Shindigs
Around the ‘Verse
Horror Realm
Horror Realm™ is a convention run by fans for fans of zombies and the horror genre. The convention takes place in Pittsburgh, the "Zombie Capital of the World," and features celebrity guests and a dealer room featuring specialty vendors with items such as:
Movies & DVD’s
T-shirts & other apparel
Toys & collectibles
Movie memorabilia
Books & comics
Games
Original art
Celebrity guests
Zombie & horror film festival
Contests & activities
To see an up-to-date guest list and for more information, visit www.horrorrealmcon.com.
Awesome Con (Washington, DC)
Awesome Con is Washington, DC’s Comic Con. It's a three-day celebration of geek culture, bringing over 60,000 fans together with their favorite stars from across comics, movies, TV, toys, games, and more.
This March's Awesome Con will feature special guests Nathan Fillion, Summer Glau, Sean Maher, Jewel Staite, Gina Torres and Alan Tudyk of the "Firefly" cast.
For more information, visit www.awesome-con.com.
Steel City Con
Steel City Con is the exclusive comic con of the Monroeville Convention Center. It is one of the largest comic cons in the United States with over 100,000 square feet of convention space and filled with over 600 vendor and artist tables, and celebrity guests. At Steel City Con you can meet TV and film celebrities and experience celebrity Q & A’s, panels, celebrity photo ops, and the Artist Charity Quick Sketch. You can also take part in Steel City Con’s cosplay, trivia contest and costume contests.
This April's Steel City Con will feature and appearance by William Shatner as well as several cast members of the "Guardians of the Galaxy" movies.
For more information, visit www.steelcitycon.com.
3 Rivers Comicon
3 Rivers Comicon has been putting the comics back in "comicon" since 2016. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, they have been bringing the best in comics to the area since year one of the event.
For more information about tickets, cosplay contests, guests, exhibitors and panels, visit www.3riverscomicon.com.
Sci-Fi Valley Con
Join fellow fans from June 12-14, 2026, at the breathtaking Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, PA for the 16th biannual Sci-Fi Valley Con. With over 10,000+ passionate attendees and countless exhibitors, they celebrate the wonders of sci-fi, horror, fantasy, supernatural and pop culture.
Experience the thrill of meeting celebrity guests, exploring diverse exhibitors, and engaging in captivating Q&A panels, photo ops, and autograph sessions. Indulge in nearby gaming and peruse the vibrant exhibit halls for a truly immersive experience.
Sci-Fi Valley Con awaits your arrival with open arms. Join them for an unforgettable celebration of love, camaraderie, and the magic of our shared interests. This June's event will feature the casts of "Twilight" and "The 100."
For more information, visit www.scifivalleycon.com.
Serenity World Premiere (2005)
Serenity premiered on this date at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
WV Pop Culture Con (Morgantown, WV)
The West Virginia Popular Culture and Comic Book Convention (also known as WVPopCon) is a convention spanning many of today’s most popular entertainment elements, including exhibitors, creators, and panels on the latest and greatest of comics, movies/TV, toys, anime, manga, and games.
Gaming is so big it desires a description of its own. Games include video games (old and new), Magic the Gathering and other card games, Warhammer, Dungeons and Dragons and other role-playing games. Their goal is to pack the show with hundreds of exhibitors, creators, panels and autograph sessions giving fans a chance to interact with their favorites.
WVPopCon will bring the best of popular culture to West Virginia. If you are into it, so are they!
For more information visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WVPop/.
Firefly Premiere (2002)
Firefly premiered on Fox on this date in 2002 with the episode "The Train Job." It has also come to be known to Browncoats as "Unification Day" or "U-Day" because of a reference to the occasion in the episode's dialogue.
Shiny New Year 2026
Sci-Fi Syndicate Travel cordially invites you for a pleasure cruise* on the Reliance-class Shiny New Year star liner. Shiny New Year is the flagship of Clarion Cruise Lines and operates out of the Philadelphia Interstellar Spaceport providing convenient connections in and out of the sector. There is a free shuttle to and from the Spaceport and the Clarion landing pad.
In preparation for the Year of the Horse, this Shiny New Year cruise will be celebrating like it’s 2518! You’ll have your choice of plated dinners, mid-evening snacks, and a champagne toast when we cross-over the interstellar date line. Dance the night away to music from across time and space. Bring cashy money to acquire libations throughout the journey and to participate in our raffle and auction!
