The Atlanta DragonCon parade is the largest and one of the best parades in the city. It doesn’t matter how old you are, or even if you’re a sci-fi fan, there is something for everyone at the DragonCon parade — Klingons, Harry Potter characters, pirates, stormtroopers, Mad Max back from the ThunderDome, and even princesses.
This year’s parade will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 10 a.m.
It’s so spectacular, the Dragon Con parade draws more than 60,000 spectators! Here’s what you need to know to manage the crowds and have a blast.
WHAT IS DRAGONCON?
DragonCon is a convention that features parties, classes, shows, autograph signings and more. It’s a 5-day event held in Atlanta every Labor Day Weekend, and will be taking place across five popular hotels, the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree and Courtland Grand Hotel (formerly Sheraton Atlanta).
The convention is run by volunteers, and is one of the most popular in the United States. Tens of thousands of superfans come to show off their elaborate costumes and meet creators and fans from their favorite science fiction and fantasy franchises.
This year’s DragonCon will take place August 29 – September 2, 2024.
While you’re in Atlanta, you might also love these fun attractions.
- Skip-the-Line at the Georgia Aquarium. Enjoy skip-the-purchase-line tickets to the Georgia Aquarium, which has an interactive 4D theater and 7 different areas containing more than 10 million gallons of water and thousands of sea creatures.
- See the animals at Zoo Atlanta. Discover giant pandas, stroll through the African Savanna, and visit over 1,500 animals at Zoo Atlanta. Spend a day out that includes something for everyone including a range of fun activities for kids.
- Enjoy the view on the SkyView Ferris Wheel. Enjoy sweeping views of downtown Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area with this ticket for the SkyView Ferris. Ride in comfort with a group of up to 6 in climate-controlled, private gondolas.
DRAGONCON PARADE
One of the highlights of DragonCon every year is the DragonCon Parade! Filled with characters and amazing things to see, the parade is open to the public, and is a must-see. The parade takes place on Peachtree Street in Downtown Atlanta and steps off at 10am on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
Here are some of our best DragonCon parade-watching tips!
GET TO THE DRAGONCON PARADE EARLY
The Atlanta DragonCon parade steps off at 10 a.m. the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, but the crowd starts gathering well before 8 a.m. Sixty-five thousand people are expected to pack downtown Atlanta for the convention and parade.
Don’t let that number scare you off, but do prepare for crowds and get there early. Bring your own chairs if you like. Kids often sit on the curb, though it’s important to keep them out of the street — some of the costumes are bulky and have limited vision.
EXPECT TO SEE YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS
There are thousands of participants in the parade, including a number of special guests and a full complement of superheroes, storm troopers and steampunks too. I’ve seen these guys before and they are awesome!
You and your family can expect to see all sorts of characters — from movies, TV shows, books, comics, and the like. You are guaranteed to see characters you all know and love.
BRING PROVISIONS
Make sure everyone is happy at parade time. Bring water and snacks to stay hydrated, fed and happy. If you get there at 8 am, it can be a long wait.
To pass the time, head to the beginning of the parade and watch the characters milling around before the start.
Plan to stay Downtown and have lunch. Walking around after the parade is some truly awesome people watching.
GET INTO THE SPIRIT
If the kids have a cape or fairy wings, wear them, lots of folks dress up just to watch the parade. This is a great time to get some mileage out of that Halloween costume too!
Speaking of children, some of the costumes in the parade are really realistic-looking and could scare young children. Make sure to prepare them ahead of time, and let them know that it’s all make believe.
TAKE PICTURES
The parade breaks up in front of the Marriott Marquis, so if you want to try to catch somebody to get a picture that’s the place to do it.
Most of the people in the parade made their own costumes, and they’re proud of them so they would be happy to take a picture with you and talk to you. But be sure to be polite, ask, and say thanks afterwards.
FIND A GOOD SPOT
Look for elevated areas along the route (steps in front of buildings, public balconies, etc.) for the best chance of an unobstructed view. Parking garages are great, even though you do not have a street level view, and there’s the bonus of shade!
No matter where you are, please be courteous to those with physical challenges and children who need to be up front in order to see the parade.
KNOW THE DRAGONCON PARADE ROUTE
The parade will launch at Peachtree Street and Linden Ave, going south on Peachtree, passing the Hyatt Regency, and taking a left onto Andrew Young International Blvd (at the Westin). Continuing one block on Andrew Young and taking another left onto Peachtree Center Ave. before continuing to the Marriott Marquis where the parade ends. The route is almost one mile.
You can find a map of the Dragon Con parade route here.
EXPECT PARKING TO BE TOUGH
If you are wondering where to park for the DragonCon parade, the big decks on International or Baker near Williams/Spring may be good choices. If they’re full, you may have to park farther away and walk to the parade route.
Parade organizers recommend reserving parking in advance through a company like ParkMobile or SpotHero (not an endorsement, it’s just what they suggest!) so time isn’t wasted looking for a place on parade morning. Long story short – plan ahead.
Don’t want to deal with parking? DragonCon encourages parade spectators to consider taking MARTA. The closest MARTA stops are at Peachtree Center (VERY crowded) and the North Ave. stations.
TINYCON
If the full-on DragonCon parade is a bit much for your little ones, there’s a brilliant alternative. Children’s Museum of Atlanta welcomes families for the TinyCON, celebrating kid-friendly comic books and fantasy world adventures.
Little ones can take a slime class, build a lightsaber, take part in their own parade, participate in Jedi training, and more.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive in costume. Come during the parade, or visit after it’s over. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is located downtown, near the parade route.
Read More: CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR FUN
DRAGON CON PARADE FAQ
Where will the Dragon Con parade be held in 2024?
The Dragon Con parade will be held on Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, August 31, 2024. You can find a map of the parade route here.
Where is the best place to watch the Dragon Con parade?
You’ll find that many downtown Atlanta hotels offer great viewing angles of the parade. Since a lot of Dragon Con guests will be staying at the Westin Peachtree Plaza or the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, all you’ll have to do is walk downstairs to see the parade. Make sure to head down early to grab a good spot.
What are the dates for Dragon Con in 2024?
Dragon Con will be held August 29, 2024 – September 2, 2024 this year. The parade will be held on that Saturday.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA
- GEORGIA VACATION
- ATLANTA: 53+ Things To Do In Atlanta You Should Not Miss (From A Local)
- GEORGIA AQUARIUM: Atlanta’s Beloved Attraction Lives Up To The Hype
- WORLD OF COKE: Pause & Refresh At Atlanta’s Amazing Museum
- MERCEDES BENZ STADIUM: Tours Show You The Magic Behind The Scenes
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