchase a new one, so keep it on a lanyard or clip it your costume and secure it safely.
Relax and just have fun: Make new nerdy friends, get photos with your favorite celebrities, dance the night away and enjoy yourself!
