Awesome Con is coming up this weekend at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in D.C. March 13-15, 2026 for a three-day celebration of pop culture, fandom, and creativity. This year’s show features headline-making reunions, first-ever convention appearances, and immersive experiences for all ages! There will be a Firefly Cast Reunion, a live taping of Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk’s “Once We Were Space Men” podcast, and Paul Giamatti’s first-ever fan convention!

Pride365 Radio will be on-site this weekend in Awesome Con’s Pride Alley where you can meet our own Tiffany Lyn and our friends from The Capital Pride Alliance!

We caught up with Heather Barnes, Senior Marketing Manager for Awesome Con to get the low-down on all the awesome stuff that you’ll be able to see at Awesome Con! Take a listen to our conversation here:

Attendee badges can be purchased at Awesome Con.

Here’s a look at the weekend’s highlights:

Friday (March 13, 2026):

• Neil Newbon & Devora Wilde – Main Stage (Ballroom AB) – 1:30 PM
• Stories That Haunt Us: Enter the Flanaverse Panel – Featuring Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas, Katie Parker- Main Stage (Ballroom AB) – 2:30 PM
• Supernatural: Family, Fate, and the Road So Far. – Featuring Misha Collins and Jim Beaver Main Stage (Ballroom AB) – 3:30 PM

Saturday (March 14, 2026):

• Once We Were Space Men – Nathan Fillion & Alan Tudyk Podcast LIVE – Main Stage (Ballroom AB) – 10:00 AM
• Parker Posey Panel– Main Stage (Ballroom AB) – 11:00 AM
• George Takei Panel – Main Stage (Ballroom AB) – 12:00 PM
• Sons of Anarchy Panel – Featuring Ron Perlman and Theo Rossi — Main Stage (Ballroom AB) – 1:00 PM
• Paul Giamotti Panel – Main Stage (Ballroom AB) – 3:00 PM
• Adam Savage Spotlight – Main Stage (Ballroom AB) – 4:00 PM

Sunday (March 15, 2026):

• Firefly Reunion Panel – Featuring Nathan Fillion, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, Gina Torres, Jewel Staite, & Alan Tudyk – Main Stage (Ballroom AB) – 10:15 AM
• Gillian Anderson Panel – Main Stage (Ballroom AB) – 11:15 AM
• Critical Role Panel – Featuring Main Stage Sam Reigel, Taliesin Jaffe, Alexander Ward, Luis Carazo, and Whitney Moore Main Stage (Ballroom AB) – 12:15 PM
• Jamie Campbell Bower Panel — Main Stage (Ballroom AB) – 1:15 PM

Other Key Highlights at Awesome Con Include:

• Book Fair: Panels with featured author guests and author signings at the Awesome Con Bookstore powered by Loyalty Bookstores (Hall B, Booth #729). Author guests attending include Bethany C. Morrow, Cassandra Khaw, Kosoko Jackson, Maddie Martinez, Mark Oshiro, Mary Robinette Kowal, Melissa de la Cruz, Nev Fountain, Salinee Goldenberg, Sarah Beth Durst, and Victor Manibo. Fans can also enjoy book-themed meetups throughout the weekend, which come with a free ribbon as part of our Ribbon Rally!
• Romancing DC: An all-new area of Awesome Con’s Book Fair designed especially for lovers of romantasy. This area, featuring free panels, Movement and Craft Workshops, indie authors, and more, will be located in Salon ABC. Guest authors include A.T. Qureshi, Analeigh Sbrana, Bridgid Kimmerer, Kimberly Lemming, Nia “N.E.” Davenport, and Sara Raasch. They will also have signings in Hall B, Booth #729.
• The Luminary Ball: Part of Romancing DC, The Luminary Ball will take place at the historical Anderson House on the evening of Friday, March 13th. Formal dress is required for this immersive night of dancing, entertainment, quests, and stunning photography.
• Destination Cosplay: Cosplay Meetups, Cosplay Repair, and Cosplayer Meet and Greets are taking place towards the back of Aisle 300, in Hall A. Cosplay-related panels are in Room 201 & 202 throughout the weekend. The Cosplay Competition will be held on Saturday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, on the Main Stage (Ballroom AB) and will feature a Drag Halftime Show.
• Awesome Con Jr.: Bluey Dance Party – Saturday at 11:00 AM – Kids will get the chance to get the wiggles out…Bluey style! Join The Fantastical Character Company on the Awesome Con Jr. Main Stage for a Bluey dance party full of movement, music, and big energy! Families are invited to jump in, dance along, and celebrate the playful world of Bluey together All weekend, there will be movement-based activities for kids and parents in the Movement Zone (Booth #442), drawing and creating workshops in the Workshops area (Booth #844) and a free play area featuring BRIO trains and other toys (Booth #437). There will be a Kids Costume Parade on both Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM in the Movement Zone.
• Short Film Festival: Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the festival will take place all weekend. It features nearly 40 films across all genres, including action, horror, comedy, drama, sci-fi, and beyond.
• Gaming: Fans can enjoy a massive tabletop gaming area in collaboration with Game Kastle College Park, multiple video gaming offers through Retroware, Next Level Gaming, and Valentino’s Workshop, as well as interactive escape room experiences through Co-Operatives.
• Maid Craft Cafe – Returning this year with expanded offerings, Awesome Con is thrilled to invite you to experience the magical world of the Machi Mahou Maid Cafe! These magical maids specialize in crafting unforgettable memories through personalized arts and crafts, engaging guests with super cute, energetic performances, and hands-on creative activities. Get excited for a weekend full of fun!
• Friday the 13th & More Spooky Fun! – Calling all horror fans! From terrifying tales and iconic performances to immersive experiences and cosplay meetups, Awesome Con brings horror to life all weekend long. No spooky cosplay? No Problem! Get transformed into a monster at Laurel House of Horrors Photo Experience (Room 143 C)! This immersive photo experience will outfit you in professional horror makeup and costumes for spine-tingling selfie photoshoots against a creepy backdrop.