MarsCon 2025 Program Schedule - updated December 19, 2024 03:06 CST
10:00am Friday | The Bridge opens - 1st floor, Meadows |
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| This is the place to go for any problems during MarsCon weekend. It is a communications hub with the ability to help in most situations—lost child, last minute programming schedule change, AV needs, problem attendee, hotel issue, weapons peace bonding, after hours registration, volunteers dispatch, or drop off for food shelf and charity auction donations. This is the place to go. Located at the bottom of the grand staircase by the main entrance. | Everyone | 07:58PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
12:00pm Friday | Registration opens - 2nd floor booth |
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| Pick up badges & programs, purchase swag, and start checking out the spaces, volunteer to help out if able. After-hours, you may register at the Bridge (1st floor, near Hotel front desk). Food Drive: MarsCon will be accepting food donations for the Food Group, a network of food shelves, during the convention. If you are registering at the door for MarsCon 2025, you can get $5 off your registration by donating 5 cans of food, limited to one discount per person. (Please note, the $5 discount cannot be applied to Day Passes.) If you are a party host and would like to help out, we encourage you to collect donations and bring them to the donation area at the Bridge by Sunday. If you are attending and would like to donate, please drop off your donation at Registration, the Bridge, or a participating party room. Thank you for your donations and generosity! | Everyone | 08:01PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
01:00pm Friday | Art Show opens! - 1st floor |
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| Art Show (Riverside) | Bid on a masterpiece! Open for Bidding, Art Market, and Quick Sales | Everyone | 08:03PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
03:00pm Friday | Book Exchange - 2nd floor |
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| Re(a)d Mars (Eagle’s Nest) | Do you have a book you’ve read and want to share? Bring it to the book exchange! Bring a book or get a book. There are no limits on books and we only ask that you enjoy your read. Book Exchange will be found in the Re(a)d Mars — for novels, miscellaneous literature, and other SF/Fantasy/Speculative Fiction. Please bring one or more books you would like to donate, and feel free to take a book for reading later. Any unclaimed books will be donated to the Charity Auction which takes place on Sunday morning on the Mainstage. | Everyone | 08:04PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
03:00pm Friday | Prop-A-Torium 18 opens - 2nd floor |
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| Prop-A-Torium (White Pelican Bay) | Located in White Pelican Bay, at the far end of the hall The Prop-A-Torium has an extraordinary display of some of the most unusual and fabulous handmade and collected props. From popular movies, television shows, and other media events over the past 60 years! Not only that, the room is staffed by the people who made and collected them! It’s great to see the impressive skill and care that went into some of these magnificent pieces. Enjoy props related to Indiana Jones, Wizarding World, Star Trek, Star Wars, Stargate, Middle Earth Saga, James Bond, Marvel Cinematic Universe, and so much more from movies and television shows. We have Fan-Made Props, “Officially Licensed” Props, and a few actual screen-used props; even those high-end collectibles we all covet from Sideshow, Master Replicas, Warner Brothers, and more! If you like swords or lightsabers, bullwhips, or blasters, come by the Prop-A-Torium! Photos will be allowed in the Prop-A-Torium, but please ask us if you can touch or take videos of the props you see. | Everyone | 08:17PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
03:00pm Friday | Dealers Room & Makers Market open - 2nd floor |
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| Ballroom I/II - Buy something fun! There are new Dealers & some older Dealers with new merchandise. Many are offering “Con Theme” oriented merch at Great Prices: jewelry, tote bags, plushies, costumes, accessories, articulated dragons, figurines, books, toys & more. Many local authors that like to talk. Some Dealers are in the hall/foyer area. All hours are posted by the Dealer Room door, in the program book & pocket program… SUPPORT YOUR CON BY SUPPORTING OUR DEALERS | Everyone | 08:06PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
04:00pm Friday | Setup, Sound Check & Rehearsal |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Getting ready for Opening Ceremonies, etc… | Chairs, ConCom | 08:51AM - Sunday 10 November 2024 |
04:00pm Friday | Trailer Park 2025: Movies |
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| Free Mars (Cardinal Perch) | Check out trailers for the movies coming out this year. Be on your top game when conversing with other folks here at MarsCon! Be ready for that panel! Plan what you are going to see next weekend? Don’t miss THE TRAILER PARK! Titles TBA. | Everyone | 09:18AM - Sunday 10 November 2024 |
