Events

Your one-stop Dragon Con shop for sing-alongs, charity events, contests, and more!

WEDNESDAY–MONDAY

Joystick Gamebar

Come get your “game on” at the popup from our friends at Joystick Gamebar, Atlanta’s official retro arcade. Classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines are on FREE PLAY, located in the old Benihana space of our beloved food court in Peachtree Center Mall. Full cash bar and food available for purchase. Wednesday 6PM–4AM; Thursday–Sunday 10AM–6AM; Monday, 10AM–5PM.

THURSDAY–SUNDAY

Coloring for Charity

Chill out while you color to the lo-fi nerdy beats, and raise money for this year’s charity, Hope Atlanta. Thursday–Sunday 7PM–12AM, The Learning Center (Hyatt).

FRIDAY–MONDAY

Scavenger Hunt Bingo

Win fantastic swag doing what you’ll probably already be doing—taking selfies with amazing cosplayers! Scavenger Hunt Bingo is back with more great prizes. Simply find the items on your bingo card & take a selfie. One card for $3, two for $5. All proceeds got to this year’s charity, Hope Atlanta! Friday–Sunday 10AM–8PM, Monday 10AM–2PM, 301 (Hilton).

FRIDAY–SUNDAY

Costuming Exhibit

Some of Dragon Con’s finest costumes are on display for your wonderment. Be amazed and inspired by these incredible works of craftsmanship, artistry, and ingenuity. Friday–Sunday 10AM–8PM, 305 (Hilton).

Headless Lounge

Is your costume head, helmet, or mask getting too hot to handle but you don’t want to ruin the illusion by taking it off in the crowd? Rejoice! The Headless Lounge is back—you can relax under the fans, get a cold drink of water, & cool down before your (refreshed) character returns to the masses. Friday–Sunday 2:30–11PM, 308 (Hilton).

SATURDAYSUNDAY

Coffee & Coloring

Ease into your day at Dragon Con with a quiet space to relax and color. We’ll have copies of this year’s coloring book for sale. No need to wait in line at Starbucks—the hotel has coffee and tasty treats available right outside the room. Saturday–Sunday 8:30–11AM, Augusta E–H (Westin).

THURSDAY

Dragon Con Newbie Walking Tours

Want to get the lay of the land & find your way around the Dragon Con Campus? Did you know there is even a food court? Meet others new to Dragon Con by touring with veteran con-goers. Guided groups leave every 30 minutes. The last tours of the day will depart at approximately 3:30PM. Thursday 12–3:30PM, A601-A602 (Marriott)

Loyal Order of the Ribbon: Ribbon Reunion 2026

Come join the LOotRs as we welcome each other back to Con! Catch up with fellow fans, collect and hand out ribbons, and get into the spirit of the Con! Don’t miss out on the excitement—see you there! Thursday 2:30–5PM, Grand East (Hilton).

Dragon Con Swag ‘n’ Seek Kindness Panel & Group Meetup Q&A

Come learn about Swag ‘N’ Seek’s kindness movement, meet other ‘swaggers’ and give or receive fun little gifts…all to lift your wings. Join us as we work to spread random acts of kindness throughout ALL of Dragon Con, even if you have to look high and low to see where they’re hidden! Thursday 7–9:30PM, Grand East (Hilton).

MuscleNerdz Showdown

The nations premier Cosplay/Bodybuilding competition is back again! Kick off the Con with masks, muscles, music, and more, as we crown our 2026 champions. Thursday 7–8:30PM, International North-South (Hyatt). Prejudging 4–6:30PM, Marietta (Hyatt).

Comedy for a Cause

Let’s kick off Dragon Con with some stand-up comedy for a great cause! Bringing you a selection of the best local comics in Atlanta, this show features seven comics giving their best 10 minutes to raise funds for Hope Atlanta! Thursday 7–8:30PM, Crystal Ballroom (Hilton).

