Dragon Con is more than just an annual nerd convention. For its attendees in 2024, it's a space that celebrates a unique sense of community and camaraderie that can only be found in Atlanta. GPB's Victoria Evans-Cash has this audio postcard.

A Dragon Con cosplayer wears an intricate red and black mask complete with LED lights in 2024.

Credit: Liz Bradley

Dragon Con 2024 took place over the long Labor Day weekend in downtown Atlanta, where more than 72,000 people attended the 38th year of the five-day convention.

Attendees cosplayed as characters from fandoms across the multiverse and beyond, gathering for a unique sense of camaraderie and that annual tradition of celebrating all things nerd culture.

The festivities included a parade down Peachtree Street, the Dragon Awards for fantasy and science fiction literature, the Masquerade costume competition, and Dragon Con Night at the Georgia Aquarium, along with hundreds of panels and vendors. 

Dragon Con’s official charity of 2024 was the Arthritis Foundation Georgia chapter. The event raised $210,000 and counting. 

Dragon Con attendees cosplay as characters Statler (left) and Waldorf from "The Muppet Show" in 2024.

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Dragon Con attendees cosplay as characters Statler (left) and Waldorf from "The Muppet Show" in 2024.

Credit: Liz Bradley

Dragon Con’s annual Robert A. Heinlein “Pay It Forward” blood drive had nearly 4,000 people roll up a sleeve to donate blood, helping more than 25 Atlanta hospitals and more than 100 across the Southeast, according to convention organizers.

Dragon Con will return next Labor Day weekend.

"Men in Black" cosplayers walk in the Dragon Con parade on August 31, 2024.

Pirate cosplayers ride through the parade on a boat float at Dragon Con 2024.

A crowd watches the parade at Dragon Con on Aug. 31, 2024.

The Krew of Optical Delusion rides through the Dragon Con Parade on Aug. 31, 2024.

"Avatar: The Last Airbender" cosplayers pose at Dragon Con on Sept. 1, 2024.

The Black Geeks of Dragon Con pose for a photo op on Sept. 1, 2024.

The Black Geeks of Dragon Con pose for a photo op on Sept. 1, 2024.

"Dragon Ball Z" cosplayers pose for a photo op on Sept. 1, 2024.

"Bridgerton" cosplayers pose for a photo op at Dragon Con on Sept. 1, 2024.

GPB's Matthew Wolff directs a photo op for "Spider-Verse" cosplayers at Dragon Con on Sept. 1, 2024.

"Spider-Verse" cosplayers pose for a group photo op at Dragon Con on Sept. 1, 2024.

Deadpool cosplayers cheer for a Peter cosplayer during a photo op at Dragon Con 2024.

Deadpool cosplayers pose for a photo op at Dragon Con 2024.

Deadpool and Wolverine cosplayers pose for a photo op at Dragon Con 2024.