If you’re an anime fan in Atlanta, Georgia, Anime Weekend Atlanta (often called AWA) is one of the biggest events on the local geek calendar. While the exact dates change each year, the convention follows a fairly predictable pattern and is usually easy to plan around once you know what to look for.
Below is a clear breakdown of when Anime Weekend Atlanta usually happens, how the schedule works, and what Atlanta locals and visitors should know before they go.
Anime Weekend Atlanta is typically held once a year in the fall, most often:
Because dates can shift slightly from year to year, most attendees use these general rules:
👉 Key takeaway: If you live in or near Atlanta and like to plan ahead, block off one long weekend in late September or October and adjust when the official dates are announced.
While you should always confirm the specific dates for the current year, Anime Weekend Atlanta tends to follow this pattern:
| Aspect | What to Expect in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Time of year | Fall (usually late September or October) |
| Days of the week | Thursday (preview) through Sunday |
| Main venue area | Cumberland/Galleria area of northwest Atlanta |
| Typical length | 4 days of programming |
| Type of event | Anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, and Japanese pop culture convention |
On Thursday, Anime Weekend Atlanta usually offers:
This is especially helpful for local Atlantans who can swing by after work to grab their badge and avoid the longer Friday lines.
Friday and Saturday are typically the busiest and most event-packed days:
If you’re visiting Atlanta just for AWA, plan to spend most of your time on-site Friday and Saturday. Traffic on I-75 and I-285 near the Galleria can be heavy, especially during rush hour, so locals often arrive early and stay late rather than leaving and coming back.
Sunday is typically:
Atlanta-area families often choose Sunday as a day-trip option—especially if they want to check out the con without committing to the full weekend.
Anime Weekend Atlanta is generally hosted in the Cumberland/Galleria area of northwest Atlanta, near the intersection of I-75 and I-285.
Key locations include:
Renaissance Waverly Hotel & Convention Center
2450 Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30339
(Directly connected to the Cobb Galleria Centre, often serves as the main convention hotel.)
Cobb Galleria Centre
2 Galleria Parkway SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
(Large convention facility used for exhibit halls, Artist Alley, Dealer’s Room, and some events.)
Being in this part of Atlanta means:
Because dates can change slightly each year, here’s how Atlanta residents and visitors usually confirm them:
If you’re planning travel to Atlanta just for AWA, it’s wise to:
If you live in Atlanta or the suburbs, the time of year and location affect how you’ll plan your weekend:
AWA’s Friday falls right into metro Atlanta rush hour:
The convention area is not directly on a MARTA rail line, but you can:
Fall weather in Atlanta is usually:
Anime fans often bring:
Align your stay with the full convention window once the dates are confirmed. A common pattern is:
Useful local notes:
If you live in or near Atlanta and you’re an anime, cosplay, or gaming fan, it’s worth watching for the annual fall weekend when Anime Weekend Atlanta takes over the Galleria area and turns it into one of the city’s biggest pop‑culture gatherings.
