6 Can’t Miss Things at Awesome Con 2018

From BB-8 to John Boyega, Black Panther to Pride Alley, here's everything you need to see at this year's Awesome Con

By Randy Shulman on March 29, 2018 @RandyShulman

Awesome Con (2017) — Photo: Tom Donohue

BB-8 and Costumes from The Last Jedi

Everyone’s favorite adorable Star Wars droid (sorry, R2) will be making two special appearances — on Friday from 4 to 5 p.m., and on Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m. Also on display: a selection of costumes from The Last Jedi. Location: Awesome Con Jr.

The Science of Black Panther

An panel of experts explore the realities and the possibilities of science, technology, engineering, art, and math in Black Panther, as well as the intersection of pop culture, Africa and Afrofuturism, and how imagination and innovation translates into art, awesome technology, and rewarding careers. Friday, March 30, at 4 p.m., Ballroom.

John Boyega Panel

The Star Wars and Pacific Rim Uprising hero will hold an exclusive Q&A and field questions from the audience. Guests can reserve a “skip-the-line” ticket for $75 that guarantees a seat in the first 10 rows of the three center sections closest to the stage. Saturday, March 31, 6 p.m., Main Stage.

Awesome Con (2017) — Photo: Tom Donohue

John Barrowman Panels

The Doctor Who, Torchwood, and Arrow star will be signing autographs and appearing for photo ops throughout the weekend at Booth 34 in the Exhibit Hall. He will also appear on the Legendary Comics panel on Saturday, March 31, at noon, and for a solo Q&A on the Main Stage at 4:15 p.m.

Autograph Signings

This year’s “featured guests” (who you typically have to pay extra to meet) include Boyega, Barrowman, Dave Bautista, Michael Rooker, Pom Klementieff, and Sean Gunn from Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2, Stephen Amell from Arrow, Cress Williams from Black Lightning, Tom Welling from Smallville, Ben Savage from Boy Meets World, and Charisma Carpenter from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Visit Awesome-con.com for schedules and pricing.

Pride Alley

Co-presented by Geeks Out, curators of New York’s LGBTQ-themed convention Flame Con, Pride Alley is a full section dedicated exclusively to LGBTQ creators. Awesome Con will also host more than a dozen LGBTQ panels, including “Star Trek Discovery & A New Era of Diversity” on Friday, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., “Creating Inclusive Gaming Spaces” on Saturday, from 11:30 to 12:15 p.m., and “Let’s Be Wonder Women,” on Saturday, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.

Awesome Con (2017) — Photo: Tom Donohue

The Awesome Con exhibit hall, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW) is open Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit Awesome-con.com.

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