The Dragon Con Parade steps off Saturday morning and runs down Peachtree Street through the heart of Downtown Atlanta, and unlike most of the convention it costs nothing to watch.
Thousands of costumed participants march in themed groups — superheroes, horror, anime, Star Wars, custom vehicles and marching bands among them — in what has become one of the most photographed events on the city's calendar.
Curbside space along the route fills early, so spectators tend to stake out spots well before the start. Peachtree Street closes to traffic for the duration, and MARTA is by far the easier way in.
The parade is free and open to the public; no Dragon Con badge is required to watch from the sidewalk.