Science Fiction Conventions
Science fiction conventions (a generic term used for science fiction/fantasy/horror conventions) range from intimate 100-person (or fewer!) get-togethers to huge, expensive productions such as WorldCon and Dragon*Con, which attract thousands of members. There is something for everyone, and there are many, many conventions all over the world. Examples of some events you might find at a typical science fiction convention include: panel discussions, dealer room (a.k.a. vendors), art show, art auction, charity auction, costuming competition (a.k.a. masquerade), con suite (a.k.a. hospitality suite), & gaming.
Below is a list of many local (DC-area) conventions and other conventions that may be of interest to GLBT folk (e.g. Gaylaxicons), as well as Worldcons *, NASFiCs **, & World Fantasy Conventions. If you know of a DC-area convention, or another convention you think would be of interest to Lambda Sci-Fi and friends, or if you find any errors on this page, please contact us. The conventions are listed in date order.
* Worldcon is the World Science Fiction Convention
** NASCFiC is the North American Science Fiction Convention, held whenever Worldcon is held outide North America
2010 Conventions
- Baltimore Comic-Con:
August 28-29, 2010. Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD.
- Aussiecon 4 (Worldcon, the World Science Fiction Convention):
September 2-6, 2010. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Guests of Honor: Kim Stanley Robinson (Author), Shaun Tan (Artist), Robin Johnson (Fan).
Bringing together people, both professionals and fans, from all over the world who have an interest in science fiction and fantasy; the emphasis is on the literary side, but all other forms (media, comics, etc.) are included.
- SPX Expo (Small Press Expo):
September 11-12, 2010. Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Bethesda, MD.
SPX brings together over 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers, distributors, and each other.
- CapClave:
October 22-24, 2010. Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Executive Meeting Center, Rockville, MD.
Guest of Honor: Connie Willis, Ann VanderMeer, Jeff VanderMeer.
Where reading is not extinct! Small, relaxed literary convention usually focusing on short fiction.
- World Fantasy Convention:
October 28-31, 2010. Hyatt Regency, Columbus, OH.
Guests of Honor: Dennis McKiernan, Esther Friesner, David Hartwell, Darrell K. Sweet.
Annual gathering (almost a reunion) of professionals, collectors, and others interested in the field of Light and Dark Fantasy art and literature.
- Euro Quest:
November 4-7, 2010. Hilton Pikesville, Pikesville, MD.
A unique blend of tournaments and open gaming.
- OutLantaCon Gaming Day:
November 6, 2010. Holiday Inn Select Atlanta-Perimeter.
A full day of gaming & events including a game swap, gaming demos, gaming tournaments, "Family" Feud, Sci-Fi Team Trivia, & open gaming.
- Anime USA:
November 12-14, 2010. Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Arglinton, VA.
Guests: Various voice actors, bands, DJs, artists, etc.
Focuses on anime, manga, etc.
- Darkover Grand Council Meeting:
November 26-28, 2010. Crowne Plaza Baltimore, Timonium, MD.
Guests of Honor: Elizabeth Bear (Author), Amanda-Lee Ronayne (Artist), Katherine Kurtz (Special Guest), Clam Chowder (Music).
This is a very GLBT-friendly convention!
2011 Conventions
- MAGFest:
January 13-16, 2011. Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, VA.
Video & computer gaming festival run by fans, for fans. Similar to an anime or SF con, but aims to be more of a laid-back video game party (including board, card, etc. games).
- Farpoint:
February 18-20, 2011. Crowne Plaza Baltimore North, Timonium, MD.
Confirmed Guests: Adam Baldwin (Chuck/Firefly), John Billingsley (True Blood/Enterprise/24), Bonita Friedericy (Chuck).
For fans of all genres of imaginative fiction - Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, SuperHeroes - in all the media formats in which they might appear - Cinematic Movies, Television, Direct to DVD, Books on Tape, Podcasts, Web Video - you name it, we want to celebrate it!
- Katsucon:
February 18-20, 2011. Gaylord National, National Harbor, MD (just outside of DC).
Guests: Various musical, cosplay, artist, voice actor, author, DJ, comic, web comic, & industry guests.
Focuses on anime, manga, etc.
- SynDCon:
March 4-6, 2011. Rockville Hilton Hotel & Executive Business Center.
The Washington, DC Area's Premiere Gaming Convention.
- RavenCon:
April 8-10, 2011. Holiday Inn Kroger Center, Richmond, VA.
Guests of Honor: John Ringo (Author), Kurt Miller (Artist).
Mystery-friendly general SF/F/H convention with a 24-hour gaming room.
- Costume-Con:
April 29 - May 2, 2011. Hilton Hasbrouck Heights/Meadowlands, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ.
Dedicated to the art and craft of costumes and costuming of all types.
- OutLantaCon/Gaylaxicon:
May 13-15, 2011. Holiday Inn Select Atlanta-Perimeter.
Outlantacon is an Atlanta-based geek event for GLBT/Other fans.
Gaylaxicon is the premiere GLBT general SF/F/H convention.
- Balticon:
May 27-30, 2011. Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn, Baltimore, MD.
Guests of Honor: Dr. Ben Bova (Author), Vincent Di Fate (Artist), Bill & Brenda Sutton (Music/Filk), Steve Geppi (Special Guest), Mark Owings (Fan Ghost); 2010 Compton Crook Award Winner: Paolo Bacigalupi; 2011 Compton Crook Award Winner: TBA.
The Maryland Regional Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention.
- Shore Leave:
July 8-10, 2011. Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn, Hunt Valley, MD.
Guests: TBA.
A fan-run science fiction convention that focuses on media.
- Otakon:
July 29-31, 2011. Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD.
Guests: TBA.
Celebrating anime, manga, and all facets of Asian pop culture!
- Renovation (Worldcon, the World Science Fiction Convention):
August 17-21, 2011. Reno, Nevada.
Guests of Honor: Ellen Asher (Editor), Tim Powers (Author), Charles N. Brown (Editor/Publisher; in memoriam), Boris Vallejo (Artist); Special Guests: Tricky Pixie (Music), Bill Willingham (Comics).
Bringing together people, both professionals and fans, from all over the world who have an interest in science fiction and fantasy; the emphasis is on the literary side, but all other forms (media, comics, etc.) are included.
- World Fantasy Convention:
October 27-30, 2011. Town & Country Resort & Convention Center, San Diego, CA.
Guests of Honor: Graeme Base, Neil Gaiman, Parke Godwin, Shawna McCarthy; Toastmaster: Connie Willis.
Annual gathering (almost a reunion) of professionals, collectors, and others interested in the field of Light and Dark Fantasy art and literature.
Future Conventions
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