Dragon Con Parade 2018: When, Where, How To Watch

ATLANTA, GA — A record 85,000 people are expected to descend upon Atlanta on Labor Day weekend for Dragon Con, the city's annual gathering to celebrate science fiction, fantasy and all sorts of gloriously geeky things in between.

While most folks in metro Atlanta may not be attending the convention itself, thousands and thousands of them will be lining up for the annual DragonCon Parade on Saturday morning. Organizers expect 65,000 people to line the streets for the parade, in which convention-goers stroll in costumes, or cosplay, celebrating their favorite fandom.

The downtown tradition has now officially become the biggest parade in Atlanta.

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And if you're one of the dwindling handful of folks harboring images of geeks wandering around in Spock ears, think again. Some of the costumes you'll see on display are truly Hollywood-quality, with conventioneers spending the whole year getting them ready.

If you're considering bringing the family to be truly wowed by the talent showcased in the parade, here's a quick rundown of the 2018 Dragon Con Parade.

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1

Where: This year's parade route is the same as past years. Beginning at the intersection of Peachtree Street and Linden Avenue, the parade will head south on Peachtree, east on Andrew Young International Boulevard and north on Peachtree Center Avenue. It will end on Peachtree Center Avenue between John Portman Boulevard and Baker Street, in front of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

Who: About 3,200 Dragon Con attendees are expected to march in the parade. This year's parade marshals are Emilio Delgado, Bob McGrath and Roscoe Orman — Luis, Bob and Gordon from "Sesame Street."

Getting there: Parking is going to be at a premium downtown. But the parade route is convenient to three MARTA stations – North Avenue, Civic Center, and Peachtree Center. Dragon Con encourages parade spectators to ride MARTA.

Cost: Attending the parade is free.

Television: If you can't make it downtown, the Dragon Con Parade will be broadcast live on Atlanta's CW69, with a rebroadcast in prime time planned.

For more information: Check out the Dragon Con website.

Photo courtesy Dragon Con