Days of the Dead Atlanta: Your Guide to the Horror Convention in the ATL

If you love horror movies, special effects makeup, and all things creepy, Days of the Dead Atlanta is one of the city’s biggest and most consistent horror conventions. Whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re planning a visit, this guide will walk you through what it is, what to expect, and how to make the most of the convention while you’re here.

What Is Days of the Dead Atlanta?

Days of the Dead is a traveling horror convention that stops in several cities each year, and Atlanta is one of its flagship locations. It typically runs over a weekend (Friday–Sunday) and brings together:

• Horror film and TV celebrities
• Independent filmmakers and artists
• Cosplayers and special effects makeup fans
• Vendors selling horror-themed merchandise

Locals know it as a fan-centered, interactive convention, with a strong emphasis on horror, cult cinema, and dark pop culture.

The event has often been held at Atlanta-area hotels or convention spaces that can support large crowds, vendor halls, and panel rooms. Locations can change from year to year, so it’s best to check the current year’s venue and dates in advance.

When and Where It Usually Happens in Atlanta

The dates and host hotel can vary each year, but a few patterns tend to apply:

• Usually held once a year in the Atlanta area
• Typically scheduled over a full weekend (3 days)
• Hosted at a large hotel or convention center in or near Atlanta, often close to major highways or the airport for easy access

Because venue details and dates are time-sensitive, Atlanta attendees typically:

• Check the official Days of the Dead website for the current Atlanta dates and host hotel
• Follow the event’s official social media accounts for last-minute schedule changes or guest updates

If you’re visiting from outside the city, booking at the host hotel or another nearby hotel along I-75/I-85 or near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport can make it easier to get to the convention each day.

What to Expect at Days of the Dead Atlanta

Days of the Dead is more than just an autograph line. In Atlanta, you can usually expect:

Celebrity Guests and Autographs

The convention often features actors, directors, and creators from:

• Classic horror films
• Modern horror franchises
• Cult sci-fi and fantasy
• Genre TV shows and streaming series

You can typically:

• Buy autographs and photo ops at the guests’ tables or through pre-scheduled photo sessions
• Attend Q&A panels where guests talk about their careers, behind-the-scenes stories, and the horror industry

💡 Tip for Atlanta locals and visitors: Autograph and photo fees are usually not included in the general admission price. Bring extra cash or a card specifically for guest experiences.

Vendors and Artist Alley

The vendor hall at Days of the Dead Atlanta is a major draw. You’ll usually find:

• Horror movie posters, DVDs, Blu-rays, and collectibles
• Original art, prints, and handmade horror crafts
• Masks, props, and cosplay accessories
• T-shirts, pins, patches, and other fan merch
• Rare and out-of-print items for serious collectors

Many Atlanta-based and regional artists use this convention to showcase their work, so it’s a good place to discover local talent and support Georgia’s film and art scene.

Panels, Screenings, and Workshops

Programming often includes:

• Panel discussions with actors, directors, and writers
• Film screenings for indie horror films and short films
• Workshops on makeup, special effects, and filmmaking
• Live podcasts, fan discussions, and themed events

Atlanta’s strong connection to the entertainment industry means you may see local filmmakers and crews sharing what it’s like to work on horror projects in Georgia.

Days of the Dead Atlanta vs. Other Atlanta Conventions

Atlanta has a crowded convention calendar, including events like Dragon Con, MomoCon, and Atlanta Comic Con. Days of the Dead stands out in a few ways:

• Focused on horror: While other cons cover a broad range of fandoms, Days of the Dead is specifically horror and dark genre-oriented.
• More intimate scale: It tends to be smaller and more personal than mega-conventions. Fans often appreciate shorter lines and more one-on-one time with guests.
• Late-night vibe: Many attendees describe it as having a laid-back, sometimes party-like atmosphere, especially at the host hotel in the evenings.

For Atlanta residents who like horror but don’t enjoy the huge crowds of some downtown conventions, Days of the Dead can feel more manageable and relaxed.

Tickets, Passes, and What They Usually Include

Ticket structures may change, but typical options for Days of the Dead Atlanta include:

• Single-day passes (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday)
• Weekend passes covering all three days
• VIP or premium passes with added perks (such as early entry, preferred seating for certain events, or exclusive items)

What tickets usually cover:

• Entry to the vendor hall
• Access to most panels, screenings, and general programming
• The ability to line up for guest tables, though autographs/photos generally cost extra

What tickets usually do NOT include:

• Autographs and professional photo ops
• Certain exclusive events or experiences if designated as add-ons

💡 Atlanta-specific tip: If you’re commuting from around the metro area (Gwinnett, Cobb, Clayton, DeKalb, etc.), consider a weekend pass even if you can’t stay all day. It gives flexibility if MARTA schedules, traffic, or weather affect your plans.

Getting There: Transportation Options in Atlanta

Because the location rotates, transit options will depend on the year’s venue. Still, a few general Atlanta transportation strategies help:

Driving and Parking

• Most host hotels are near major interstates like I-75, I-85, I-285, or GA-400.
• Expect paid parking at hotels and convention venues. Rates can vary widely.
• If you’re coming from the suburbs (Marietta, Alpharetta, McDonough, etc.), plan for rush-hour traffic, especially on Friday.

