by Courtney Goodrum
edited by Jen Schleusner
Each year, thousands of passionate fans flock to Atlanta, Georgia to experience Dragon Con—one of the largest and most vibrant pop culture conventions in the United States. As a veteran of Dragon Con, this year promised even more events and fun filled with unforgettable memories, dazzling costumes, and a diverse lineup of guests from the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, gaming, comics, and more.
Arriving in Atlanta and Settling In
As usual, my crew and I arrive on Wednesday afternoon to prepare for the upcoming festivities. We stay at the Courtland Grand every year. We love this host hotel, it is a block from the main hotels and most importantly the food court. It also has a very relaxed and quiet vibe. As we arrive we check in and begin our annual walking of the footprint of the con floor through the hotels. I love this because I have made so many friends coming to this con and on Wednesday I get to see a lot of them wandering around like we do and we can talk and catch up.
Welcome Home Wednesday
Wednesday is also our traditional dinner at the famous Trader Vic’s restaurant. This year we joined with a few friends we have made throughout the years. It was great to share how the year had treated us and all the prep leading up to con. Tiki drinks are a standard for me during con and Trader Vic’s are the best. After dinner we made our way to the majestic Marriot Marquis, the mecca of Dragon Con. Wednesday is “Welcome Back” night and it is so special to share the love of “being home” with so many. Music is blasting and people are mingling and dancing. There was a huge countdown clock on the side of the Pulse bar this year. As the clock counts down, the energy is buzzing. Right at midnight at the official start of con the doors to the Atrium ballroom swung open and lights and music began bumping from the ballroom. The Dragon Con DJs put on a special event for the homecoming crowd to dance the night away into the start of Dragon Con. It was a great surprise.
Thursday Traditions and Parties
Thursday is my favorite day. I wake up early to get in line for the official Dragon Con merchandise. This year I was second in line!! I got t-shirts, hoodies, the official con Dragon plushie and so much more. The night time festivities on Thursday are my jam! It is the Kon Krawl and Drunken Dragon Tiki meetup at Trader Vic’s. I am a huge fan of the Tiki culture and always create a new tiki outfit to show off at the party. The event is held on the patio of the restaurant and there is a patio bar slinging the best Mai-Tai in the city. After the Tiki party we head over to the Marriot for my new favorite dance party: The 120 Minutes Party. This event plays the best 80’s and 90’s alternative, new wave and industrial dance music. It brings back warm feelings of staying up late and watching 120 Minutes on MTV. I dance the night away and get lost in the music.
Exploring the Vendor Hall on Friday
Friday was a more relaxed day for me and my crew. We went and wandered the footprint and said hello to some friends. Then we spent majority of the afternoon exploring the four floors of the vender hall. The top hosts the pop artist and comic book creators and the other three floors are jam packed with vendors from all over the world. I definitely bought a whole suitcase full of goodies to bring home. There were Dragon Con exclusive items from different vendors and it was fun looking for those special mementos.
A Magical Saturday at the Aquarium
Saturday, my and crew and I went to the Georgia Aquarium for their annual event. We splurged and got VIP and it was worth every penny. The VIP lounge was stunning. Large glowing trees, beautifully lit up dance floor, and private views of some of the attractions. Food was also provided and it was delicious. This year, we were treated with eggrolls, meatballs and spare rib croquettes. There were even waiters walking around offering gourmet grilled cheese bites, we felt very fancy. The best part of the aquarium event is being able to explore all the aquarium has to offer. I love being able to walk around the aquarium taking my time to explore and enjoy all the exhibits. I got to see a full sized octopus this year! They are my favorite, definitely highlight of the night for sure! The aquarium has become an event I will always cherish every year.
Sunday Surprises and Unique Experiences
Sunday, I spent the day walking around the hotels, stopping by to hang with friends and perusing the walk of fame. It is so fun to see your favorite celebrities and voice actors up close. I also spent the rest of the afternoon back at the vendor hall just in case I might have missed something. That evening I went to check out a magic show called Magic and Wonder featuring Jon Armstrong. It was fun, entertaining and mind bending. Later that night I stumbled upon a very unique event and the Hilton. It was held on the patio of the Hilton and was called Liquid Light Guerilla Strike. It was a pop-up liquid light shadow puppetry experience. There was a large screen and the artists were using projectors with water and color to create psychedelic images swirling on the screen while ambient music by a DJ and violinist played haunting beats. It was relaxing and stimulating. Glad I found that experience.
The Quiet Farewell of Monday
Monday is an interesting day. The hotels are buzzing with con goers saying their goodbyes and shuffling their luggage out the door, while the interior of the con is quiet with mingling patrons causally walking around. There are still amazing costumes and people watching to be had as well. I usually spend time with the friends I made and have made on this evening having one last cocktail before we head home the next day.
Looking Ahead to Dragon Con 2026
Dragon Con 2025 did not disappoint. The costumes and people were amazing as always. As my 11th year attending approaches next year I will always strive to try something new, either an event, panel or even a new cosplay. I will continue to count down the days until my return to Atlanta for Dragon Con 2026.
