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Dragon Con Atlanta 2026

Dragon Con Atlanta is the city's perfect excuse to dress as their favorite superheroes and animated princesses.

  • Event Dates

    From: Thursday, September 3, 2026
    To: Monday, September 7, 2026

  • Key Highlights

    • Parade
    • 3 days of fun
    • 80,000 visitors.
    • Science fiction
    • Costumes
    • Superheroes
    • Princesses

Dragon Con Atlanta 2026

Dragon Con Atlanta is the city's perfect excuse to dress as their favorite superheroes and animated princesses during the Labor Day Weekend attracting over 80,000 visitors.

  • Visiting for Dargon Con? Stay in one of the host hotels, The Hyatt Regency Atlanta, featuring spacious rooms, an outdoor pool and perfect location, close to all the confrence activities.

The Convention

  • Next Edition: Thursday 3rd September, 2026 – Monday 7th September, 2026.
  • Dragon Con Atlanta bills itself the largest multimedia, pop culture convention focusing on science fiction & fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe.
  • The event brings together fans across multiple genres including literature, television & movies, comics and gaming, for 5 days of fun in one single convention.
  • There are also special LGBTQ panels at the convention during the 4 days.

Cosplay Events

  • For many Dragon Con fans, the quality of the cosplay and costuming distinguishes this one convention from all the others.
  • Over the years, Labor Day weekend has become a four-day parade of the finest costumes that fans from across the country can muster, many bringing several costumes so that they have something different to wear each day of the convention.
  • Cosplayers tend to save their best for the nighttime, though, promenading through the hotel lobbies and posing for photos.
  • The gay bars and clubs of Atlanta are packed with hot sexy superheroes and villains and many host special theme nights and special events including the Spectrum Party, the Superhero Underwear party and the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” Live.

Where is Dragon Con Held?

Dragon Con Dragon Con will be held in five host hotels including:

What are the hours for the Dragon Con Convention?

  • The Dragon Con convention opens at 5 p.m. on Thursday and runs around the clock until 5 p.m. on Monday.

The Dragon Con Parade

  • Each year, Dragon Con presents parade that is talked about for at least the next twelve months where you can see everything that you can possibly imagine!
  • The Dragon Con Parade takes place on Saturday at 10 a.m. on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta.

Recommended Atlanta Hotels

The following hotels are close to all the city's top attractions and a short ride to the gay bars in Midtown.

Glenn Hotel,   Renaissance Hotel,   Stonehurst Place,   The Ritz-Carlton.

Official Website

For further information and advice on
Dragon Con Atlanta Website

Map of Gay Atlanta

The Atlanta gay population lives, works and plays all over the city and even into the suburbs. Midtown has several of the city's most popular gay bars like Blake's, Burkhart's Pub, Bulldogs and Swinging Richards. The Atlanta LBGT populace is also partially responsible for the resurgence of Grant Park in the 1980s. The historic neighborhood was falling into ruins when members of the community started scooping up properties, renovating and restoring them to their original glory. This fever pitch trickled over into the neighborhoods of East Atlanta, Ormewood Park and the Old Fourth Ward. These are all eclectic, funky and tolerant neighborhoods, like most of Atlanta.

181 Peachtree Street Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

This ideally situated downtown Atlanta hotel offers a fitness centre and restaurant. The Ritz-Carlton is less than one kilometer from MARTA mass transit and the State Farm Arena. It offers guests 55-inch high-definition flat-screen TVs.

The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta’s elegant and spacious rooms feature feather beds, iPod docking stations and WiFi. They also have minibars and 24-hour in-room dining

BOOK NOW

923 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30309

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this historic bed and breakfast features a daily gourmet breakfast. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice. Georgia Aquarium is just 3.5 km away.

A flat-screen cable TV and an iPod docking station are available in each room at Stonehurst Place Bed & Breakfast Bed and Breakfast. A DVD player is also included. Towels and linen are provided.

BOOK NOW

866 West Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30308

This Atlanta boutique hotel is adjacent to Georgia Institute of Technology and 2.7 km from the Georgia Aquarium and 1.4 km from Piedmont Park. It features a state-of-the-art fitness centre and spacious rooms with a 37-inch flat-screen TV.

A seasonal rooftop bar, The Garden at Community Smith, offers evening cocktails, craft beer, light fare, and a city view. Community Smith, the on-site restaurant, serves dishes with humanely-raised meat and seafood, classic cocktails, wine, and craft beer.

BOOK NOW

110 Marietta Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

Located in Atlanta, this luxury hotel is within walking distance of CNN Studio Center, State Farm Arena and Georgia Aquarium. Features include an on-site restaurant and spacious rooms with an iPod docking station.

Glenn Hotel of the Marriott Autograph Collection is host to the Rooftop Sky Lounge, providing spectacular views of the city skyline and a variety of cocktails. Modern American cuisine is served daily at Glenn’s Kitchen.