British Pub Trivia

A classic pub quiz format covering British TV, film, music, history, and culture. Teams of up to five compete for bragging rights and the deep satisfaction of knowing things. No phoning a friend. No Googling. Absolutely no cheating. We’re watching. Thursday 7–9:30PM, Galleria 5 (Hilton).

GameCube Night

Immerse yourself in the world of GameCube and Gameboy Advance, brought to life by colossal, fully operational consoles! Enjoy multiplayer action with numerous GameCube Classics, and compete in numerous tournaments to grab a limited spot in the Final Round: a Super Smash Bros Melee contest! Thursday 7PM–12:30AM, Augusta A-B (Westin).

Let’s Go Out Tonight: Rent 30th Anniversary Sing-Along

You are now living in America at the beginning of the millennium…but 30 years (approximately 15,768,000 minutes) ago, Jonathan Larson introduced the world to Mark, Roger, Mimi, Tom, Angel, Maureen, Joanne, and Benny. Come and sing along with their stories. Viva La Vie Bohème! Thursday 8:30–9:30PM, Augusta (Courtland Grand).

Page to Stage Costume Contest

This interpretation-focused contest celebrates bringing characters from all forms of stories to life. All characters from any Book, Comic, Manga, Graphic Novel, or more are welcome. Pre-registration for this may be done via Dragon Con’s website under Things to do –> Programming –> Contests. Thursday 8:30–11PM, Regency VI–VII (Hyatt).

The Great Geek Sing-Along

The best possible way to kick off Dragon Con! Sing along to TV shows, movie themes, animated tunes, and Geeky songs with many of your favorite people! Thursday 8:30–11PM, Grand West (Hilton)

FRIDAY

Salon du Cospl-AID

Brighten up your morning with a truly Victorian experience: dressing help from a lady’s maid or valet, provided by the wonderful volunteers of the Cospl-AID group. Drop in if you need assistance, or some finishing touches, to feel your very best in your cosplay. Friday 8:30–11AM, Augusta (Courtland Grand).

Subspace Rhapsody Picture Show & Sing-Along

Prepare to embark on a musical Trek Track tradition! Our Directive? To sing and dance our way through the first-ever Star Trek musical episode, shadow cast-style! Friday 4PM, Imperial Ballroom (Marriott).

Video Game Costume Contest

The Video Game Costume Contest is back for another year. We’ll be giving out Best in Show, 2nd place, & 3rd place prizes, as well as Honorable Mention, Judge’s Choice awards, and—new for this year—the Audience Choice award. The Video Game Costume Contest judges on the craftsmanship of the costume. Friday 5:30PM, Peachtree Ballroom (Westin).

Dragon Award Nominee and Past Recipients: Meet & Greet and Signings

Join our attending Dragon Award Nominees & Past Recipients for an informal Meet & Greet. Our authors will be happy to sign books, & a bookseller will be present. Friday 7–8:30PM, Overlook (Westin).

Improvised Dungeons & Dragons LIVE!

Back by popular demand, Dungeon Master Mark Meer, celebrity guests, and members of Atlanta’s own Dad’s Garage Theatre Company act as improvisers attempting to survive with only their wits, character sheets, and high charisma stats. No board, no script, yes costumes. Friday 7PM, Peachtree Ballroom (Westin).

Gil Gerard’s Match Game in the 25th Century with Garrett Wang

Join us for a last round of Gil Gerard’s Match Game in the 25th Century! We’ll have the usual prizes & goodies for the audience, but some audience members will be invited up to join the panel! Garrett Wang will host this final outing. Be with us as we say goodbye to Match Game…and to Gil. Friday 7:30–9PM, Hanover C-E (Hyatt).

Dragon Con’s Pin-ups by the Pool

Don your sauciest poolside attire! There’s gonna be a Pin-up Competition! Register poolside to compete 30 minutes before the party begins & then hang out. Judges will be mixing & mingling in the fray, so don’t be a wallflower. Remember, the judges love to see a nerdy twist to your pin-up creation! Friday 8:30–11PM, Pool and Courtyard (Courtland Grand).

