Dragon Con 2023 is just around the corner! It’s con crunch time, as we finish (or try to, anyway) those cosplays and wait for the schedule to be loaded into the app. While we wait for the app – coming ANY DAY NOW – here is a preview of the Tolkien-y goodness in store in Atlanta, Georgia, August 31 – September 3, 2023.
The schedule given here is, of course, subject to change. If you’re attending Dragon Con, be sure to keep your app up-to-date and check the Daily Dragon for those last-minute changes.
The BIG news is that we will be joined by three very special guests this year: Elijah Wood, Sean, Astin, and Andy Serkis will be at Dragon Con, with panels, photo ops, and autographs! With the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, we won’t be able to ask any questions about their Hobbit/LOTR film experiences directly, but it’s an opportunity to ask different questions. Panels are currently scheduled as follows:
- Sean Astin and Elijah Wood on Stage: Saturday, September 2, 5:30-6:30 PM.
- Elijah Wood and Andy Serkis on Stage: Sunday, September 3, 1:00-2:00 PM.
Photo ops are available for purchase through Epic Photo Ops, and the actors may be found in the Walk of Fame for autographs, depending on their schedules.
As always, the Tolkien fans of Dragon Con have lots of great things planned. Here is the day-by-day breakdown of the Tolkien fun, part of the High Fantasy Track offerings.
Friday
- “The Wit and Wisdom of Sam Gamgee”, because “Everyone needs a friend like Sam”. 10:00-11:00 AM, led by top-tier Tolkien fan, TheOneRing.net staffer, and long-time Dragon Con Volunteer, Jim wert.
- “Sing With the Elf Choir”, rehearsal of High Fantasy-inspired music, performed later at An Evening in Bree. 5:30-6:30 PM, led by High Fantasy chief bard, Kathleen Dallin.
- “Bombadil Is in the House!”, a conversation about the Man in the Yellow Boots. 5:30-6:30 PM, moderated by Jim Wert.
- “An Evening in Bree”, with music, costume contest, and general fun. 8:30 PM – Midnight, emceed by the incomparable Kirsten Cairns, TheOneRing.net’s greendragon.
Saturday
- Dragon Con Parade. 10:00-11:30 (ish) AM. Tolkien cosplayers will appear, as always!
- “The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King” — 20th Year Retrospective. Yikes, 20 years. 1:00-2:00 PM. TheOneRing.net panelists, moderated by Kirsten Cairns, will take a look back at the Academy Award-winning closing chapter in the LOTR film trilogy.
- “Rings of Power: Season One Review & Recap”. Looking back at Season 1 with maybe a dash of speculation about what we may see in Season 2, moderated by Kirsten Cairns. 4:00-5:00 PM.
- Sean Astin and Elijah Wood on Stage, 5:30-6:30 PM.
- “The Tolkien Renaissance”, explores the continuing/surging interest in Tolkien. 10:00-11:00 PM, moderated by Kirsten Cairns.
Sunday
- “Hobbits, Harfoots, and More!” explores the origins, characteristics, and significance of the Little People of Middle-earth. 10:00-11:00 AM, moderated by con favorite Tolkien scholar, Constance Wagner.
- Elijah Wood and Andy Serkis on Stage, 1:00-2:00 PM.
- “Hobbit Drinking Songs!” The Brobdingnagian Bards are back with their annual song fest (and maybe even some CDs!). 5:30-6:30 PM.
- “What News from the Mark: Rohan Ushers in the Age of Men”, looks at why we love Rohan so much. 7:00-8:00 PM, moderated by Constance Wagner and joined by Jim Wert and yours truly.
- “Dance Magic Dance! High Fantasy Takes on the 80s”, a return of the Dancing Mashup, with DJ Rebecca Perry, Deej of TheOneRingnet. 10:00 PM-whenever the clock strikes 13 or the Last Ship sails.
*Whew!* That is a BUSY con for Tolkien fans! I hope to see you at Dragon Con in Atlanta! Now I have to get back to finishing those cosplays.