BOOK NOW

Atlanta, GA 30308

Cozy Hotel Style air conditioned Condo Located Midtown offering 2 bedrooms, a living room with TV, a fully equipped kitchen, patio and an outdoor pool. Free WiFi, a fitness centre. close to the bars and restaurants

BOOK NOW

Peachtree St NE & Linden Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Amazing Atlanta Fully Furnished air conditioned Apartments features a living room with cable flat-screen TV a kitchen, fitted with a dishwasher, bathroom with a shower, free toiletries. Free WiFi and fitness centre

BOOK NOW

849 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Amazing air conditioned Midtown apartment with 2 bedrooms 1 bathroom, with living room and fully fitted Kitchen, located in Atlanta's most popular Midtown neighborhood close to bars and lots of restaurants

BOOK NOW

900 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

West Home is a one of a Kind 2 bedroom 2 bathroom fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, a microwave, a washing machine loft overlooking Midtown & offers free WiFi and air conditioning

BOOK NOW

699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308

Neighborhood gay bar with, pool, a patio, games, a jukebox & nightly specials.

FACEBOOK

227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States

Straight-friendly gay bar & neighborhood hangout with karaoke, live DJs & drag shows since 1988

Website

990 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States

Fun gay bar with drag shows, DJs and dance floor

Instagram

1510 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, United States

Gay bar with regular karaoke shows, performers, DJs, dancing & drink specials.

Facebook

1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States

Gay leather bar with pool, dancing, karaoke & frequent theme nights.

Website

990 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30309

Popular with everyone this gay bar is always busy

FACEBOOK

893 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States

Legendary Bulldogs is the oldest gay bar in Atl!! Predominantly African American clientele. A great spot for men. Food, drinks, and more!!

Instagram

1510 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324

Oscar's has always been the best martini, art bar, show tunes and video on demand gay bar

FACEBOOK

465 Boulevard SE Atlanta, GA 30312

this is a mans bar popular with bears and leather guys with events like Beer Bust, Dirty Boy Bingo, Balls Deep Karaoke & Dude 80's Night you know its going to be a fun night

WEBSITE

1287 Glenwood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, United States

Relaxed gay bar with karaoke & DJs spinning alternative tunes.

Website

736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306

Friends Neighborhood gay bar with drage shows can be lots of fun
 

1544 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324

The neighborhood gay bar with daily drink specials and entertainment!

FACEBOOK

1492 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324

Mixx Atlanta is Atlanta's Premier Nightlife Destination! with regular gay events

WEBSITE

2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30324

BJ Roosters gay bar features the hottest Men nightly! Great music, cold drinks, pool, darts, and hot guys.

FACEBOOK

2425 Piedmont Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30324

Since 2002, Woofs has been the nation’s leader in full service sports bars serving the gay community.

WEBSITE

66 12th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309

My Sister's Room has been Atlanta’s number-one lesbian bar for more than 24 years and a favorite destination for the queer community since 1996. The bar is a safe haven and home to everyone who enters featuring nightly drag shows, burlesques shows, comedy, karaoke and more. 

WEBSITE

2069 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, Georgia 30324

Gay Night Club with regular events

WEBSITE

1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States

The Atlanta Eagle is Atlanta’s premier levi and leather bar that caters to ALL

FACEBOOK

227 10th St NE Atlanta, GA 30309

Blake’s On The Park popylar gay dance bar, Never A Cover, Always A Groove

Website

Recommended Hotels in Atlanta By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partners Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Atlanta that keep you close to all the Action, shops, restaurants & bars

The Ritz-Carlton
5 Star, Readers Choice

The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta
Booking.com
  • 5 Star, Luxurious, downtown location, elegant rooms.
  • A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
  • Elegant rooms with feather beds.
  • Stay for luxury in the heart of Atlanta, with upscale amenities & convenient downtown access.

Stonehurst Place
4 Star, Charming B&B

Booking.com
  • 4 Star, Historic, gourmet breakfast, cozy atmosphere.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Flat-screen TV, iPod station.
  • Ideal for a charming, intimate experience with gourmet breakfast & historic ambiance.

Renaissance Atlanta
4 Star, Great Value

Booking.com
  • 4 Star, Boutique hotel, rooftop bar, city views.
  • A short walk to the gay bars.
  • Spacious rooms, 37-inch TV.
  • Offers great value with a stylish rooftop bar & modern rooms in a vibrant neighborhood.

The Glenn Hotel
3 Star, Great Location

Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection
Booking.com
  • 3 Star, Modern, city skyline views, rooftop lounge.
  • A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
  • Spacious rooms, iPod docking.
  • Perfect for experiencing Atlanta’s skyline from a rooftop lounge, with modern amenities, central location.

Dragon Con Atlanta

Dragon Con Cosplay Video

Courtyard Atlanta

Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Atlanta

Atlanta has a vibrant and inclusive LGBTQ+ community, and it's often considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the United States. The city was home to some early LGBTQ+ activist organizations, and it played a significant part in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Midtown | The heart of the city's gay community

Midtown Alanta
Photo: Midtown is home to some of Atlanta's most popular gay bars

Virginia-Highland

Virginia-Highland Alanta

This eclectic neighborhood is known for its welcoming atmosphere & diverse community. Home to several gay-friendly bars, restaurants, & shops.

Buckhead

Buckhead Atlanta
An upscale & affluent neighborhood located in the northern part of Atlanta. Renowned for its elegant homes, high-end shopping & fine dining.

Downtown

Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta offers a variety of shopping options for both residents & visitors. With upscale boutiques, unique stores and famous attractions.

Piedmont Park

Piedmont park atlanta
One of Atlanta's most iconic & beloved green spaces, located in the heart of the city. It is often referred to as the “Central Park of Atlanta”.

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