All the dates, locations, times, tickets, prices, celebrities and who will be where at the top fantasy conventions in October 2023
Live Terry Pratchett’s Discworld universe in Ireland, see the Hugo Awards in China and explore the World Fantasy Convention in Kansas City. Cosplay and game all day. Collect, trade and get the scoop on new and upcoming fantasy – from the US and UK all the way to China for Worldcon and the Hugo Awards – at these awesome fantasy conventions in October 2023.
Awesome Fantasy Conventions in October 2023 (Near You)
Brevard Library Con
Florida US, 1 October 2023
Get ready for the ultimate pop culture extravaganza at Brevard Library Con! This free, family-friendly event is a celebration of all things geek, from comics and anime to science and art. Immerse yourself in the world of fandoms, pop culture, and cosplay. Engage with STEM and STEAM activities, witness exciting demonstrations, and embrace feats of pure nerdiness. Explore a variety of vendors and enjoy the delectable offerings from food trucks at Brevard Library Con.
Watch: The Brevard Library Con Experience
Dates 1 October 2023 Location Viera Regional Community Center, Melbourne, Florida, US Price Free | Info
ValleyCon
Fargo US, 13–15 October 2023
From sci-fi and fantasy to comics, anime, horror, gaming, film, and TV, ValleyCon has it all. Get up close with celebrity guests like Adrian Paul, Billy West, and Adrian Lee, known for Highlander and Futurama. Immerse yourself in the Sword Experience, engage in enlightening genre-based panels and workshops, and witness the excitement of the Fargo Fantastic Film Festival. Dive into gaming, showcase your best cosplay in costume contests, and revel in the thrill of ValleyCon.
Watch: The ValleyCon Fargo Experience
Dates 13–15 October 2023 Location Holiday Inn Fargo, North Dakota, US Prices $14–$66 | Get tickets
VisionCon
Springfield US, 13–15 October 2023
Meet Austin Tindle, the voice behind Tokyo Ghoul‘s Ken Kaneki, and Julian Richings, the iconic Death from Supernatural. Join the excitement with Bekka Prewitt from Nashville. Dive into workshops and panels exploring your favourite franchises like Attack on Titan, The Middle, and Resident Evil VIII. Immerse yourself in movies and games, and connect with fellow enthusiasts at VisionCon.
Watch: Some Cool VisionCon Cosplay
Dates 13–15 October 2023 Location Springfield Expo Center, Missouri Expo, US
Prices $35–$60 | Get tickets
WynterCon
Eastbourne UK, 14–15 October 2023
Get ready for the ultimate celebration as Wyntercon X marks a decade of sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and cosplay extravaganza! Return to the roots at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Quarter, where it all began in 2014. Embrace the magic with Ghostbusters and Star Wars enthusiasts. From life-sized exhibits to RPG games, experience an unforgettable weekend at WynterCon 2023.
Watch: The WynterCon Experience
Dates 14–15 October 2023 Location Winter Garden, 14 Compton St, Eastbourne, UK Prices £19.15 (kids FREE) | Get tickets
Worldcon
Chengdu China, 18–22 October 2023
OK, so it’s more sci-fi than fantasy, but this is where the Hugos are, so… The 81st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) goes to China this year. Since 1939, this annual event has united authors, artists, fans, and creators from all corners of the speculative realm. And this year, you get to meet Cixin Liu of The Three-Body Problem, along with a host of other celebrities, with loads of awesome sci-fi and fantasy music, shows, games, cosplay and so much more. From the enchanting worlds of books to the dazzling dimensions of film, TV, and art, Worldcon celebrates it all. Immerse yourself in the heart of the convention and witness the pinnacle, the Hugo Awards at Chengdu Worldcon.
Watch: Countdown to Chengdu Worldcon
Dates 18–22 October 2023 Location Chengdu Century City New International Convention and Exhibition Center, Sichuan, China Prices $2–$70 | Info
Irish Discworld Convention
Cork Ireland, 20–23 October 2023
Gear up for the Irish Discworld Convention 2023, where the magic of Terry Pratchett’s universe comes to life. Meet notable attendees including Collin Smythe, Stephen Briggs, and Pat & Jan Harkin, who have left their mark on the Discworld legacy. Immerse yourself in creative workshops, from the captivating Lego Terry Brickheadz and Joe McLaren sessions to the lively Splatter Troll Lego Workshop. Elevate your experience with the glamorous Patrician’s Palace Correspondents Gala Dinner, featuring delectable cuisine and exciting news revelations at the Irish Discworld Convention.
Dates 20-23 October 2023 Location Cork International Hotel, Lehenagh More, Cork Airport Business Park, Ireland Prices €20–€75 | Get tickets
The Surrey Steampunk Convivial
Epsom UK, 5–6 August 2023
Fling your familiar with a g-string, have a teapot race, orange war, oh and play some pneumatic billiards. Yes, it’s time for another dose of British steampunk eccentricity, including live music, food, drinks, performances and steampunk pub games at the May edition of The Surrey Steampunk Convivial.
Watch: Umbrella Fencing at The Surrey Steampunk Convivial
Dates 21–22 October 2023 Location The Station, Epsom, UK
Prices £15–£20 | Get tickets
World Fantasy Convention
Kansas City US, 26–29 October 2023
Get ready for the World Fantasy Convention 2023, home of the World Fantasy Awards and a unique hybrid experience that blends a physical and virtual event. Join esteemed attendees like Editor Jonathan Strahan, Author Kij Johnson, and Artist Vincent Villafranca, all prominent figures in the realm of fantasy and horror. Dive into workshops and panels dedicated to the craft of writing, providing valuable insights into the professional world of these genres. This convention delves deep into the business and philosophy behind fantasy and horror, with a special focus on workshops and craft panels at World Fantasy Convention 2023.
Watch: Brandon Sanderson on Why Fantasy
Dates 26–29 October 2023 Location Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center, Missouri, US Prices $130–$260 | Register
MileHiCon
Denver US, 27–29 October 2023
The ultimate gathering for science fiction, fantasy and horror literary enthusiasts! From October 21 to 23, 2022, join over 100 authors, artists, and participants at the Marriott-Denver Tech Center for a weekend of literary and speculative excitement. Engage with acclaimed authors like Mary Robinette Kowal and Drew Hayes, revel in the largest SF/fantasy art show in Colorado, explore gaming, attend panel discussions, enjoy cosplay and the Masquerade, witness the Critter Crunch Robotic Competition, and so much more at MileHiCon.
Dates 27–29 October 2023 Location Denver Marriott Tech Center, Colorado, US Prices $15–$60 | Get tickets
Plus: Awesome New Sci-Fi Conventions & Movies
Meet Cixin Liu, Andy Serkis, Alyssa Milano, Paul Bettany and the iconic Death from Supernatural at these awesome sci-fi conventions in October and unmissable fantasy movies in October.
And: Cool Fantasy LARPs
Fractured, Lands of Exile, Garden of Destinies, Laire, loads of Alliance LARPs and two unique sci-fi LARPs in the UK. These are the ultra-unique LARPs in October.
And: Awesome Communities and Book Clubs
From Pennsylvania to Michigan, Virginia to DC, Lymington and Winchester in the UK, New Mexico to North Carolina in the US. These are a few of the best sci-fi book clubs in October.
Note: I try my best to get every bit of info I can about sci-fi conventions in October. And I’ll keep updating this page all the time. If you know of a book, author, show, channel or event that should be on this list, let me know at elvorne@scifixfantasy.com and I’ll make it happen.
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There’s a bit to explore already, and more coming soon. Enjoy!
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