BayCon News

July 3-6, 2026 | Santa Clara Marriott, CA

[bayconnews]

BayCon 42 / Westercon 78 is proud to present our theme for next year.

We hope you'll join us next year as we become your guides through cosmic absurdity!

July 3-6, 2026 | Santa Clara Marriott

BayCon.org

[bayconnews]

Nerdy T-Shirt Swap!

Do you have fannish or nerdy T-shirts that no longer fit you, either literally or figuratively? Don't let them gather dust in your closet! Bring them to our T-shirt swap and find new treasures that suit you better. Whether you're looking to trade in an old favorite or discover a new one, this is the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe with fellow fans' gear.

Join us for a fun and eco-friendly way to update your collection and connect with the community. Happy swapping!

[bayconnews]

Get to know Writer Guest of Honor Ryka Aoki!

The author of Light from Uncommon Stars took some time to answer some interview questions ahead of the con and posted them to her blog!

Check it out here: https://rykaryka.substack.com

[bayconnews]

The hotel room block is filling up fast and will close soon so please reserve your room now while you still can!

https://baycon.org/hotel-2024/

Reasons to stay onsite:

BayCon does not have set hours. You’ll often find programming, gaming, music and filking, and impromptu gatherings continue well into the night.

Our popular room parties are a great place to socialize and meet and converse with fellow fans. Have a room nearby so you can crash and recharge for the evening!

Believe it or not, as part of our agreement to make use of the majority of the hotel’s function space, we have an obligation to sell the majority of our room block. If we don’t, we end up spending more money on the hotel and less on the convention. Do your part to support BayCon by staying with us (staff reserve and pay for their own rooms, too!)

Hauling your books, costumes, games, kids, and everything else to and from the hotel can be a bother. Stay at the hotel and know that all of your belongings are safe and sound. You’re free to enjoy the entire day and evening!

Wake up early in the morning and catch breakfast before making it to morning panels, armed combat demonstrations, signings, and interviews. If you’re already here, you’ll never have to worry about being late!

[bayconnews]

Team Skorpios is back!

Zac and Diana return to BayCon with the Battlebot Skorpios, who took down Tombstone in a memorable match just a couple years ago. If you're a fan of robot fighting, don't miss these guys.

Team Skorpios will be onsite Saturday and Sunday in our Dealers Room. And this year they're bringing the BOT BASH ARENA, an enclosed arena where you can reenact the carnage with miniature battlebots. $5/participant.

Come out and have some fun with metal mayhem!

[bayconnews]

🌟✨ Step into a world of PURE IMAGINATION with a VIP Badge at BayCon 2024! 🍫🎩

This is your golden ticket to exclusive delights, including a Private VIP Lounge with delectable treats, reserved seating at electrifying stage events, and enchanting meet-and-greets at our VIP receptions and breakfasts with our esteemed Guests of Honor. Plus, claim your VIP-only swag like a tote bag, lanyard, and a unique badge!

Don't miss out—additional wondrous perks are still to come. Secure your VIP experience or upgrade your regular weekend badge by May 31 at baycon.org/registration.

Let the magic begin! 🚀

[unhauntng]

actually not emotional over graduating university, just over losing my jstor access

[jstor]

A registered personal account will get you free access to 100 articles per month!

[70sscifiart]

Thrilled to announce my book WORLDS BEYOND TIME is a finalist for the 2024 Locus Awards in the "Illustrated and Art Book" category!

2024 Locus Awards Top Ten Finalists

[bayconnews]

May the 4th be with you and happy free comic book day! Don't forget to head to your local comic book store and grab some free Star Wars comics! And while you're at it, scan the QR code for $10 OFF a full weekend badge to BayCon 2024. STEM, anime, science fiction, fantasy, gaming, there's a whole lot going on.

Find out more at baycon.org!

[humanoidhistory]

Star Wars poster from Italy, 1977. Artwork by Michelangelo Papuzza.

[humanoidhistory]

Taking the kids to see Alien in Fort Worth, Texas, May 1979.

[cat-cosplay]

I can feel it.

He's targeting me with C.A.T.S. isn't he.

[dduane]

R. I. P. John Trimble

(image via Mike Okuda over at the once-bird place)

From his and Bjo's Facebook page:

In 1966 they found a group of people interested in mediaeval combat and arts. They joined the Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA) . John served 2 terms as a member of it’s board of directors, was a landed Baron of the first Barony. His arms were the very first to be registered with the college of Heralds and both John and Bjo have been members ever since. Later that year he said to his wife, “Gee it’s a shame a good science fiction show like Star Trek is going to be canceled. We should do something about that!” And the same Star Trek campaign was born. For over 58 years John and Bjo Trimble have been ambassadors for science fiction, the space program and the SCA. Meeting and hosting people from all walks of life, all over the world. John has touched thousands of lives in a way that positive and full of joy. He will be greatly missed.

[cat-cosplay]

He's my S.P.E.C.I.A.L. boy.

[cat-cosplay]

The Blepper-hood of Steel

[kwistowee]

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE l APRIL 2024

ALFREDO JUÁREZ | RAMI ASTRO | JOSHUA INTINI | KENDALL RUST | DERAN HALL | KUZCOKHANDA | TREVOR MAHLMANN | OTHINGSTODO | NASA | STEVEN RATNIK

[marsha-loftis]

Rise and shine, Earthlings! While I'm off to tackle the daily grind, I couldn't resist brightening your day with some out-of-this-world SCIFI quilts. Here's to thriving and prospering amidst the cosmic chaos of our time!" FYI, I made these!!

[humanoidhistory]

Solar eclipse over Texas, 1979.