Ssshh — the cruise director wants you to know that this event is Independent-friendly. They're hoping that Browncoats from around the ’verse will come on board aiming to misbehave! Reunite with old compatriots and make new allies — friends that could last a lifetime. But be careful — bounty hunters have been spotted in the area so be on the lookout!
There is no dress code for this cruise, but guests are encouraged to come as fancy as their wardrobe budgets allow. Modern formal and semi-formal attire, especially cocktail and black-tie, are always appropriate. Outfits with Western and/or Asian themes add a delightful twist. Costumes inspired from across the ’verse are next-level and usually admired by all passengers. The Shiny New Year crew plans to award prizes to our best-dressed attendees! (All outfits must cover and conceal any naughty bits. Naked is not a costume!)
- We depart on 31 December 2025 at 1800 hours and arrive on 1 January 2026 at 0100 hours.*
*NOTE: This shindig is not actually a cruise, but a Firefly/space-travel-themed dinner/dance in a terrestrial hotel.
For more information, visit www.shinynewyear.com.
Steel City Con
The Steel City Con is the exclusive comic con of the Monroeville Convention Center. It is one of the largest comic cons in the United States with over 100,000 square feet of convention space and filled with over 600 vendor and artist tables, and celebrity guests. At the Steel City Con you can meet TV and film celebrities along with experience celebrity Q & A’s, panels, celebrity photo ops, and the Artist Charity Quick Sketch. You can also take part in the Steel City Con’s cosplay, trivia contest and costume contests!
For more information, visit www.steelcitycon.com.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) Charity Screening
On November 2 at Kingfly Spirits in the Strip District, the Rivers and Bridges Brigade of the PA Browncoats and Jump Cut Theater present a special screening of the 1992 cult classic "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," featuring Buffy (TV) trivia, Buffy-themed drawings and more! Doors open at 5pm. Movie screens at 6pm. Proceeds benefit Stomp Out Bullying (in memory of Buffy TV cast member Michelle Trachtenberg). $10.00 minimum donation for admission, but additional donations are welcome. Those who also bring donations of non-perishable food items for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will earn additional entries in the drawings. Costumes are encouraged, but not required.
For tickets, go to: https://www.simpletix.com/e/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-charity-screening-tickets-237163
Firefly Premiere (2002)
Firefly premiered on Fox on this date in 2002 with the episode "The Train Job." It has also come to be known to Browncoats as "Unification Day" or "U-Day" because of a reference to the occasion in the episode's dialogue.
Serenity 20th Anniversary Big Damn Shindig
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Serenity, and the California Browncoats are celebrating in Los Angeles with one Big Damn Shindig! This shiny weekend will be one of a kind, bringing together two of the most important social events of Browncoat culture– the Browncoat Ball and Can’t Stop The Serenity– to create an immersive anniversary bash that celebrates not just our favorite ship and her crew, but the very Browncoat fandom itself.
The Big Damn Shindig breaks atmo September 18-21, 2025, over Newhall, California, a little Los Angeles neighborhood with a big history. From early gold mining settlement, to fruit packing town, to shooting location for many a Hollywood Western– Newhall offers a charming slice of vintage California life.
Here is what we already know:
* A Thursday night hangout, to meet Browncoats from all over the ‘verse, play games, and visit with friends both old and new.
* A bus tour of Firefly/Serenity shooting locations on Friday, followed by a CSTS charity screening of Serenity on the rooftop bar of the Hotel Lexen with games, food, raffles and more. (Proceeds benefit Equality Now.)
*A chance to dance the night away (or just question the buffet table) at the Browncoat Ball on Saturday night. Music will be supplied by a DJ as well as a live set from The Fallen Stars.
*A weekend sendoff complete with a picnic breakfast in Hart Park on Sunday morning.
More details are being released all the time at browncoatball.com/2025/
WV Pop Culture and Comic Book Convention
West Virginia's best pop culture and comic book convention. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/WVPop/.
Serenity World Premiere (2005)
Serenity premiered on this date at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Pittsburgh's 20th Annual Can't Stop the Serenity
Join us for Pittsburgh's 20th annual "Can't Stop the Serenity" charity event, an afternoon of misbehavin' that will include games, raffles, prizes and a screening of Joss Whedon's sci-fi classic "Serenity." (Cosplay encouraged but not required.) Proceeds will benefit Equality Now and the American Legion's "Be the One" initiative. For more information, visit jumpcuttheater.org.
