DreamHack Atlanta: Your Complete Guide to Atlanta’s Biggest Gaming Festival

If you live in Atlanta, love gaming, esports, or digital creativity, DreamHack Atlanta is one of the city’s biggest annual events to know about. It’s a multi-day gaming festival that typically takes over a large convention venue and brings together players, creators, and fans from across the Southeast and beyond.

This guide breaks down what DreamHack Atlanta is, what to expect, and how to make the most of it specifically as an attendee in Atlanta, Georgia.

What Is DreamHack Atlanta?

DreamHack Atlanta is the Atlanta stop of the global DreamHack festival series. It’s usually held over a full weekend and combines:

• Esports tournaments
• LAN party areas
• Expo hall and exhibitors
• Artist and creator spaces
• Tabletop and card games
• Cosplay shows and competitions
• Meet-and-greets and on-stage panels

Think of it as a gaming convention + esports event + digital culture festival all rolled into one, hosted right here in Atlanta.

Where DreamHack Atlanta Usually Takes Place

In Atlanta, DreamHack has most often been hosted at a major convention venue, such as:

• Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
  285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313

This is one of the city’s central convention spaces and is built to handle large events with simultaneous stages, expo floors, and LAN areas.

Because event locations can occasionally change, it’s important to check the current year’s DreamHack Atlanta details for:

• Exact building / hall (e.g., Hall A, B, C at GWCC)
• Entry gates and badge pickup locations
• Security and bag-check instructions

If you’re local, you may already know how to navigate downtown during big events. If you’re visiting, give yourself extra time—traffic and parking can get busy when major conventions are in town.

Getting to DreamHack Atlanta

MARTA and Public Transit

For many attendees, MARTA is one of the easiest ways to reach a central convention venue in Atlanta:

• By Rail:

  • The Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (formerly Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN) on the Blue/Green line is commonly used for events at the Georgia World Congress Center.
  • From the station, it’s usually a short walk to the convention halls.

• By Bus:
  Depending on your starting point, MARTA bus routes can connect you to downtown rail stations or directly to the area near the venue.

Using MARTA helps you avoid event parking costs and downtown congestion, especially during peak arrival times.

For planning purposes, MARTA’s main customer service center is:

• MARTA Headquarters
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Main info line: (404) 848-5000

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• Expect event-rate parking around the convention center and nearby lots.
• Plan your route to avoid heavy downtown traffic near major sports arenas and Centennial Olympic Park.
• Some attendees prefer to park at a MARTA station further out (such as Lindbergh Center, North Springs, or College Park) and ride the train in.

For locals, using side streets and watching for event signage can save time. Visitors may find it easier to use navigation apps and public parking decks tied to the convention complex.

What Happens at DreamHack Atlanta?

While details can vary year to year, most DreamHack Atlanta events feature the same core elements.

1. Esports Tournaments

DreamHack is known for large-scale esports competitions, which may include:

• Team-based shooters
• Battle royales
• Fighting games
• Strategy and MOBA titles
• Smaller community tournaments and BYOC (bring-your-own-computer) events

As an attendee in Atlanta, you can:

• Watch pro-level play on big stages with live casting
• Cheer for regional teams and players from Georgia and neighboring states
• Join smaller open tournaments if you meet registration requirements

Many Atlanta-based gaming communities and university esports clubs (from schools like Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, or Kennesaw State University) often organize meetups around DreamHack, even if not officially part of the event.

2. LAN Party and BYOC Areas

One of DreamHack’s signature features worldwide is the LAN party:

• BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer or Console) spaces allow attendees to reserve a seat, bring their setup, and play all weekend with stable, high-speed connections.
• These areas are often open extended hours, sometimes very late into the night.

Atlanta locals often coordinate with friends in advance—planning carpools, packing lists, and hardware—because getting a full setup downtown requires a bit more logistics than simply walking in with a controller.

If you’re traveling in from out of town:

• Consider whether you want to bring your own rig or join as a regular attendee and play at free-play stations instead.
• Check your hotel’s distance from the venue; carrying equipment through downtown or on MARTA is a factor to think through.

3. Expo Hall and Exhibitors

The expo floor is where you’ll find:

• Game publishers showcasing titles
• Hardware and accessory brands
• Indie developers
• Community groups, clubs, and local organizations
• Merch booths and gaming-related products

For Atlantans, this is a chance to:

• Discover local gaming communities, clubs, and events
• Connect with regional colleges that have esports or game design programs
• Explore job or networking opportunities in the city’s growing tech and creative scene

4. Tabletop, Card Games, and Casual Play

DreamHack Atlanta isn’t just about video games. You’ll often find:

• Tabletop RPGs
• Collectible card games
• Board game libraries and open-play tables

Local Atlanta tabletop shops and communities sometimes organize meetups here, making DreamHack a good opportunity to broaden your gaming circle if you live in the metro area.

5. Cosplay, Panels, and Community Events

Beyond games, DreamHack Atlanta usually includes:

• Cosplay competitions and showcases
• Q&A panels with players, creators, or industry guests
• Workshops on streaming, content creation, game development, or cosplay crafting

Atlanta has a strong cosplay and convention culture (helped by events like Dragon Con), so many local cosplayers treat DreamHack as another major stage to show their work, with a more gaming-focused audience.

Typical Schedule and How Long to Stay

DreamHack Atlanta is usually a multi-day event across a weekend, often:

• Friday – Sunday, sometimes with extended LAN hours

A simple way to think about attendance:

If you’re local to Atlanta, a single full day may feel packed enough. If you’re traveling in, spreading your time across multiple days usually gives you a more relaxed experience.