Keep an eye on Atlanta event calendars and sports schedules. If the convention shares a weekend with a big game or concert, traffic and parking congestion can increase.

MARTA (Public Transit)

If the venue is near a MARTA rail station or bus line, using transit can be easier than driving, especially if you’re staying downtown, Midtown, or near the airport.

Key MARTA points that might be helpful depending on the venue:

• Airport Station (Red/Gold Line) – direct connection to Hartsfield–Jackson
• Peachtree Center, Five Points, Civic Center stations – convenient for downtown hotels
• North Springs or Dunwoody stations – good if the venue is on the north side and you’re staying in that corridor

You can get MARTA assistance or route information at:

• MARTA Headquarters
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer service lines and station agents can help you map out routes if the convention venue is close to transit.

Where to Stay for Days of the Dead Atlanta

The host hotel is usually the most convenient option because:

• Convention activities often run late into the evening.
• Many after-hours gatherings, parties, and casual meetups happen in the hotel lobby and bars.
• You can easily go up to your room to rest, change costumes, or drop off purchases.

If the host hotel is fully booked or out of your price range, consider:

• Nearby chain hotels within short driving distance
• Options near MARTA rail stations for easy transit access
• Hotels around Hartsfield–Jackson, Downtown Atlanta, or Perimeter Center, depending on where the convention lands that year

Booking early is usually wise, especially if Days of the Dead overlaps with another Atlanta conference or major event.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Atlanta’s mix of crowded indoor spaces and variable weather means preparation helps. Fans commonly bring:

• Cash and cards: Some vendors prefer cash; others take cards or mobile payments.
• A backpack or tote: To carry merch, posters, and water.
• Poster tubes or protective sleeves: If you plan to purchase art or signed photos.
• Comfortable shoes: You’ll likely be standing in lines or walking through vendor halls for hours.
• Light layers: Hotel ballrooms can be cool from air conditioning, even when it’s hot outside.

If you’re local and driving in from the suburbs, keep an extra change of clothes and a phone charger in the car. Atlanta traffic and long convention days can be unpredictable.

Cosplay at Days of the Dead Atlanta

Cosplay is a major part of the experience. You’ll see:

• Classic horror icons (Freddy, Jason, Michael Myers, etc.)
• Modern characters from streaming series and recent films
• Original monsters and creative horror mashups

Cosplayers in Atlanta typically follow these approaches:

• Respect the venue’s prop and costume rules. Hotel and convention staff may restrict realistic prop weapons or bulky costumes.
• Plan for heat and humidity. Even in cooler months, Atlanta can be warm. If your costume is heavy or layered, schedule breaks.
• Be respectful of others. Always ask before taking photos and be mindful of crowding in narrow hotel hallways.

Many attendees describe Days of the Dead as cosplay-friendly and welcoming, making it a good entry point if it’s your first time dressing up at a convention.

Food and Nearby Amenities

Food options will depend on the host hotel and surrounding neighborhood, but typical Atlanta experiences include:

• Hotel restaurants and bars: Convenient, but often pricier.
• Nearby fast-casual spots: Many convention-area hotels sit near clusters of chain restaurants and quick-service options.
• Delivery services: Attendees often use food delivery to the hotel lobby for more variety.

If the convention is held near key areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near the airport, you’ll have access to a wide range of dining options, from local Atlanta favorites to national chains.

💡 Tip: Lines for hotel restaurants and nearby spots can be long around peak meal times. Plan to eat a bit earlier or later to avoid missing panels or photo ops.

Family-Friendly Considerations

Days of the Dead is centered around horror, which can be intense for young children. Parents in Atlanta typically consider:

• Content levels: Some imagery, costumes, and merchandise can be graphic or disturbing.
• Evening activities: Late-night events may feature more adult themes.
• Noise and crowds: The vendor hall and screenings can be loud and busy.

If you’re bringing kids or teens:

• Aim for daytime visits, which often feel a bit calmer.
• Use your judgment about which areas—especially certain vendor sections or adult-themed panels—are appropriate.

Connecting With the Atlanta Horror Community

Days of the Dead Atlanta also serves as a hub for people involved in or interested in the Georgia horror and film scene. You may encounter:

• Local filmmakers promoting new projects shot in and around Atlanta
• Makeup artists and special effects professionals who work on Georgia-based productions
• Local fan groups that host horror movie nights, meetups, and charity events

If you’re an Atlanta resident looking to get more involved, you can:

• Chat with vendors and artists about local events and screenings
• Follow independent film groups or production teams based in the city
• Ask about casting calls, background extra work, or volunteer opportunities at future events

Atlanta’s growing role as a film and TV production hub makes Days of the Dead a good place to learn how horror content is being created locally.

Quick Reference: Planning Your Days of the Dead Atlanta Visit

If you’re in Atlanta or planning a trip here and you love horror, Days of the Dead Atlanta is one of the city’s most dedicated genre conventions. With the right planning—tickets, transportation, lodging, and a flexible schedule—you can turn it into a full weekend of meeting creators, discovering new films, and connecting with other horror fans throughout the metro area.