Nickel City Comic Con
Imagine a room filled with the world’s greatest Super Heroes, movie & television characters, and yes, even the Villains. A giant space where this world and the world of fantasy collide – that’s Nickel City Con. NCC is Western NY’s Largest Pop Culture and Comic Book Convention.
We bring the biggest names in the entertainment industry right here so you can meet & see them up close. From photo opportunities to fan panels, leading stars open up and answer your questions about what it’s really like to make all the fantastic movies, tv shows and comics you love. NCC is an amazing fan experience.
For more information, visit nickelcitycon.com.
Sci-Fi Valley Con
At Sci-Fi Valley Con believes in creating a personal and cherished experience for each and every attendee. Their mission is to provide an intimate setting where you can connect with celebrity guest actors, exhibitors, and our dedicated staff on a deeper level. Prepare to be immersed in a world of nostalgia as they proudly hold the title of 'The Home of Nostalgia'.
With a wide range of offerings, there's something for everyone at this convention. Delight in the presence of 300 talented artists and dealers, indulge in captivating costume contests, and participate in charity auctions and quick sketches that support meaningful causes. Engage in enlightening Q&A panels and enriching workshops. For the gaming enthusiasts, dive into the world of video games and tabletop gaming. And of course, anticipate special appearances from beloved celebrity guests.
Sci-Fi Valley Con is more than just an event—it's a gateway to unforgettable experiences. Celebrate the power of nostalgia and make memories that will last a lifetime. For more information, visit scifivalleycon.com.
3 Rivers Comicon
3 Rivers Comicon has been putting the comics back in comicon since 2016. Located in Pittsburgh, Pa they have been bringing the best in comics to the area since year 1. For more information, visit 3riverscomicon.com.
Steel City Con
The Steel City Con is the exclusive comic con of the Monroeville Convention Center. It is one of the largest comic cons in the United States with over 100,000 square feet of convention space and filled with over 600 vendor and artist tables, and celebrity guests. At the Steel City Con you can meet TV and film celebrities along with experience celebrity Q & A’s, panels, celebrity photo ops, and the Artist Charity Quick Sketch. You can also take part in the Steel City Con’s cosplay, trivia contest and costume contests! For more information, visit steelcitycon.com.
CMU Scotty Con
A student-run anime & games convention at Carnegie Mellon University.
Welcome to the fifth year of ScottyCon! Enjoy CMU's one and only (and therefore best) anime and video gaming convention! They'll have a blast of events this year, ranging from panels, masquerade, artist alley, and much much more.
The full event schedule will be released in March. The website is updated on a rolling basis. Meanwhile, check out the "Info" tab for more information about the event at scottycon.com.
Pittsburgh Comic Book Show
PITTSBURGH'S COMIC BOOK CONNECTION FOR BUYERS + SELLERS
Pittsburgh Comic Book Show returns Sunday, March 23, 2025, 10AM – 4PM at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bethel Park, PA. This is the premier one-day meet-up event experience for in-person, hotel comic book buying, selling and trading in Pittsburgh!
Tens of thousands of comic back issues, trade paperbacks, slabs + more
Meet with comic book collectors + enthusiasts from multiple states.
Find rare, key issues from your favorite publishers like Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse Comics, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite, independent, etc.
Kids under 12, first responders + military FREE admission
FREE parking
Special guest, DC + Marvel illustrator, Ben Harvey
Special guest, creator of Megaton Man series, Don Simpson
For more information, visit pittsburghcomicbookshow.com.
Fan Expo Cleveland
FAN EXPO Cleveland is the ultimate go-to event for sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Cleveland that attracts thousands of people to the Huntington Convention Center.
FAN EXPO Cleveland offers exciting family-friendly attractions, events, and world-renowned Celebrities! The show, which started as Wizard World Cleveland in 2015, has featured celebrities and creators like Stan Lee, Chris Hemsworth, Jason Momoa, Tom Welling, Ian Somerhalder, Anthony Mackie, Frank Grillo, William Shatner and many more headliners.
Everyone is a fan of something, and FAN EXPO Cleveland is a place to celebrate all things pop culture. Get an autograph or a photo with your favorite guest then get the inside scoop about your favorite movies and TV shows at our celebrity panels! Watch professional comic artists battle it out in our popular Sketch Duels, learn from our “How To” workshops, and take photos with your favorite costumed characters! It’s also a great place to buy a unique gift (or treat yourself!) with a huge show floor for shopping madness.