Friday Night Costuming Contest

Entrants compete in Youth, Novice, Journeyman, & Professional categories in this workmanship costume contest. Cheer on your favorites & vote for the Social Media Fan Favorite on Facebook. Friday 8:30–11PM, Atrium Ballroom (Marriott).

The Fantasy Gather

A celebration like none other as fans gather to meet and celebrate the colorful and diverse world of Literature. You will be sure to leave with signed books to add to your collection! We have so many authors that we could not list them all. Friday 8PM–12AM, International North-South (Hyatt).

Klingon Karaoke (Honor)

You won’t need to speak Klingon (or Klingonese) to board our vessel for this musical journey. Sing with honor, and don’t behave like a filthy targ! (Mature Audiences.) Friday 10PM–12:30AM, Galleria 2–3 (Hilton).

SATURDAY

Charity Event: Blind Date with a Book

It’s time for a date! A blind date…with, perhaps, your new favorite book? You’ll just have to unwrap it and see. Stop by and pick up a surprise new read, with all proceeds going to Hope Atlanta. Our reformatted location has even more books and more space to peruse! Saturday 11:30AM–2PM, Augusta (Courtland Grand).

Freestyle Crocheting, Idea Swap & Relaxed Hangout

Unwind with Crochet at Dragon Con. Spend quality time with others and you’ll get ‘hooked’ on crocheting. From loops to masterpieces, we will offer something from beginners to pros. The Yarn Swap will ‘keep you in stitches’! Bring your gently unused yarn or new yarn to trade with a new friend. Saturday 1–3:30PM, Capitol Ballroom (Courtland Grand)

The Cults of Dragon Con Costume Contest

Marriott carpet attire! Dancing T-Rexes! Googly eyes galore! Badge ribbons, flaming speakers, Fed Ex boxes, and more! Paying tribute and adulation to the Dragon Con cults in this one wacky evening of clever costuming. We award the best of the best. Could it be YOU who takes home the grand prize? Hosted by Crispy & friends. Saturday 7:30–9PM, Grand Ballroom A-F (Courtland Grand). Contest registration 5:30–6:30PM, Grand Ballroom A-F Hallway Table near Grand Section B (Courtland Grand).

Georgia Philharmonic Orchestra Presents

For the 10th year, a special musical experience! Hear live symphonic versions of some of your favorite scores from iconic award-winning film and television. Saturday 8–9:30PM, Centennial I–IV (Hyatt).

MSFM Charity Crafts and Games Night

We’ll have card games, board games, and activity stations for a chill, relaxing evening of crafting and gaming fun for all ages while supporting Hope Atlanta! Saturday 8:30PM, Chastain DE (Westin).

Big Damn Game Show!

Experience the geeky game extravaganza that Game Show & Fishing Monthly call ‘The best game show at Dragon Con….but could use more red wigglers.’ (Mature Audience). Saturday 10PM–12:30AM, International North (Hyatt).

MSFM Charity Team Trivia

When the kids are away, the adults will play—TRIVIA! The Military Sci-Fi Media Team Trivia contest draws from a variety of MSFM shows. Charity donations suggested for teams entering the contest as we raise money for this year’s Dragon Con charity, Hope Atanta! (Max. 5 per team limit for fairness!) Saturday 10PM, Chastain DE (Westin).

Dragon Con Burlesque: A Glamour Geek Revue

You’ll thrill to the finest performing artists this country can offer—AND the most glamorous geeks imaginable! 21+ Sunday 12–2:30AM, Grand Ballroom A–F (Courtland Grand).

Rocky Horror Picture Show with LDOD

Give yourself over to the absolute pleasure with Lips Down on Dixie, Atlanta’s premier shadowcast of RHPS, as we take in the #1 midnight movie of all time! This time-warping treat’s just a jump to the left! Sunday 12:45–3AM, Centennial II-IV (Hyatt).

