Superheroes and villains from various universes will do battle in Queens this weekend.
Wintercon: New York Sci-Fi Expo will fill Resorts World New York City with characters from Star Trek, Star Wars, X Files, Doctor Who, Terminator, and maybe even Lethal Weapon on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3.
Now in its ninth year, Wintercon features actors, an artist alley, celebrities, cosplay, kid events, panel discussions, photo ops, Q&A sessions, and vendors. Plus, the atmosphere is always positive to the point of giddy.
This year’s celebrity guests include Claudia Black and Ben Browder (Farscape, Stargate: SG1), Celia Rose Gooding (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Sylvester McCoy (Doctor Who, The Hobbit), Xenia Seeberg (Lexx, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door), Daryl Mitchell (NCIS: New Orleans, Veronica’s Closet), and Missi Pyle (Galaxy Quest, Captain Fantastic).
Ticket prices run from $12 to $120, and the doors are open from 10:30 am to 8 pm on Saturday and from 10:30 am to 5 pm on Sunday.
Here’s the schedule.
Main stage on Dec. 2.
11 am, TBD.
Noon, Cosplay Cabaret Extravaganza.
Participants dress up and show off their singing, dancing, and artistic talents.
1 pm, Galaxy Quest: Never Surrender.
A Q&A session with Galaxy Quest stars.
2 pm, Celebrate a Trailblazer: The Legacy of Uhura.
A panel discussion about Nichelle Nichols and her Star Trek character, Lieutenant Uhura.
3 pm, Vi Neill: A Lifetime of Creating.
A conversation with three-time Oscar-winner Vi Neill, the artist behind the transformations in such films as Edward Scissorhands, Mrs. Doubtfire, Galaxy Quest, and The Hunger Games.
4 pm, Lexx: Yo Way Yo.
A dive deep into the mysteries of the Lexx movies and TV series.
5 pm, Celia Rose Gooding: From Broadway to the Stars.
Beam aboard the Starship Enterprise with the new Uhura, Celia Rose Gooding, who is making waves in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Hear about her experiences, the challenges of navigating the final frontier, and the thrill of joining Star Trek.
6 pm, Wintercon Cosplay Contest.
A universe of creativity, passion, and jaw-dropping costumes with Ve Neill and Gigi Edgely as judges.
Panel Room on Dec. 2
11 am, TBD.
Noon, The Real NY Ghostbusters.
Learn about a group of ghost-busting fans who do a lot of work in the community.
1 pm, Freelance Voice Acting!
Learn how to break into the voice acting business.
2 pm, Indie Films that Rock!
Create, write, and produce an indie film.
3 pm, Star Trek’s Impact: Why We Love It.
4 pm, How to be a Star Trek podcaster.
5 pm, Fears Mag Trailers.
Fears Executive Editor Joe Mauceri presents trailers and special clips from upcoming film releases, as well as trivia for swag.
Main Stage on Dec. 3
11 am, Empire Saber Guild Padawan Training Institute.
Those under age 13 will be handed a training lightsaber and taught ancient battle forms and techniques from a true Jedi Master.
Noon, Kids Cosplay Showcase.
Open to all children up to 12 years old.
1 pm, Farscape: Oh for Frellin’ Sake!
Ben Browder (John Crichton), Claudia Black (Aeryn Sun), and creator Rockne S. O’Bannon are guides through this Q&A adventure.
2 pm, Sylvester McCoy: Timeless Tales and Whovian Wonders Await! TARDIS Not Required!
A Q&A session with Sylvester McCoy, the Seventh Doctor, who shares adventures, insights, and anecdotes from his tenure on Doctor Who and beyond.
3 pm, Femi Taylor and Spencer Wilding: Journey to a Galaxy Far, Far Away.
Step into the Star Wars universe with Femi Taylor, the Twi’lek dancer from Jabba’s palace, and Spencer Wilding, the imposing presence behind characters like Darth Vader and various creatures from Rogue One.
4 pm, Rogue Alliance Lightsaber Show.
Members of the Rogue Alliance show off their skills.
Panel Room on Dec. 3
11 am, TBD.
Noon, Trek Talk.
A discussion through the timeline of Star Trek Series.
1 pm, Doctor Disney.
Ken Deep hosts an open discussion on Doctor Who, which is now on Disney Plus.
2 pm, The 501st Legion’s Empire City Garrison Q&A: Buckets Off, Meet the Troopers of Vader’s Fist.
Join the commanders and troopers of the Empire City Garrison for an in-depth Q&A session.
3 pm, What it Takes to be a Convention Promoter.
Stefanie talks about running a big event.
Resorts World, whose main entrance is at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in Ozone Park, has a large parking lot. Plus, the A train’s Aqueduct Racetrack Station is nearby.
Images: Wintercon: New York Sci-Fi Expo