***REVIEW - Dragon Con 2025: Atlanta’s Ultimate Fandom Experience

A lot can happen in six years. I’ve lived every twist and turn of it. Somewhere between life’s plot twists and personal side quests, I missed attending one of my favorite Labor Day traditions: Dragon Con. If you know, you know. Every convention has its own vibe, but Dragon Con? It’s a whole ecosystem of wild creativity, fandom fusion, and unapologetic nerd joy.

So when my crew and I finally rolled up to the Hyatt Regency, it felt like stepping back into a world I’d been homesick for. The entrance was practically swallowed by a sea of cosplayers. I couldn’t even see the doors, but I could feel the energy pulsing through the crowd. My inner geek was doing cartwheels.

The colors were loud, the costumes were louder, and the excitement? Off the charts. It was like being hugged by every fandom I’ve ever loved. And in that moment, I knew: I was back where I belonged.

Given everything that’s gone down in recent weeks, I was a little on edge. So when I saw how seriously security was being handled, I felt a wave of relief. No badge, no entry. Period. We couldn’t even step foot inside without proof that we were official press for the event. My team stuck close, like a well-oiled squad of fandom operatives, and together we made our way down to the basement to officially check in.

As we drifted toward the escalators, it was like stepping into a living, breathing art gallery—except the art was moving, posing, and occasionally wielding foam weapons. The costumes were next-level. I’m talking jaw-dropping, stop-you-in-your-tracks kind of detail. Sequins, armor, LED lights, and even wings. Some of these folks looked like they walked straight off of a movie set.

One woman in particular caught my eye. She was gliding through the crowd in what looked like a dress made entirely of polished metal crescents. This thing shimmered like moonlight and clanked softly with every step. I couldn’t help myself. I had to know her story. So I asked her how long it took to make it. She smiled and said, “Two years.”

I was floored. That kind of dedication deserves a standing ovation, and we gave her one right there in the middle of the lobby. It was stunning. Like wearable sculpture. And that’s the thing about Dragon Con: this level of craftsmanship isn’t rare. It’s expected. It’s celebrated. It’s what makes this convention feel like home to anyone who’s ever poured their heart into a character or  a costume.

Clearly, I’m the kind of person who gets distracted by shiny things. This convention  is basically a glitter bomb of sensory overload. There’s just so much happening at once. Panels, merch, spontaneous dance-offs, and of course, cosplay that practically demands your attention. You could be laser-focused on finding your next event, and boom—someone dressed as a ten-foot-tall mech warrior strolls by like it’s totally normal. And honestly? It is.

So as my team and I made our way toward the basement to check in, I was already rubbernecking at every costume that passed. But then we saw something unexpected. Volunteers promoting blood donations. And not just with flyers and polite smiles. No, they were in full-on Dragon Con spirit mode. Some were in costume and they even had a contest going to encourage both donors and volunteers.

Talk about smart marketing. You’ve got thousands of passionate, generous people all in one place. Why not turn a life-saving act into part of the con experience? It was the kind of thing that made you pause, appreciate the community, and maybe even roll up your sleeve. Plus, who wouldn’t want to say they donated blood next to someone dressed as a glittery vampire?

We finally made it to check-in and miracle of miracles, there was no line. I mean, at Dragon Con, that’s basically winning the cosplay lottery. It felt like the universe hit pause just for us. The stars were aligned, the hotel gods were smiling, and we breezed through like VIPs at a red carpet event. 

But then came the real challenge: navigating the labyrinth of interconnected hotels. If you’ve never been to Dragon Con, imagine trying to solve a maze while surrounded by stormtroopers, anime characters, and someone dressed as a vending machine. It’s chaos but the fun kind.

That’s where the Dragon Con App came in clutch. This thing isn’t just a map. It’s a digital lifesaver. It tells you where to go, what’s happening, who’s speaking, and even how to get from the Marriott to the Hilton without accidentally ending up in a Klingon karaoke session. 

Honestly, whoever designed that app deserves a medal. Or at least a lifetime supply of con snacks. It turned what could’ve been a confusing scavenger hunt into a smooth, stress-free adventure. Between the app and our credentials, we were officially locked in and ready to explore every inch of fandom paradise.

One of the things I absolutely adore about Dragon Con is the sheer variety of events packed into the weekend. It’s not just panels and cosplay contests. And this year, Dragon Con Night at the Georgia Aquarium completely stole my heart.

This exclusive after-hours access to one of the most mesmerizing places transformed into a glowing playground for con-goers. The moment I stepped inside, I was pulled into a surreal blend of sci-fi fantasy and deep-sea wonder.

Graceful manta rays glided effortlessly through the Ocean Voyager tunnel like they were putting on a show just for us. Jellyfish pulsed with hypnotic rhythm in the Tropical Diver exhibit, casting soft, ethereal light that made every photo look like a dream sequence.

And the cosplayers? Oh, they understood the assignment. Picture a mermaid posing beside a real coral reef, or a steampunk explorer dramatically silhouetted against a tank full of shimmering fish. It was like watching fandoms collide with nature in the most beautiful way possible. Every corner was a photo op, every glance a moment of awe.

Then guests flocked toward Truist Pier 225 for the live sea lion presentation. And let me tell you, those sea lions owned the stage. They were clever, agile, and downright hilarious. One of them even waved at the crowd like a seasoned performer. The audience was completely enchanted as these playful creatures showed off their tricks and personalities.

It wasn’t just an event. It was a whole experience. A reminder that Dragon Con isn’t confined to hotel ballrooms or convention halls. It spills out into the city. Into places like the Aquarium where imagination and nature meet in the most unexpected ways. Whether you’re a die-hard cosplayer, a casual fan, or just someone who loves a good sea lion high-five, this night had something for everyone.

Dragon Con isn’t just a convention. It’s a full-blown celebration of everything bold, brilliant, and beautifully unconventional. Every Labor Day Weekend, Atlanta transforms into a living canvas of creativity, where fandoms collide, imaginations run wild, and the streets pulse with the energy of thousands of dreamers, makers, and magic-believers.

For me, it’s more than just an event. It’s a feeling. A wave of nostalgia hits the moment I see the first cosplayer strut past the hotel lobby or hear the distant hum of a panel crowd cheering for their favorite voice actor. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with storytelling, sci-fi, fantasy, and all the quirky corners of pop culture in the first place.

Sure, there are plenty of conventions out there. But there’s only one Dragon Con. It’s the heartbeat of Labor Day in Atlanta, and if you missed the festivities this past week, don’t just shrug and scroll past the photos. Do yourself a favor and put Dragon Con 2026 on your calendar, your vision board, and your fridge magnet. Because this isn’t something you read about in a recap or catch in a highlight reel.

Whether you’re a seasoned con-goer or thinking about making your debut, Dragon Con welcomes you with open arms, glowing lights, and probably someone dressed as a glittery space pirate offering high-fives. So start planning now because 2026 is your year to dive in, suit up, and experience the magic firsthand. #ashsaidit