CL’s Dragon*Con events guide

We sifted through the calendar to help you navigate the massive four-day fest

Spread out over four hotels with more than 35 different areas of interest and hundreds of scheduled events and activities, it’s nearly impossible to navigate Dragon*Con, Atlanta’s four-day sci-fi and fantasy convention, without some help.

That’s where we come in. We culled through the four-day schedule and found the best events Dragon*Con has to offer. So no matter if you’re a noob or just clueless about what to do, here’s your list of can’t-miss Con.

FRIDAY
Trek Trak presents Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner
Trekkers will have to be at their Starfleet best when they come face to face with Captain James T. Kirk, aka William Shatner, and his Vulcan BFF Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) in the flesh. 10 a.m. Atrium Ballroom, Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave.

Book Swap for Early Birds
Got a stash of interstellar adventures or been looking for a tome or two on wizardry to complete your collection? Check out the annual book swap that kicks off Friday afternoon. 2:30 p.m. Greenbriar Room, Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree St.

“Squidbillies” Panel
Want to know what makes Early Cuyler tick, or why Sheriff Todd has such a soft spot for the calamari brood? Get your answers about Adult Swim’s animated redneck serial and more from the show’s creators and voice actors. Signing session follows. 4 p.m. Centennial I Ballroom, Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree St.

Wrestling
Pro wrestling is back at the Con! Come see the mayhem when the Iron Sheik, Demolition, Scott Levy and others get in the ring and bring the pain for your viewing pleasure. 7 p.m. Centennial Ballrooms, Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree St.

Buffy Horror Picture Show
Rumors about this must-see show rippled through last year’s Con. Fans mock and jeer RHPS-style to the classic Buffy “Once More with Feeling” episode. 8:30 p.m. Grand Ballroom, Sheraton Atlanta, 165 Courtland St.

Keela and Katkith Klingon Karaoke
No matter what galaxy you hail from, everybody knows a Barry Manilow song. Put down your bat’leth and grab the mic for this otherworldly spin on karaoke. 10 p.m. Savannah Ballrooms 1-3, Sheraton Atlanta, 165 Courtland St.

SATURDAY
D*Con Parade
Get in your gear and join in as thousands of costumed convention-goers take part in the eighth annual Dragon*Con Parade. The procession starts at Woodruff Park and marches down Peachtree Street. This year’s Grand Marshals include “Battlestar Galactica’s” Richard Hatch, American fantasy novelist Janny Wurts, and original “Dukes of Hazzard” stars Catherine Bach and John Schneider. 10 a.m. Peachtree Street and Auburn Avenue.

TrekTrak Show: Patrick Stewart
Whether you know him as Captain Jean-Luc Picard from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” series, Professor Charles Xavier from the X-Men movies or CIA Chief Avery Bullock from Fox’s “American Dad,” hitting up a candid discussion with the versatile actor is a must. 1 p.m. Atrium Ballroom, Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave.

“Venture Brothers” Panel
Go Team Venture! Get all your questions answered about the wildly popular Adult Swim animated series from co-creators Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer. Signing session follows. 1 p.m. Regency Ballroom V, Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree St.

Star Wars Costume Contest
If tricked out storm troopers and scantily clad girls from Naboo get your force moving, you don’t want to miss the annual Star Wars Costume Contest, probably one of the Con’s best costume events. 2 p.m. Regency Ballrooms VI-VII, Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree St.

Monty Python at 40
“We interrupt this program to annoy you and make things generally irritating.” See what happens in a Q&A with Terry Gilliam and Neil Innes, members of the infamous comedy troupe and creators of the cult classic, Monty Python’s Flying Circus. 4 p.m. Valdosta Ballroom, Sheraton Atlanta, 165 Courtland St.

Atlanta Radio Theatre Company Presents
A Dragon*Con classic — sit back and enjoy the talented group of actors revive the almost forgotten art of radio serials. Tonight’s features: Our Fair City, Omnilingual, Rory Hammer, Space Marshal: Enemies Within! 7:30 p.m. Atrium Ballroom, Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave.

Dawn 12th Anniversary Look-Alike Contest
Joseph Michael Linsner’s iconic character Dawn is interpreted for better or worse in this popular annual costume contest. Winner receives $1,000 cash and other exclusive Dawn-related prizes. 8:30 p.m. Centennial Ballrooms I-III, Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree St.

SUNDAY
2009 Miss Klingon Empire Beauty Pageant
This annual event is recognized by America Online as one of the top 11 offbeat beauty pageants in America. Watch the spectacle as self-proclaimed Klingon femme fatales take the stage to win the coveted 2009 crown. 4 p.m. Grand Ballrooms A-F, Sheraton Atlanta, 165 Courtland St.

BSG — Galactica Decommissioned at Last
Cast members from the Emmy-nominated series “Battlestar Galactica” discuss the show and answer questions for loyal fans. Panel includes Richard Hatch, Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Kate Vernon, Kandyse McClure, Michael Trucco and Luciana Carro. 5:30 p.m. Atrium Ballroom, Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave.

“Thriller” World Record Attempt
After Michael Jackson’s death, groups around the world tried to break the record for the largest group “Thriller” dance. Atlanta finally gets its chance, complete with Guinness officials. 7 p.m. Grand Ballrooms A-C, Sheraton Atlanta, 165 Courtland St.

MONDAY
Robot Battles Competition
Amateur engineers pit their homemade robots against one another in a no-holds-barred cage match. This is a last ‘bot standing smash fest you can’t miss. 11:30 a.m. Regency Ballrooms VI-VII, Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree St.

Film Festival: 2009 Awards Ceremony
Submissions from several categories get their due and prizes at the annual film festival awards program. Awards: 1 p.m. Screenings: 2:30 p.m. Regency V Ballroom, Hyatt Regency, 265 Peachtree St.