Celebrate Dragon Con in Downtown Atlanta 2019

Dragon Con is upon us! And we like to think of the convention as a sort of "holiday season" in Downtown Atlanta, with plenty to do for all ages and slices of fandom. Whether or not you have passes to the convention itself, here's a quick roundup of ways to get in the Dragon Con spirit.

Crypt Con - Wednesday, August 28

If you’re in town early for the Con and looking for something fun for all ages, explore Atlanta’s necropolis with a sunset tour of Oakland Cemetery. Located only a few MARTA stops away from the Con, Oakland is an outdoor museum of Atlanta’s history with over 70,000 stories to tell. Oakland is also home to 20+ Pokestops and 3 gyms. Learn more

Dragon Con Welcome Party - Friday, August 30

Bring your lunch and join your metro-area library systems for free activities on the Woodruff Park lawn, including: virtual reality gaming, Atari Flashback, Nintendo NES, drones, giant yard games, a photo booth, button making, drawing with 3D pens, and a DJ! There will also be a pop-up library with all your favorite comics and graphic novels. FREE and open to all. Learn more

Take a Food Tour of Convention Hot Spots - all weekend long

Walking around or finding a good spot to perch and take in the amazingly creative costumes of Dragon Con attendees is a hallmark of the convention weekend, and we recommend pairing the sight-seeing with some creative dishes from Downtown hotels, restaurants, and gathering spots. Peachtree Center sits in the middle of the action, with a huge (and newly renovated) plaza, plus a seemingly endless number of spots to grab a bite in The Hub. Twenty-Two Storys at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta will serve a "Mission to the Moon" burger, plus drink specials like the "Phantom" slushie. Hilton Atlanta's Southern Elements will serve the "Tie Fighter," perfect for those with a sweet tooth, and the Atlanta Marriott Marquis' iconic patterned carpet is the inspiration for both a cookie and double chocolate cake (in addition to a Stranger Things-inspired waffle stack). Bon appetit!

BONUS: Peachtree Center is hosting a "Super Selfie Contest" from August 29-September 1. Post your selfie on Instagram with #peachtreecenter and #dragoncon for a chance to win several gift cards to restaurants in The Hub.

Dragon Con Parade - Saturday, August 31

Each year, Dragon Con presents a parade that is talked about for at least the next twelve months. You’ll see everything you can possibly imagine – and lots more that you couldn’t before you stepped out onto Peachtree Street that morning. Free to attend, and come early to grab a good viewing spot. Learn more

BONUS: White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails will host at Dragon Con Patio Party + Brunch Buffet for front row viewing of the 2019 Dragon Con parade. Patio Party tickets include 2 alcoholic drinks and passed apps for $50. Tickets for those under 21 are $30. A special WOKC brunch will follow. Learn more

Tiny Con - Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1

Join Children's Museum of Atlanta for the third annual TinyCON®: a two-day celebration of fantasy, science fiction, comics, gaming and technology…just for kids! Go check out Indian Jones Archeology Lab at the Science Bar upstairs. Build your own Lightsaber and learn how to harness the force on stage at Jedi Training or take part in our Costume Parade around the museum. Use Pixels to create your own artwork in the Art Studio or blend your own special Fruit Smoothie in Princess Zelda’s ‘Breath of the Wild’ cooking class, and more! Learn more

Woodruff Park Fountain - all weekend long

Finally, Woodruff Park's iconic International Peace Fountain, located on the north plaza adjacent to Auburn Avenue, will be dyed purple, the official Dragon Con brand color, from August 29-September 1. While in Downtown, visitors and locals are encouraged to use the fountain as a fun backdrop for impromptu costume photo shoots and selfies.