Tickets and Registration: Atlanta-Specific Considerations

DreamHack typically offers several ticket types:

• Single-day passes
• Full weekend passes
• BYOC/LAN passes (usually more limited and reserved in advance)

Atlanta residents often:

• Decide late and pick up day passes if they only plan to visit for a single day.
• Coordinate with friends to ensure they’re all attending on the same days to share rides or MARTA trips.

If you’re coming from outside the metro area:

• Book early for hotels near downtown or along MARTA rail lines.
• Factor parking and local transportation into your budget—Atlanta’s downtown parking can add up over a full weekend.

Always review:

• Badge pickup instructions
• Any ID requirements
• Rules for minors and chaperones

These can affect how local families or high school and college students plan their visit.

Food, Rest, and Amenities Around the Venue

One advantage of DreamHack being in downtown Atlanta is access to many food options.

Inside the Venue

You can usually expect:

• Concession stands and food counters
• Basic options like burgers, pizza, snacks, and drinks

Prices at large convention centers are often higher than typical neighborhood spots, so many locals plan accordingly.

Nearby Food Options in Downtown Atlanta

Within walking distance of the major convention areas, you’ll often find:

• Fast-casual restaurants
• Coffee shops
• Hotel restaurants
• Quick-service spots suitable for a short break between matches or panels

Locals sometimes:

• Eat before heading to the event
• Plan a midday break outside the venue for a broader range of food and potentially lower costs

If you’re using MARTA, you might hop one stop away or walk a few blocks to find quieter spots, particularly during peak lunchtime between matches.

Where to Stay for DreamHack Atlanta

If you’re local to the Atlanta area, you may simply commute from home. Still, some metro residents choose to book a hotel to avoid late-night drives after tournaments or LAN sessions.

Common lodging strategies include:

• Staying in a downtown hotel for walking access to the venue
• Booking along the MARTA rail line (e.g., Midtown, Buckhead, or near stations like Peachtree Center) to balance cost and convenience
• For those driving in from suburbs such as Marietta, Alpharetta, or Stone Mountain, planning for traffic and parking, especially if arriving during rush hour

When choosing a place to stay, consider:

• How late you plan to stay at the festival
• Whether you’ll be carrying equipment
• Your comfort level with late-night public transit or rideshare in downtown Atlanta

Staying Safe and Comfortable at a Large Atlanta Event

DreamHack Atlanta is generally structured like other large conventions in the city, with security and staff in place. As with any big event in a major downtown area, some practical steps can help:

• Plan your route to and from the venue in advance.
• If staying until late, coordinate with friends for group travel or rideshares.
• Keep valuables (like laptops and consoles in BYOC areas) secure and labeled.
• Bring comfortable shoes—you’ll walk a lot.
• Stay hydrated; even indoor events can be tiring when you’re on your feet all day.

Atlanta’s downtown area can be busy with multiple events happening at once (sports games, concerts, other conventions), so building in extra time to get around is wise.

DreamHack Atlanta vs. Other Atlanta Conventions

Atlanta has a strong convention calendar, including events focused on comics, sci-fi/fantasy, and pop culture. DreamHack stands out because:

• It is centered squarely on gaming and esports.
• It offers a large LAN/BYOC experience, which is less common at other Atlanta conventions.
• It brings in esports teams, organizations, and talent that might not attend more general pop-culture events.

If you already attend events like MomoCon or Dragon Con, DreamHack Atlanta may feel:

• More focused on competitive gaming, PC setups, and esports stages
• Less spread across general fandoms, and more concentrated on interactive play and tournaments

Tips for Atlanta Locals Attending DreamHack

If you live in or near Atlanta, a few local-specific strategies can help you get more from DreamHack:

• Use MARTA when possible to avoid parking headaches.
• If driving, aim to arrive early, especially on Saturday.
• Check the event schedule in advance and mark your must-see matches or panels—big finals can fill up quickly.
• Coordinate with local friends or Atlanta-based gaming communities to attend together.
• If you’re considering BYOC, make a packing checklist (PC, monitor, cables, backup power strip, headset, etc.) and plan how you’ll transport it safely.

Tips for Visitors Coming to Atlanta for DreamHack

If DreamHack Atlanta is your reason for visiting the city:

• Look for hotels within walking distance of the venue or along the MARTA rail line.
• Plan some extra time to explore nearby attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, College Football Hall of Fame, or the Georgia Aquarium if your schedule allows.
• Get familiar with MARTA maps and typical downtown travel times—this will help you navigate during peak event hours.
• Remember that Atlanta weather can vary; bring layers in case you’re walking between air-conditioned venues and warm outdoor streets.

How DreamHack Fits Into Atlanta’s Gaming and Tech Scene

Atlanta has a steadily growing tech, esports, and digital media ecosystem. DreamHack Atlanta often serves as a focal point for:

• Local game developers and studios to showcase work
• Regional esports organizations to build visibility
• Students and aspiring professionals to network with people in the gaming and streaming world

If you’re interested in pursuing gaming more seriously—whether as a player, developer, content creator, or event organizer—DreamHack is one of the easier ways, once a year, to immerse yourself in that environment without leaving the city.

By understanding how DreamHack Atlanta operates in the context of downtown Atlanta—its venues, transit options, lodging, and surrounding amenities—you can plan a visit that fits your interests and budget, whether you’re a local gamer dropping in for a day or a visitor coming for the full festival weekend.