Downtown Atlanta became a sea of superheroes, fantasy characters and pop-culture creations Saturday as the Dragon Con parade returned for the convention’s 40th anniversary.
The parade moved through the heart of the city along Peachtree Street, giving spectators a free look at elaborate costumes, themed groups, marching bands and fan-built displays. It remains the most visible event during Dragon Con’s five-day Labor Day weekend run.
A milestone year for Atlanta’s fan convention
Organizers expected about 75,000 attendees across the convention’s Sept. 3-7 schedule. Beyond the parade, the anniversary program includes celebrity panels, gaming, workshops, concerts, contests and fan gatherings spread across downtown hotels and venues.
Dragon Con says its 2026 schedule contains roughly 3,500 hours of programming. The convention has grown from a regional gathering into one of Atlanta’s largest annual events, filling sidewalks, hotel lobbies and MARTA trains with costumed visitors each Labor Day weekend.
Watching from home
CBS Atlanta carried the 2026 parade for viewers who could not make it downtown. The convention continues through Monday, so visitors should expect large crowds and heavier-than-usual foot traffic around the host hotels and nearby transit stations.
Sources: CBS Atlanta and Dragon Con.