04:00pm Friday | Teen Training - 14+ |
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| Creative Planet (Owl Overlook) | Are you a teen who is frustrated with having to let the adults use the glue gun? Can you use the glue gun at home or school? Well, come to this training to learn our room rules and the safety guidelines, earn a button that shows you are allowed to use the glue guns. Volunteer for at least one other craft to show off your newfound privilege. | Jen | 04:21PM - Sunday 15 December 2024 |
04:00pm Friday | Anime by request |
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| AV/Anime (Mallard Point) | Anime/YA | 09:49PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
04:00pm Friday | Science Room opens - 1st floor |
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| Science Room (Woodlands) | Located in Woodlands, between the Front Desk & Restaurant Come see how we are transforming science fiction into science fact! Visit the Science Room to view and interact with science exhibits. | Everyone | 08:09PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
05:00pm Friday | Sewing Tips and Tricks for Newbies |
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| Masquerade Lounge (Blue Heron Colony) | Rae Lundquist | 09:24PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
05:00pm Friday | Trailer Park 2025: TV Series |
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| Free Mars (Cardinal Perch) | Check out trailers for the TV series coming out this year. Be on your top game when conversing with other folks here at MarsCon! Be ready for that panel! Plan what you are going to see/stream next weekend or next month. Don’t miss THE TRAILER PARK! Titles TBA. | Everyone | 09:24AM - Sunday 10 November 2024 |
07:00pm Friday | Opening Ceremonies |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Thank you for joining us for the 27th annual MarsCon Sci Fi/Fantasy/Gaming Convention! We will open MarsCon with live sketch comedy, welcome and introduce our wonderful Guests of Honor, and learn important stuff that will help you get the most out of MarsCon 2025. | Chairs, ConCom and Guests of Honor Jason Carter, Brandie Hanson, Ozgur Sahin, TBA, TBA | 08:58AM - Sunday 10 November 2024 |
07:00pm Friday | Prop-A-Torium Closes |
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| Prop-A-Torium (White Pelican Bay) | Thank you for visiting! Come back tomorrow! | All | 10:36AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 |
07:00pm Friday | Art Show Closes |
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| Art Show (Riverside) | There is an art, it says, or rather, a knack to flying. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss. … Clearly, it is this second part, the missing, which presents the difficulties. Please come again tomorrow and place another bid on that piece you love. Support local artists! | Artists & Fans of Art | 08:22PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
07:00pm Friday | Science Room Closes |
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| Science Room (Woodlands) | "The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you." - Neil deGrasse Tyson | All | 09:19AM - Thursday 21 November 2024 |
07:45pm Friday | How Rogue Can You go? |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | A full-length Comedy Improv story to fill in the details of what occurred during the Opening Ceremonies by having the Audience answer the question "What if" What if...the audience dictated plot-twists, script direction, cast changes, and character development from interaction throughout the show. What if indeed | Variety Exhumed | 09:04AM - Thursday 21 November 2024 |
08:00pm Friday | Life on Set |
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| Cantina (Executive Boardroom) | Jason Carter | 12:33PM - Sunday 10 November 2024 | |
08:00pm Friday | New at Disney Parks |
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| Free Mars (Cardinal Perch) | Join us for an exciting and magical journey as we explore the latest and greatest updates coming to Disney Parks in 2025! Whether you're a seasoned Disney fan or a first-time visitor, this program is your ultimate guide to all the new attractions, shows, dining experiences, and magical moments awaiting you at Disney Parks worldwide. Stay up-to-date with what's new and discover how Disney continues to innovate and enchant visitors of all ages. | Tony Artym | 12:20AM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
08:00pm Friday | Movie TBA |
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| AV/Anime (Mallard Point) | A/V Room with GPS | 09:38PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
