Awesome Con, Washington, D.C.’s Comic Con, returns with three days of programming complete with panels, workshops, meetups and celebrity appearances. The events will take place Friday, August 20 through Sunday, August 22. This year’s programming will kick off at Walter E. Washington Convention Center with activations across a sprawling footprint that includes LGBTQ-focused Pride Alley, a Science Fair for all ages, Awesome Con Jr.’s kid’s programs, Cosplay, Gaming, and more. Attendees can start planning their Awesome Con experience and view the full schedule of programs online at www.awesome-con.com/programming.
Celebrity Guests
Headlining this year’s Awesome Con are the stars of Back to the Future celebrating the legendary film’s 35th anniversary. The dynamic Doc and Marty: Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd will take on the Main Stage Q&A on Sunday to chat about the iconic American science fiction film. Throughout the three-day show, dedicated programming will fill the show floor with exclusive Back to the Future cosplay meetups, a “What if Back to the Future IV? Happened” panel, and an in-person showcase of the DeLorean time machine.
Awesome Con is also excited to welcome William Shatner and George Takei of Star Trek. Lord of the Rings fans, should get ready to head into the Shire with star hobbits Sean Astin and Billy Boyd. Other celebrities set to appear include: Christina Ricci, Jonathan Heder, Adam Savage and the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
Destination Cosplay, Awesome Con Jr. and Pride Alley
For the first-time ever, Awesome Con will unveil its newest programming track, Destination Cosplay, a forum designed to unite the cosplayer fan community. Beyond the show floor, fans can find cosplay changing areas, register for the revamped Cosplay Competition hosted by Mikal Mosley, and join a variety of cosplay meetups from Pokémon to Power Rangers, Marvel to Harry Potter, and more. First-time nerds and con-goers can also visit The Lounge presented by Plus Ultra Entertainment, an inclusive meetup highlighting the BIPOC cosplayer experience.
The family-friendly pavilion Awesome Con Jr. returns with even more events planned to educate and entertain kids of all ages. Also back this year is Pride Alley presented in partnership with Flame Con, Geeks OUT and Metro Weekly, and will shine a spotlight on LGBTQ creators and fans in a robust section of Artist Alley presenting special programs addressing diversity in pop culture.
Book Fair, Science Fair, and More
Powered by D.C.-based Solid State Books, the inaugural Book Fair will offer book signings, access to writers and publishers; see full programming online. The annual Awesome Con Short Film Festival will return with a new award. The “Best One-Shot” will celebrate favorite cinematic devices, the “Long Take” or the “Oner” by presenting selections in a new festival category. From science and tech geeks to bookworms, Awesome Con will have a little bit of everything at the Science Fair. A special area of the show floor will feature activations in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation.
Tickets can be purchased here. The: www.awesomecon.com will be regularly updated with new guests, exhibitors, and special programming.
Photos courtesy of Leftfield Media
