When Is Anime Weekend Atlanta? Dates, Details, and What to Expect in Atlanta

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.

When Does Anime Weekend Atlanta Usually Take Place?

Anime Weekend Atlanta is typically held once a year in the fall, most often:

• Time of year: Late September or October
• Length: About four days (usually Thursday–Sunday)
• Location:
  • Renaissance Waverly Hotel & Convention Center
    2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339
  • Cobb Galleria Centre
    2 Galleria Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

Because dates can shift slightly from year to year, most attendees use these general rules:

• Expect AWA to land on a fall weekend, often close to Halloween or mid–late October.
• The full dates for the upcoming year are typically announced well in advance on official channels.
• Local hotels in the Cumberland/Galleria area tend to book up quickly once dates are confirmed.

👉 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.

Typical Annual Pattern: At a Glance

While you should always confirm the specific dates for the current year, Anime Weekend Atlanta tends to follow this pattern:

How the Weekend Is Structured

Thursday: Early Opening / Badge Pick-Up

On Thursday, Anime Weekend Atlanta usually offers:

• Badge pick-up and registration
• Some early evening panels or limited events
• A chance to explore the hotel and convention layout without the full crowds

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: Main Convention Days

Friday and Saturday are typically the busiest and most event-packed days:

• Panels and Q&A sessions with voice actors, artists, and industry guests
• Cosplay gatherings, contests, and photo meetups
• Artist Alley and Dealer’s Room open most of the day
• Gaming rooms (video games, tabletop, and sometimes arcade setups)
• Evening events, which might include:
  • Concerts or DJ sets
  • Screenings
  • Late-night panels and activities

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: Final Day and Wind-Down

Sunday is typically:

• A shorter day with programming that ends earlier in the afternoon
• A good time to make last-minute purchases in the Dealer’s Room
• Better for those who prefer lighter crowds

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.

Where Anime Weekend Atlanta Happens in the City

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:

• You’re close to Cumberland Mall and The Battery Atlanta (home of Truist Park), which offer dining and entertainment options.
• There are multiple major hotels nearby that often host convention-goers.
• Driving and parking tend to be easier than in downtown Atlanta, though weekends with big events can still get busy.

How to Find the Exact Dates for the Current Year

Because dates can change slightly each year, here’s how Atlanta residents and visitors usually confirm them:

1. Check official announcements: Dates are typically posted well before the event.
2. Look up hotel block information in the Galleria area: Convention hotel blocks are usually tied to the confirmed weekend.
3. Follow local buzz: Atlanta cosplayers and anime communities often start preparing months ahead once the dates are known.

If you’re planning travel to Atlanta just for AWA, it’s wise to:

• Wait until the official dates are confirmed before booking non-refundable flights.
• Reserve hotel rooms early—the closest hotels fill up first, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

Tips for Atlanta Locals Planning Around AWA Dates

If you live in Atlanta or the suburbs, the time of year and location affect how you’ll plan your weekend:

1. Build Around Friday Traffic

AWA’s Friday falls right into metro Atlanta rush hour:

• Expect congestion on I-75, I-285, and the Cobb Parkway (US-41) corridor near the Galleria.
• Many locals either:
  • Take Friday off or work a half day, or
  • Come later in the evening once traffic dies down.

2. MARTA and Rideshares

The convention area is not directly on a MARTA rail line, but you can:

• Take MARTA to the Arts Center Station or Cumberland Transfer Center area and connect to CobbLinc or shuttle options when available.
• Use rideshare services from MARTA stations or nearby neighborhoods to avoid parking stress.

3. Weather and What to Pack

Fall weather in Atlanta is usually:

• Warm to mild days, cooler evenings
• Occasionally rainy, especially in late September or October

Anime fans often bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes (the Renaissance and Galleria spaces are large and spread out)
• A light jacket or hoodie for evenings
• An extra bag or backpack for merch and Artist Alley finds

If You’re Visiting Atlanta for AWA

Align your stay with the full convention window once the dates are confirmed. A common pattern is:

• Arrive in Atlanta on Thursday (or early Friday)
• Attend the convention Thursday evening through Sunday
• Leave Sunday evening or Monday morning

Useful local notes:

• The Galleria area is about 15–25 minutes by car from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, depending on traffic.
• If you plan to explore the city outside of Anime Weekend Atlanta, popular nearby stops include:
  • The Battery Atlanta (restaurants, shops, and events next to Truist Park)
  • Cumberland Mall for quick shopping or meals
  • A drive into Midtown or Downtown Atlanta for attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca‑Cola (best done on a less-crowded time, such as Thursday or Sunday evening).

Quick Summary: When Is Anime Weekend Atlanta?

• Held once a year in fall, most often in late September or October
• Usually runs Thursday through Sunday
• Hosted in the Cumberland/Galleria area of northwest Atlanta, centered around:
  • Renaissance Waverly Hotel & Convention Center
  • Cobb Galleria Centre
• Exact dates change each year, so always confirm the current year’s schedule before booking travel or time off.

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.