Dragon*Con Parade, 2008. AJC file photo

Dragon*Con is just amazing — it’s a pop culture convention where Star Trek and Star Wars get along, where pirates, Spidermen, goth kids, comic book readers, artists, filmmakers, costumers, families and singles and everyone you think you know gets together to hang out and explore the sci-fi side of themselves. It started in 1987 with 1,400 people at the Piedmont Plaza Hotel, and this Sept. 4-7, it welcomes more than 30,000 people to four downtown Atlanta hotels.

The conference includes some 35 topics fleshed out enough enough to be a sub-conference, more than 500 featured guests, contests, shopping, a film festival, a blood drive. But for such a large, boisterous event, it doesn’t get in the way of normal operations. You’ll be able to tell the office workers from the conference-goers, but downtown Atlanta certainly won’t shut down to those not wearing pirate hats.

Here’s a guide to help you through the weekend, but Dragon*Con regulars: …

Continue reading What to know before you go: Dragon*Con »

Book shopping during DBF 2007. Expect a bigger crowd this year. AJC file photo

In four years, the AJC Decatur Book Festival has grown into one of the largest gatherings of lit lovers in the United States. Some 70,000 people attended last year and with more scheduled authors and events at this weekend’s festival, expect even more.

The whole operation runs on the passion of readers and logistical wizardry, which means it’s easy to be overwhelmed, whether you’re dropping by to get a book signed or moving in Friday to stay the whole weekend. Use this guide to help you get started. Meanwhile, if any DBF veterans in the crowd have tips or recommendations, share in the comments!

Bookzilla attacks!

GOT A MAP?
Here’s a printable map of the Decatur Book Festival stages, street fair and activities, plus a list of exhibitors.

GOT A SCHEDULE?
There are so many readings, signings, performances fashion shows, cooking demos, wrestling matches, the DBF is best enjoyed with a little planning …

Continue reading What to know before you go: AJC Decatur Book Festival »

Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game festivities, 2008.

When Alabama and Virginia Tech play the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta on Saturday, there won’t be an empty seat in the Georgia Dome. Apparently, Atlanta’s a pretty good place to have a football game.

Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer told the AJC so: “I was with [ESPN College Game Day host] Chris Fowler this summer and he said it’s like no other atmosphere he can remember during the regular season. We’re playing in a great city that really supports football.”

Virginia Tech sold its 31,000 tickets. Alabama sold their’s, too. In fact, all 72,000 seats are sold, and thousands more people are expected to come downtown just for the game day activities. Here’s a guide to what’s going on and how you ought to prepare yourself, whether you’re coming downtown for some fun or just avoiding the crowd.

EVENTS, TIMES AND LOCATIONS

6-10 p.m. Friday: Fan Night, Georgia Aquarium
The world’s largest fish tank will be open late on Friday for …

Continue reading What to know before you go: Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game »

Red Bull soapbox race in Turkey. Quite a crowd! Photo courtesy of Red Bull.

The Red Bull Soapbox Race will take over Piedmont Park on Saturday, and organizers are expecting a crowd not unlike that for Paul McCartney — about 50,000 people.

Of course, this crowd gets in free. (Free!) Not that Sir Paul didn’t haul a big production into town, but he didn’t need space to race 50 gravity-powered vehicles, either.

Here’s what you need to know before the show gets on the road on Aug. 29.

Rain? What rain?
At last year’s race in Philadelphia, a hurricane remnant came through — poured rain, but skipped the lightning or tornadoes. The race went on. The same rules apply here. As of Friday morning, Saturday’s forecast calls for lows in the 60s, highs in the mid-80s and showers likely in the afternoon.

What to bring, what not to bring.
On the list of no-nos: pets, tents, glass containers, food to be sold, alcoholic beverages, weapons. But, you can bring your own food and drinks, or buy them …

Continue reading What to know before you go: Red Bull Soapbox Race »

It's just metal now, but Piedmont Park officials expect the stage for Paul McCartney's Aug. 15 show to be completed on Wednesday. AJC/Phil Skinner

When Piedmont Park officials told me a week ago that there were still thousands of tickets left for the August 15 Green Concert, plenty of you seemed surprisd to learn that superstar Paul McCartney hadn’t yet sold out.

Blame the economy, price, timing or weather for the slow sales, but the number of available tickets is shrinking every hour, said Monica Thornton, vice president of the Piedmont Park Conservancy. The park is permitted to have up to 49,999 people, and is on track to make its financial goal, she said. As of Tuesday afternoon, she said there’s room for about 5,000 more people.

If you’re going, or thinking about, here’s what you need to know.

Don’t show up too early.
VIPs and pre-sale ticket buyers can get in at 4 p.m. All other ticket holders can get in at 5 p.m. (VIPs and pre-sale ticketbuyers, fear not: the barcode on …

Continue reading What you need to know before the Paul McCartney concert: street closings, weather, how to get there, what to bring »