SUNDAY

Splendid Teapot Racing

Bring your own teapot racer or just come and enjoy this kid-friendly action as steampunk builders race remote-control cars carrying teapots around an obstacle course for fun and prizes. Official rules can be found at dragon-con-splendid-teapot-race.mailchimpsites.com. Sunday 10–11:30AM, Grand Ballroom A–F (Courtland Grand).

Character Encounter

Kids & families can meet and get photos with their favorite princesses, heroes, villains, & more! Popular and stays busy, so come early. EVENT ENDS AT NOON! Stroller parking available. Kids under 16 must be with a parent/guardian; children 7+ must have badges. Sunday 10AM-12PM, Regency V (Hyatt).

Dragon Con Charity Auction

It’s the Annual Dragon Con Charity Auction! For 2026, we’ve partnered with Hope Atlanta as our official charity. Benefit this worthy cause & get some treasures in the process! Remember, Dragon Con matches up to the first $150K—so, make those dollars count! Sunday 10AM–2PM, Hanover C–E (Hyatt).

Dragon Awards Ceremony

Presentation of the 2026 Dragon Awards in 11 categories! Who will you choose as the fan favorites this year? Come & find out the results! Also presented in this prestigious ceremony are the Eugie Award, Julie Award, Reinhardt Award, and Mike Resnick Memorial Awards. Sunday 4PM, Centennial I (Hyatt).

Buffy Horror Picture Show

“Once More, with Feeling,” the beloved Buffy musical episode, gets enacted once again on the stage while the episode plays on the screen. Sunday 4PM and 5:30PM, Peachtree Ballroom (Westin).

Annual Don S. Davis Memorial Charity Auction

The 18th Annual Don S. Davis Memorial Charity Auction returns to “do it for Don” and raise money for Hope Atlanta! Bid on hard-to-find items from Stargate, Firefly, BSG, B5, Orville, Space: 1999 & more. You never know who’ll show up or what will happen, but we’ll have a frakking good time! So Say We All! Sunday 4–6:30 PM, Hanover C–E (Hyatt).

Loyal Order of the Ribbon: Annual Hyatt Ribbon Drop!

Come see or show off all the ribbons! Cheer on the LOotRs in the Hyatt Lobby, as they let their badge beards hang out! How many floors up will we have to go this year? Sunday 5:30PM, Lobby (Hyatt).

Miss Star Trek Universe Pageant

Orions, Klingons, and Borg, oh my! Hosted by Star Trek: Voyager’s Garrett Wang and judged by a panel of celebrities. Sunday 5:30–8PM, Grand Ballroom A–F (Courtland Grand).

Star Wars Trivia 15th Anniversary Showdown

Live from A706, it’s the Star Wars Trivia Finals! Come watch the highest scorers on the written exam battle it out in the Finals. Who will reign supreme in 2026? Qualifying test Saturday 8:30pm, with the top scores posted Sunday. Sunday 7PM, A706 (Marriott).

Captain’s Log: Star Trek Improv Show

Space: the final frontier. Improv: a frontier before that. Captain’s Log: somewhere in the middle. Join the crew of Captain’s Log as they take you on a completely improvised trek through our universe, inspired by your suggestions. Sunday 8:30PM, Grand West (Hilton).

Dragon Con Masquerade

Presenting the most spectacular masquerade contest in the known universe! Sunday 8:30-11PM, Centennial II–IV (Hyatt). Overflow viewing: Atrium Ballroom (Marriott).

Klingon Karaoke (Glory)

You won’t need to speak Klingon (or Klingonese) to board our vessel for this musical journey. Sing like the warrior you are, and fill both your throats for the glory of Kahless! Sunday 10PM–12:30AM, Galleria 2–3 (Hilton).

MONDAY

Robot Battles™

Where homemade robots battle for mechanical supremacy. You’ll come for the metal-on-metal mayhem & stay for the crunching carnage! Setup for builders at 10AM. Battles continue till 3:30pm. Monday 11 AM–2PM, Regency VI-VII (Hyatt).