Dust off your lightsaber, brush up on your Klingon and spruce up your Elve costume - it's time for Dragon*Con!
This Labor Day weekend Dragon*Con, one of the world's largest science fiction and fantasy conventions, spread out across four hotels, will take place for four days in Atlanta. With a mix of classic science fiction literature, anime, popular movie and television franchises such as "Star Wars" and "Heroes," and plenty of comic book superheroes, there really is something for everyone at this weekend-long party.
More than 30,0000 fans are expected to attend the convention, which is in its 21st year. Located at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta and the Sheraton Atlanta, Dragon*Con will feature more than 400 guest actors, acclaimed writers and artists.
At the door rates are $90 for a Friday - Monday pass; $75 for a Saturday - Monday pass; $50 for a Sunday, Monday pass; $50 for a Saturday only pass; $30 for passes on Friday and Sunday only; $25 for a Monday only pass.
The convention features nearly two football field's worth of exhibits, art displays, merchandise and collectibles as well as plenty of panel discussions, presentations, workshops and performances.
Celebrity guests attending this year's convention include Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings"), Hayden Panettiere ("Heroes"), James Marsters ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), Edward James Olmos ("Battlestar Galactica"), television's original Batman, Adam West, Star Trek cast members George Takei, Walter Koenig, Avery Brooks, Cirroc Lofton, and Robert Picardo and "Star Wars" actors, Jeremy Bulloch, Jake Lloyd, Peter Mayhew and Ray Park.
Some of the most popular events of the convention include the Dragon*Con Parade, a popular Atlanta tradition which takes place on Saturday at 10 a.m., with nearly 1,000 costumed fans marching down Peachtree Street and the South's largest costume contest, Masquerade, which takes place Sunday evening.
Other events include an independent short film festival, a special presentation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, professional wrestling, the Miss Klingon Beauty Contest, robot battles and plenty of late night dance parties.
The weekend's late night entertainment includes live performances by Mindless Self Indulgence, The Crüxshadows, Voltaire and Ego Likeness. Once the bands exit the stage, the music doesn't stop. DJ's will continue spinning music throughout the night.
For more information, visit www.dragoncon.org