09:00pm Friday | MeowMeme |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | MeowMeme is the comedy music alter ego of Alexann, daughter of comedy musician Carrie Dahlby, and has attended the MarsCon Comedy Music Track every year following her birth year. She has performed during the FuMP Jukebox and at the Comedy Music Smackdown in years past, and last year she and her new persona performed a 15 minute comedy music concert of her own to kick off our Sunday concert block, and this year she’s doing it again with some brand new songs! Her first song, done with Carrie Dahlby and darkNES of the Gothsicles, “Woodland Creatures”, can be heard at the FuMP dot com. | MeowMeme | 12:13AM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
09:00pm Friday | Friday Night Karaoke |
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| Cantina (Executive Boardroom) | Sing and sing along. | 09:00AM - Sunday 10 November 2024 | |
09:00pm Friday | My experience with the 60 in 3 & 20 and back USAF space programs. |
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| Free Mars (Cardinal Perch) | In 1972 I was in the USAF. I did a 60 years in 3 earth days program based with Caucasian Aliens. When I returned I was tested and read into a 20 and back program. My 50 year Non-diclosure agreement (NDA) has expired and I can talk about some of what these programs are about. To keep me on track, I use a power point presentation. Q&A after if time permits. | Joe Swenson | 10:01AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 |
09:15pm Friday | Worm Quartet |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Worm Quartet is a comedy music project created by Timothy F. Crist who uses the stage moniker ShoEboX and performs fast, synth-driven, pseudo-metal punk/pop. The band was formed in 1991 and its name is a reference to cartoons Crist used to draw. Worm Quartet's I Bit William Shatner was featured as a Top 5 song on the Dr. Demento Show in 2001, Frank's Not In The Band Anymore was Dr. Demento's 2nd most requested song of the year in 2002, Great Idea For A Song was the most requested song in 2004, You Were Wrong Cabinet Sanchez reached #15 in 2006, and Fueled By Angst reached #7 in 2014. The Ballad of Doctor Stopp was nominated for a Logan Award in 2013 after having previously won the Outstanding Original Comedy Song award in 2011, Fueled by Angst, and Math is Bulls**t (featuring Insane Ian) were both nominated in 2015, and I Don't Matter (featuring Chris Mezzolesta) was nominated in 2017. | Worm Quartet | 07:23PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
09:30pm Friday | Movie TBA |
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| AV/Anime (Mallard Point) | A/V Room with GPS | 09:37PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
09:45pm Friday | The Odd Ditties |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Austin Aeschliman has been performing for years, both solo and as a part of bands under many different names, including Odd Austin, Smashy Claw, Rycehat, Killer Calamari, Soul Phage, not to mention a number of collaborations with other bands. This year at MarsCon, Austin is here as the frontman of “The Odd Ditties”, which also includes Nathan Long, Branden Strochinsky, and Kristin Katze. Austin is also one of the founders of Needlejuice Records, an independent record label specializing in the physical release of alternative music. Formed in September 2017 by Austin, Jace McClain of Nuclear Bubble Wrap, and Brandon Brown, the label is dedicated to the tangible, with a goal to create high quality vinyl records, cassette tapes, and compact discs with ambitious aesthetic value. You’ll be able to find a lot of Needlejuice Records vinyl and other merch at Table 27. | The Odd Ditties | 07:17PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
10:00pm Friday | Last Fan Standing |
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| Free Mars (Cardinal Perch) | Pop culture trivia! Test your knowledge as you compete against other fans to be the Last Fan Standing. Based on the trivia show of the same name! Come win some fun prizes or just play along from the crowd. | Khori | 11:06PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
10:15pm Friday | Nuclear Bubble Wrap |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Nuclear Bubble Wrap is a psychedelic/alternative rock band from Nashville, TN. While their early work was devoted to creating humorous internet content, the band’s style evolved into whimsical art-rock influenced by Ween and The Flaming Lips. Their music is known for containing lush, multi-layered psychedelic arrangements, with catchy melodies and witty lyrics. Their live show features a bevy of masks and costumes. Founded by keyboardist Jace McLain and guitarist Kyle Thorne, Nuclear Bubble Wrap began recording home-made demo albums in 2005 before switching to fully-produced studio recordings in 2010. Some of this material was played on the Dr. Demento Show. Using the momentum from several popular viral music videos, the band built a cult following and has played in several cities across the United States. The current iteration of the group is filled out by bassist Stephen Smith and drummer Julia Larson. | Nuclear Bubble Wrap | 07:11PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
