Over Labor Day weekend, Dragon Con transformed downtown Atlanta into a bustling hub of pop culture magic, drawing a remarkable 72,000 fans from around the world. Attendees came together to celebrate their favorite fandoms, while the convention’s charity initiatives raised over $210,000 for the Arthritis Foundation’s Georgia chapter. Here’s a recap of Dragon Con 2024, filled with memorable moments from the convention.
Opening Day and Parade Spectacle
Dragon Con’s legendary parade returned, filling the streets of Atlanta with spectacular cosplays and vibrant energy. Both beloved characters and creative mashups brought fantasy to life, setting a high-energy tone for the rest of the event. Fans lined the streets to cheer on a colorful mix of cosplayers, from majestic dragons and iconic superheroes to retro video game characters. The 2024 Dragon Con Parade was a stunning showcase of creativity and fan dedication, kicking off the convention weekend with unforgettable flair. Check out the 2024 Dragon Con Parade:
Celebrity Panels and Guest Highlights
Dragon Con’s 2024 guest lineup did not disappoint, featuring big names from fan-favorite franchises like Supernatural, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Doctor Who, Baldur’s Gate, What We Do in the Shadows, and Lord of the Rings. Fans eagerly lined up for a chance to attend panels and Q&A sessions with their favorite stars. Highlights included memorable discussions with the Resident Alien cast, who shared insights into character arcs and behind-the-scenes stories, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans attending the sessions.
Charity Events and Fundraisers
In addition to fandom celebrations, Dragon Con’s charitable impact continued to grow, raising more than $210,000 for the Arthritis Foundation’s Georgia chapter. This fundraising milestone added to over $1.3 million raised over the last decade for various causes, including funds generated through special events, auctions, and matching donations. Dragon Con’s Robert A. Heinlein “Pay It Forward” blood drive brought in 3,950 donors, producing about 10,600 blood components to benefit hospitals in the Southeast.
Dragon Awards and Julie Award Recognition
The Dragon Awards celebrated excellence across fan-favorite genres, with Starter Villain by John Scalzi winning Best Science Fiction Novel. Comedy legend John Cleese received the Julie Award for his lifetime contributions to comedy and entertainment, a memorable highlight for attendees and fellow creators.
The 2024 Dragon Award winners were announced on September 1.
BEST SCIENCE FICTION NOVEL
- Starter Villain by John Scalzi
BEST FANTASY NOVEL (INCLUDING PARANORMAL)
- Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
BEST YOUNG ADULT / MIDDLE GRADE NOVEL
- Midnight at the Houdini by Delilah S. Dawson
BEST ALTERNATE HISTORY NOVEL
- All the Dead Shall Weep by Charlaine Harris
BEST HORROR NOVEL
- Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig
BEST ILLUSTRATIVE BOOK COVER
- Of Jade and Dragons by Kelly Chong
BEST COMIC BOOK / GRAPHIC NOVEL
- Monstress by Marjorie Liu, Sana Takeda
BEST SCIENCE FICTION OR FANTASY TV SERIES, TV OR INTERNET
- Fallout, Amazon Prime Video
BEST SCIENCE FICTION OR FANTASY MOVIE
- Dune: Part Two by Denis Villeneuve
BEST DIGITAL GAME
- Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios
BEST TABLETOP GAME
- D&D The Deck of Many Things, Wizards of the Coast
After-Hours Fun and Cosplay Nightlife
From the iconic Dragon Con Night at the Georgia Aquarium to late-night karaoke sessions, after-hours events kept the party going well into the night. Photos from the official social media recaps captured incredible cosplays against the aquarium’s backdrop, providing a unique convergence of fandom and Atlanta’s local flavor. (Photo Credit: Dragon Con)
What I’ll Miss the Most…Dragon Con TV
With its record-setting attendance of 72,000 fans and the tremendous charity efforts benefiting the Arthritis Foundation, Dragon Con 2024 demonstrated the power of community, creativity, and fandom spirit. Fans are already looking forward to Dragon Con 2025, which will run from August 28 to September 1. For updates and details, follow @dragoncon and join us with the countdown to the next extraordinary gathering in Atlanta.
Panelist Debut: The Boys – Evolution of Starlight
This year’s Dragon Con also marked a personal milestone as I had the opportunity to participate as a panelist for the first time. Speaking on The Boys: Evolution of Starlight panel was an incredible experience, discussing the growth and impact of this fan-favorite character with an engaged and enthusiastic audience. The panel was a huge success, and I am immensely grateful to the American Science Fiction & Fantasy Media Track for making it possible. The energy in the room was contagious, and sharing insights with fellow fans only deepened my appreciation for The Boys and the wonderful fandom surrounding it.
About Dragon Con
Dragon Con is the internationally known pop culture convention held each Labor Day Weekend in Atlanta. Organized for fans, Dragon Con features more than 3,500 hours of comics, film, television, costuming, art, music, and gaming over five days. For more information, please visit www.dragoncon.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Second Union
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