Where to Go Before, During and After Dragon Con

By Aubree Dumas

Published August 14, 2024
Last Updated November 27, 2024

Friends, Wakandans, Romulans — lend me your ears. (Not you, Wood Elves. You keep those things.) It’s time again to don your best mithril jerkin and gather round for a celebration of all things nerd-tacular.

Yes, Dragon Con is upon us, a time to parade around (literally) in a geeky get-up and commune with 70,000 enthusiasts of the fantastical and science-fictional persuasions. But, if you want to make the most of this annual event, you’ll need to go in with a plan. Here are our suggestions for great places to see the sights, and eat and drink, before the parade, during the weekend and after the events are officially over.

Before the Parade

MARTA gets crowded as the start time for Atlanta’s largest parade approaches, so if you’re taking public transportation, be sure to stake out your spot early on Saturday. If you’re staying in town and have a room at one of the host hotels in downtown Atlanta, then we admire your Yoda-like foresight. Many Downtown hotels including Westin Peachtree Plaza and Hyatt Regency Atlanta provide great viewing angles on the parade — all you’ll have to do is head downstairs. The start time for the parade is 10 a.m. on Saturday, but certain sections get crowded early, so you’ll want to claim your spot with plenty of time to spare.

Corner Bakery Cafe

Corner Bakery Cafe located across from the Hyatt Regency, offers a variety of breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal and yogurt as well as sweets from its bakery. This is a great option if you’re looking to grab a coffee, tea or breakfast sammie before taking the parade by storm.

Atlanta Breakfast Club

Located on Ivan Allen Boulevard, Atlanta Breakfast Club is a delicious stop near all of Atlanta’s major tourist attractions. Indulge in mouth-watering peach cobbler French toast or savory shrimp and grits to fuel up before strutting your stuff in the parade.

Breakfast at Barney’s

Take your morning up a notch with aesthetically pleasing cocktails and 24-karat gold pancakes. If you and your dragon crew want to start the party early, Breakfast at Barney’s provides the perfect brunch vibe to get you hyped up for the parade.

During the Weekend

Get Your Camera Ready

The one thing you really need to come away with is photos — lots and lots of photos. Costume-wearers are typically happy to pose for a pic if you ask, and there are plenty of good photo-op locations where you can set up shop. We recommend roaming the lobbies of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta and Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, where many of the contests, panels and other events take place during the weekend.

Dine with Friends

For lunch, you’ll find a variety of restaurants in downtown Atlanta. Enjoy contemporary Mexican cuisine at Alma Cocina or find the secret code to the Red Phone Booth and enjoy a craft cocktail with a slice from Amalfi Pizza. We know, the phone eats first, so head to one of these Instagram Worthy Restaurants in Downtown Atlanta and snap a selfie with some delicious plates.

After Hours

Just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean the wings/helmets/fangs/goggles come off. Georgia Aquarium hosts an after-hours event on Saturday night with exclusive pricing for ‘con attendees, themed décor and lighting, and cash bar. (Please leave your Bat’leth at the door.)

There’s plenty of people-watching and nightlife galore to be discovered, as well — just follow the Wookies and glow sticks. (I mean that with love.) Use this Ultimate Guide to the Best Nightlife Spots and find something to do depending on your vibe.

Game On

You can’t go wrong with gaming and hanging out with fellow attendees at Joystick Gamebar. Make some time to explore the Eastside and find your way atop Ponce City Market for gaming on the Roof at Skyline Park. West Midtown has all the options with tech-infused mini-golf at Puttshack or endless arcade games and entertainment at Your 3rd Spot. Just north of the city, there is lots of action at The Battery. Find more ways to game in Atlanta’s Gaming and Entertainment Spots for the Family.

Late Night Eats

Atlanta has some of the Best Late Night Eats for all the night crawlers. Head to Our Bar ATL to groove to a live DJ with delicious late-night bites. Check out Metro Diner and Bar if you’re in the mood to enjoy tasty burgers and wraps with a side of karaoke.

Where to Stay

Downtown is bustling with options on where to stay during Dragon Con. All of the hotels listed here are just minutes from several Atlanta attractions including the Georgia Aquarium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena and World of Coca-Cola. 

Hyatt Regency Atlanta 

Enjoy a luxury experience with prime access to all the Dragon Con happenings. During the conference, several events will take place in the hotel including a Georgia Philharmonic Orchestra presentation on Saturday, author reading sessions throughout the hotel, a DCW wrestling match on Thursday and a Kids Character Encounter on Sunday.

Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel

This skyscraper hotel is a popular place to stay with its wonderful views of the city. During Dragon Con, the Westin will host events including the Late Night Puppet Slam on Monday and several author signings.

Courtland Grand Hotel

This relaxing hotel gives attendees easy access to all that Downtown has to offer. It hosts several Dragon Con events including the Dragon Con Burlesque show on Sunday, The Palmetto Knights Tournaments on Saturday and Dragon Con’s Pin-Ups by the Pool Party on Friday.

Atlanta Marriott Marquis

With an iconic atrium, this hotel makes the perfect backdrop for all your costume photos. It is known for being one of the hubs for attendees in extravagant costumes so keep your camera charged and ready to click. Make time to attend the “ Twisted Toonz” event hosted here on Thursday.

Hilton Atlanta

You’ll find approachable luxury and Southern hospitality at this popular Downtown hotel. You can use the sky bridge to connect to both the Hyatt Regency and the Atlanta Marriott Marquis to mix and mingle with fellow Dragon Con attendees. The Hilton Atlanta will host two different video rooms, one devoted to mainstream movies and the other for Japanese Animation.  

Need more information on where to stay and events to attend? Check out the DragonCon website for more information.

Whether you’re visiting from a galaxy far, far away or you’re a native looking to have the best Dragon Con ever, we hope you’ll let your fandom flag fly and enjoy the long weekend. For more things to do in Atlanta, check our calendar of events. For more places to eat, find The Best Restaurants on Peachtree Street.

Aubree is a content creator with a passion for all things food and travel. You can find her around Atlanta tasting some of the most iconic bites or burning it all off on the dance floor.