Dragon Con has become a Labor Day weekend tradition for Atlanta. It’s an internationally known pop culture, sci fi, fantasy, and gaming convention that’s hosted in the heart of downtown. 2017 marks the 31st year of the popular fan – filled event and 82, 000 guests are expected to attend. If you’re interested in bringing the family to the 4 day event, I got the inside scoop from the Dragon Con Director, Dan Carroll. He shared the best tips for taking your kids to Dragon Con.
Dates for this year’s Dragon Con are Sept. 1 – Sept. 4, with events and activities across AmericasMart Buildings #1 and #2 and five host hotels: Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree, and Sheraton Atlanta.
Tips for Taking Your Kids to Dragon Con in Atlanta
Come During the Day
Dragon Con festivities run 24/7, but the best time to bring the family is during the day. It’s best to start with one day. Download the Dragon Con app to help you navigate the event easily.
Dan recommends coming for one day, if you bring the kids, and then decide if you want more. There’s so much to do.
Give Yourself Time to Explore
You won’t see everything. Give your family time to explore since the event is held at 5 different Atlanta hotels. Dan recommends bringing snacks and fluids as well. It sounds like comfortable shoes are a must!
Have Your Camera Ready
You can go anywhere to see Cosplayers, but lobby of Hyatt Regency and Marriot Marquis are popular spots. Dan has some simple etiquette suggestions when interacting with Cosplayers: Always ask permission to take a photo and make sure they have a chance to pose. Avoid taking photos of cosplayers eating. Before taking your kids to Dragon Con, remember to talk to them about the costumes being fragile and to respect Cosplayers.
The Dragon Con Parade is a Must Do For Families
The best family event at Dragon Con is the parade, which draws 32,00 paraders. It’s free and open to everyone. Dan says it’s Dragon Con’s gift back to the Atlanta community. The parade starts at 10, but it’s best to arrive early and claim a spot along the parade route. Taking MARTA is the easiest transportation option. The parade is divided amongst genres. Fore example, all of the Star Wars Cosplayers will be placed together vs. Star Trek vs. DC Comics.
The Must Stops for Disney & Marvel Universe Fans
The costuming for Disney Cosplay has exploded over recent years, so always keep your eyes peeled. The KALEIDOSCOPE TRACK celebrates Tween movies and TV shows including select live-action and animated shows from the Disney Channel, Disney XD. The ANIMATION TRACK features everything related to cartoon and celebrates classic Disney movies.
Dragon Con Offers Live Streaming
Anyone can enjoy Dragon Con from anywhere in the world and see the festivities and main panels. The streaming service will bring the best of Dragon Con’s panels, costume contests, and other events directly to your device, wherever, whenever you go. It’s available for $30 to fans who cannot attend the convention. For more information on this service, visit dragoncon.tv/faq.
Dragon Con tickets can be purchased online and at the door for $45+.
For the latest updates, follow Dragon Con on social media:
Visiting Atlanta? Don’t miss Stone Mountain as a family.
All photos in this article ©DragonCon.