When does Dragon Con officially start? The answer to this question depends on context. In our hearts? It never ends! On the calendar? This year, it is Thursday, September 3rd. Savvy con-goers all know that isn’t true, though. Some arrive almost a week before, sharing photos of empty lobbies on social media; the calm before the storm.
For the first time ever, the Dragon Con app includes the event that began as an impromptu-celebration of the con-to-come: the countdown! Last year, a massive digital clock affixed to the Pulse Lounge Bar in the Marriott counted down the time as an unlisted rave blasted beats from the adjacent ballroom.
This year the massive digital clock relocated to the lobby area in the Hilton, replaced with a smaller screen to make room for decorations and photos celebrating Dragon Con’s 40th anniversary, but the party was in the same location. Hosted by DJs Brendon Lee and RVMP and beginning Wednesday at 11PM in the Marriott’s Grand Atrium Ballroom, the “Welcome Home Dance & Countdown!” was a dance party for the ages (which, if we’re being honest, is a nightly occurrence at Dragon Con.) Strobing lights, balloons kept in flight by the excited hands of con-goers, streams of bubbles, and staves waved by wizards all celebrated the upcoming weekend. Anticipatory exuberance saturated the air as a 20-foot-tall Trodgor the Burninator jumped up and down in the front row of the crowd. Superman danced the night away with Sailor Moon in the fantastical clash of pop culture that we all enjoy throughout the weekend.
