For goths, geeks and other pop culture enthusiasts, DragonCon is an unusual Labor Day weekend tradition in Atlanta. For those who have never been, it may just seem like an early Halloween with all the costumed characters wandering around downtown. But whether you’re into comic books and pop art or autograph collecting and movie props, there’s a lot more to DragonCon than one might expect. Here are 10 of the convention’s main attractions that might otherwise be concealed by masks, capes and secret identities.
1. DragonCon Parade. One of the biggest attractions each year, the parade features convention guests, elaborate sci-fi themed floats, impressive costumes and other oddities. It’s always interesting to see a couple thousand superheroes, monsters, rollergirls and trolls strolling down Peachtree Street from Woodruff Park and down Baker Street to the Marriott. It takes place Saturday at 10 a.m.
2. DragonCon Wrestling. Featuring indie wrestling talent from NWA Anarchy, Friday night’s wrestling event has become the unofficial kickoff to the weekend’s festivities for many convention goers. This year’s event features several firsts, including the introduction of the DCW Ladies Dragon Cup. The NWA Heavyweight Championship, one of the industry’s most prestigious titles previously held by some of the biggest names in the business, will also be on the line. And legendary tag team Demolition will be inducted into the DCW Hall of Fame.
3. Late night festivities. With so many vampires and other creatures of the night lurking around DragonCon, it makes sense that after-hours parties are some of the biggest attractions. From performances by bands such as Bella Morte, Abney Park and Faith and the Muse to interactive showings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” DragonCon becomes a party once the sun goes down. Drum circles, DJ dance parties and hotel room parties have been known to continue until the sun rises the next day.
4. Walk of Fame. Though it’s typically populated by B-level celebrities, this year’s guest list is one of the most impressive ever. From cult filmmaker favorites like Terry Gilliam, to stars from TV shows such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Star Trek,” uber fans have a rare opportunity to interact with the likes of Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, Charisma Carpenter and the Iron Sheik. Autograph seekers can either bring their own items or purchase photos at the show.
5. Art. DragonCon has had an art show featuring sci-fi and fantasy works for years. But in recent years, the art aspect has been expanded to include vinyl toys, pop art and comic book illustrations. This year the pop art track is even more extensive, with local talents like Mike Cook, Brian Colin, Jason Flowers and Tyson McAdoo being featured alongside national talents like Amanda Conner, David Mack, Tara McPherson and Brian Pulido. From horror to pinups to superheroes and pop surrealism, fans of lowbrow creativity will have plenty to choose from. Plus, there will be numerous vinyl toys and other pieces available exclusively at this year’s DragonCon.
6. Vendors. Hundreds of vendors, ranging from comic book and action figure dealers to clothing designers and sword makers, present ballrooms full of tempting ways to drain your wallet. So whether you’re looking for Spider-Man back issues or some new Ren Fest garb, your inner geek is sure to be pleased, as long as you have a little cash to indulge it.
7. Dawn Look-a-Like Contest. She may not be as well known as Superman, Iron Man or even Wonder Woman, but the underground comics goddess known as Dawn has become a regular part of DragonCon’s festivities. Celebrating its 12th anniversary, Saturday night’s Dawn contest allows women to interpret the character in many ways, with Dawn creator Joseph Michael Linsner on hand to help choose the winner.
8. Masquerade. Like the Dawn contest, Sunday night’s masquerade is where all that time and effort put into costuming pays off. Hundreds of contestants, wearing both well-known and obscure costumes, line up for a panel of judges in one of the conventions most popular events. Even if you aren’t able to make it into the ballroom to see the show, there’s still plenty of great people watching before and afterward throughout the hotel.
9. Panels. In addition to getting to meet some of your favorite genre actors, writers, artists and musicians, there are also numerous opportunities to hear them discuss their works in panels that run all day and into each night. Whether it’s Malcolm McDowell discussing his role in “A Clockwork Orange” or scientists talking about space travel and computers, there’s something to hold the interest of geeks of all kinds.
10. DragonCon Thriller. This first-time event, taking place Sunday evening, will attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the most people simultaneously dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Inspired by the zombie movie-spoofing video, this “Thriller” dance will feature more than just the living dead, as Stormtroopers, vampires, steampunks and various other costumed dancers rise to the occasion. Regardless of whether the record attempt is successful, this is sure to be one of the convention's more entertaining events for participants and spectators alike.