This year's guests include Mark Sheppard (Badger) of "Firefly."
For more information, visit https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpocleveland/.
Emerald City Comic Con (20th anniversary Serenity reunion)
Emerald City Comic Con welcomes guests from across the pop culture spectrum, from your favorite anime voice actors to household names to the nostalgic characters of your youth. With a ticket, you can see these guests in panels at the show, or even pre-purchase Select Autographs and Photo Ops before the show to make a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Just in time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Firefly film Serenity, the cast will reunite on Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9 to meet fans for Photo Ops and Autograph sessions and a Sunday Main Stage panel. Photo Ops and Autographs for ECCC went on sale on December 12 to Popverse Superfans and then to the public on December 13. Nathan Fillion, Summer Glau, Jewel Staite, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, and Sean Maher, are heading to Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) 2025.
For more information, visit emeraldcitycomiccon.com.
Horror Realm
Horror Realm™ is a convention run by fans for fans of zombies and the horror genre. The convention takes place in Pittsburgh, the Zombie Capital of the World and features a dealer room featuring specialty vendors with items such as:
Movies & DVD’s
T-shirts & other apparel
Toys & collectibles
Movie memorabilia
Books & comics
Games
Original art
Celebrity guests
Zombie & horror film festival
Contests & activities
For more information, visit horrorrealmcon.com.
"Serenity - Part 1&2" original broadcast watch party
This two-hour episode, intended to be the series pilot, was the last episode to air on Fox back in 2002. Consider this our brigade's holiday party before Nick the Saint arrives a few days later. After 22 years, we're still flyin'. It's not much, but it's enough.
Episode will screen promptly at 8pm, just like it did on Fox in 2022. Location is TBD, depending on expected attendance. Attendees will be contacted with the exact location the week of the watch party. Drinks and snacks will be provided, but those who wish to partake of any beverages that make you blind should be advised that all watch parties are BYOB. All watch parties are strictly non-smoking shindigs.
RSVP here
"Objects in Space" original broadcast watch party
The final episode of the series, written and directed by Joss Whedon, originally aired a week before the pilot back in 2002. Does that seem right to you?
Episode will screen promptly at 8pm, just like it did on Fox in 2022. Location is TBD, depending on expected attendance. Attendees will be contacted with the exact location the week of the watch party. Drinks and snacks will be provided, but those who wish to partake of any beverages that make you blind should be advised that all watch parties are BYOB. All watch parties are strictly non-smoking shindigs.
RSVP here
"War Stories" original broadcast watch party
Having the chance to see this episode as it originally aired is a great excuse not to be in your bunk this evening. There might even be cake and ice cream to celebrate the birthday of one of our CSTS Pittsburgh crew, if he's in attendance.
Episode will screen promptly at 8pm, just like it did on Fox in 2022. Location is TBD, depending on expected attendance. Attendees will be contacted with the exact location the week of the watch party. Drinks and snacks will be provided, but those who wish to partake of any beverages that make you blind should be advised that all watch parties are BYOB. All watch parties are strictly non-smoking shindigs.
RSVP here
"Ariel" original broadcast watch party
The heist episode as it originally aired over twenty years ago. Look closely and you'll notice some costumes and props that would be used many years later in "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog."
Episode will screen promptly at 8pm, just like it did on Fox in 2022. Location is TBD, depending on expected attendance. Attendees will be contacted with the exact location the week of the watch party. Drinks and snacks will be provided, but those who wish to partake of any beverages that make you blind should be advised that all watch parties are BYOB. All watch parties are strictly non-smoking shindigs.
RSVP here
"Safe" original broadcast watch party
"Big damn heroes... Ain't we just?" You will be if you join us to watch this episode in all its original glory.
Episode will screen promptly at 8pm, just like it did on Fox in 2022. Location is TBD, depending on expected attendance. Attendees will be contacted with the exact location the week of the watch party. Drinks and snacks will be provided, but those who wish to partake of any beverages that make you blind should be advised that all watch parties are BYOB. All watch parties are strictly non-smoking shindigs.
RSVP here
Sci-Fi Valley Con
With special guest Mark Sheppard (Badger)
For more info: scifivalleycon.com