The 41st Annual CoastCon Science Fiction/Fantasy Convention is just around the corner.
The three-day fete, scheduled for March 16-18 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, celebrates science fiction, fantasy and related literary, artistic and media genres, as well as fans of those genres.
The roster of events and offerings includes panels and programs on writing and publishing, gaming (role-playing, miniatures, electronic, and live action), art, film and animation, costuming, music, and the future of technology and space exploration.
The convention kicks off Friday at noon with the opening of the Dealer’s and Exhibits area, where participants can view books, jewelry, and costumes. Opening Friday afternoon will be the gaming areas with tournaments for miniatures, war gaming, tactical battles, role-playing and card games as well as the Artist Alley.
During the weekend, there will be dozens of author panels, readings of genres works, discussions of science and technology, as well as programs devoted to genre art, comic books, anime and manga. Librarians from Gulf Coast will be hosting various panels during the weekend.
The USS Neptune from Biloxi will host the multi-player interactive space ship simulation game, Artemis.
Contests and other participatory activities will include costume/cosplay contests, writing contests, gaming, LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) and more. Several musical concerts and social gatherings also are scheduled for people of all ages.
Auctions and programs to highlight some local causes will also be on hand benefiting CoastCon’s 2018 charity, the Mississippi Centers for Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities, an organization that has been serving the Coast since 2005.
There will also be exhibits/displays from the New Orleans’ many Steampunk organizations, Star Trek and Star Wars Fan clubs as well as the regional Doctor Who super-club, Krewe du Who.
During the convention, visitors can check out the Art Show, featuring Sci-Fi and Fantasy art from regional and national artists, and participate in CoastCon’s Art Auction. CoastCon’s Game area features the largest game lending library in the Deep South with thousands of games, many games designated as “Play to Win” games- brought to the convention by Gulf Coast Gaming Events, LLC. All these activities, exhibits, games and events run through late Sunday afternoon, so there is plenty to do all weekend long.
The full weekend cost is $50 at the door. Active-duty military personnel with valid ID will receive a $5 discount. Child rates and one-day rates are available.
For more information, email publicity@coastcon.org, go to coastcon.org, visit us on Facebook or contact Pauiline Grigsby at 228-365-9035.
