Skip to main content

Balticon 55

Balticon 55

Balticon is one of Baltimore's premiere science-fiction and fantasy conventions.

Completely volunteer-run, we host four days of literary and science panels, live music, the Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade (a costume/skit contest), a festival of short films, gaming, an art show, vending, and more! In our 55th year, Balticon will be ONLINE and FREE this year, May 28-31, 2021 (Memorial Day Weekend)! Check out balticon.org for more information.

By fans, for fans.

Our guests of honor this year are as follows:

Author Guest of Honor: Seanan McGuire (also writes as Mira Grant).

Artist Guest of Honor: Alyssa Winans.

Music Guests of Honor: Margaret & Kristoph.

Fan Guests of Honor: Bruce & Cheryl Evry.

2021 Robert A. Heinlein Award Winner: C. J. Cherryh.

2021 Compton Crook Award Winner: Micaiah Johnson.

2020 Compton Crook Award Winner: Arkady Martine.

2019 Compton Crook Award Winner: R.F. Kuang.

Balticon is hosted by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society (BSFS). BSFS is an entirely volunteer-run non-profit, charitable, literary and educational organization, dedicated to the promotion of, and an appreciation for, science fiction and fantasy in all of its many forms. BSFS supports young readers with our BSFS Books for Kids Program with change collection jars and a charity auction (of donated books, artwork, or services) at Balticon.

BSFS maintains a library of science fiction and fantasy books and other media with over 12,000 titles that are available to be lent to members and the public alike. BSFS also hosts monthly anime watch parties, book club meetings, movie nights, writers critique circle events, game nights, and more. See bsfs.org for more information.

BSFS, in cooperation with Balticon, hosts several awards ceremonies.

The Compton Crook Award is presented by the members of the Baltimore Science Fiction Society for the best first novel in the genre published during the previous year. The Award is named in memory of Towson State College Professor of Natural Sciences Compton Crook, who wrote under the name Stephen Tall, and who died in 1981.

The Robert A. Heinlein Award is given for outstanding published works in science fiction and technical writings that inspire the human exploration of space. (This award is given by The Heinlein Society).

Balticon’s Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade is the opportunity for fans to present their science fiction- and fantasy-related costumes to delight our audience. While some costumers may simply model their costumes on stage, most entries present dramatic or comedic skits. A team of judges rewards costume design and workmanship to encourage our costumers’ efforts.

The Jack L. Chalker Young Writers' Award is given for outstanding works of science fiction or fantasy, written by Maryland residents, 18 years or younger.

The Balticon Sunday Short Science Fiction Film Festival (BS3F3) will give awards in both the Live Action and Animation category based upon audience preferences.

As one of the Mid-Atlantic’s top fan-run conventions, we annually host 1500-1800 people, we hope to see you there.

Event Contact

Morgan Hazelwood
4105632737

Event Details

Friday, May 28, 2021, 12:00 AM – Monday, May 31, 2021, 12:00 AM
4105632737
Free

Location

Add Event To Your Calendar