Walk from the Stranger Things' Upside Down into The Rocky Horror Show all during Pensacon
Make sure your lightsaber is charged and ready, as Pensacon, Pensacola's annual pop-culture convention, celebrates its 11th year Feb. 23-25.
If there’s one message that Pensacon Marketing Director Julio Diaz wants to get across – it’s that Pensacon is for everyone, from the Power Ranger enthusiasts to the people watchers.
During the three-day event, you will likely witness Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles superfans nerding out over the original voice actors reuniting within the walls of the Pensacola Bay Center, or the die-hard "Death Note" fans lining up to hear from voice actor Alessandro Juliani. Diaz refers to this giddy exuberance as the “fellowship of fandom” that unites people of similar interests regardless of where in the world they have traveled from.
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But even if there isn’t a celebrity on your must-meet list, there will still be entertainment lined up to cater to a wide variety of interests. Some of the events slated for this year include LED saber training, stand-up comedy performances, karaoke, podcast workshops, live bands and film festivals all jam-packed into one weekend.
Every year the convention – covering genres of comics, anime, sci-fi, horror, gaming and fantasy – is long-awaited by locals and tourists alike. Some of Pensacola’s most iconic places are sprinkled with a touch of Pensacon magic. One of the most popular locations is the Fish House, which each year is transformed into a Hogwarts so convincing that even actors from the Harry Potter series have been mystified when they visited, Diaz said. This year, the Handlebar will celebrate the zany movie musical "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" with a screening of the movie and a visit from cast members.
“We’ve always tried to position ourselves as all-inclusive,” Diaz said. “People think of the nerdy stuff, but we’ve always been a pop-culture convention … I think people get in their heads that, ‘this might not be for me.’ And I promise, we have something for you.”
Pensacon planners are expecting another big year, as VIP passes have already sold out for the weekend.
For the first year ever, the First United Methodist Church will serve as the central hub for events that branch off of the Pensacola Bay Center, Diaz said. While they will still continue offer trolleys to partner venues and businesses, the church will be only a few blocks away.
Surrounding restaurant and bars will once again be joining in on the fun, each adorned in a designated theme. This year, themes are:
Play, 16 S. Palafox Place: Mean Girls
Cabaret, 101 S. Jefferson St.: Stranger Things
Fish House, 600 S. Barracks St.: Harry Potter
The 5 Barrel, 121 S. Palafox St.: gaming devices and demonstrations
Perfect Plain Brewing Co., 50 E. Garden St.: Star Wars
Odd Colony Brewing Co., 260 N. Palafox St.: Lord of the Rings
Papa’s Pizza, 18 E. Garden St.: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
O’Riley’s Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St.: House of the Dragon
Diaz also noted that whether you’re coming decked out in costume or a pair of jeans, it’s a come as you are environment.
“People are going to be excited to see your costume, no matter how professional or amateur it is,” Diaz said. “You don’t have to come in costume. If you’re a jeans and T-shirt kind of person, awesome. Come on out.”
How much are tickets?
Tickets can be purchased as a weekend pass or by individual day. Friday is $50, Saturday is $60 and Sunday is $55. Three-day passes are $100 each.
The Pensacon website is packed with more information on admission passes, the celebrity roster and a full weekend activity schedule.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacon returns to Pensacola this month for pop culture convention