11:00pm Friday | Comedy Music Guests of Honor Concert |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | John S. Hall is an American poet, author, singer and lawyer perhaps best known for his work with King Missile, an avant-garde band that he co-founded in 1986 and has since led in various incarnations. Stephen Tunney, also known as Dogbowl, is an American artist, musician and novelist. He is a founding member of the avant-garde band King Missile (Dog Fly Religion), and has recorded many albums as a solo act. | Comedy Music Guests of Honor John S. Hall and Dogbowl of KING MISSILE (Dog Fly Religion) | 07:31PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
11:00pm Friday | Masquerade Lounge “After Hours” |
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| Masquerade Lounge (Blue Heron Colony) | Everyone | 09:15PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
10:00am Saturday | School of Shaolin Kung-Fu Demo |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Join us at the Mainstage for an exciting demonstration performed by the Shaolin school of kung fu! Come and see the students, under the training of Sifu Michael Voss perform the traditional Lion dance. Complete with drums, bells and the traditional chinese flair. Stay for the demonstrations of our circular styles of northern shaolin, seven star praying mantis and so much more! Sifu Voss continues a long and rich lineage of teachers who have dedicated their lives to training the next generation of martial artists! | 09:32PM - Tuesday 19 November 2024 | |
10:00am Saturday | How to Throw a Party (Room) |
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| Masquerade Lounge (Blue Heron Colony) | Rae Lundquist | 09:27PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
10:00am Saturday | What are Furries and Why are they at my con? |
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| Free Mars (Cardinal Perch) | You’ve heard the term “furry” spoken among the con more within the last few years, but have no idea what they are and more importantly, why would they invade Marscon of all places? Turka Wuky is here to explain what a furry is, but why they too, would be wanting to take part in a sci-fi convention. All ages welcome panel. | Turka Wusky | 11:12PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
10:00am Saturday | Anime by request |
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| AV/Anime (Mallard Point) | Anime/YA | 09:50PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
10:00am Saturday | Prop-A-Torium 18 opens - 2nd floor |
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| Prop-A-Torium (White Pelican Bay) | Located in White Pelican Bay, at the far end of the hall The Prop-A-Torium has an extraordinary display of some of the most unusual and fabulous handmade and collected props staffed by the people who made and collected them! Swing by and enjoy the view. | Everyone | 10:44AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 |
10:00am Saturday | Art Show opens! - 1st floor |
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| Art Show (Riverside) | Come one, come all and bid on a masterpiece! Open for Bidding, Art Market, and Quick Sales | Everyone | 10:05AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 |
10:00am Saturday | Science Room opens! - 1st floor |
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| Science Room (Woodlands) | Located in Woodlands on the 1st floor, between the Front Desk & Restaurant Come see how we are transforming science fiction into science fact! Visit the Science Room to view and interact with science exhibits. | Everyone | 10:05AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 |
10:00am Saturday | Dealers Room & Makers Market open - 2nd floor |
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| Ballroom I/II - Buy something fun! There are new Dealers & some older Dealers with new merchandise. Many are offering “Con Theme” oriented merch at Great Prices: jewelry, tote bags, plushies, costumes, accessories, articulated dragons, figurines, books, toys & more. Many local authors that like to talk. Some Dealers are in the hall/foyer area. All hours are posted by the Dealer Room door, in the program book & pocket program… SUPPORT YOUR CON BY SUPPORTING OUR DEALERS | Everyone | 10:25AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 | |
11:00am Saturday | The Saber Legion Demo |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | The Saber Legion is a worldwide saber club, with a focus on saber combat and sparring. Our Mission Statement: Love and always represent your charters and who you are. We’re here to teach all the ways of the force. With sabers, all will be united! http://www.saberlegion.org | The Saber Legion | 09:45AM - Sunday 10 November 2024 |
11:00am Saturday | Beyond Babylon 5 |
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| Cantina (Executive Boardroom) | Jason Carter, GoH | 12:32PM - Sunday 10 November 2024 | |
11:00am Saturday | Masquerade 101 - Orientation |
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| Masquerade Lounge (Blue Heron Colony) | This will be 15 minutes of Masquerade orientation for those who are entered in the contest. The rest of the time will be a presentation (for all, not just contestants) on how to enter a costume contest. | Rae Lundquist, Masquerade Director | 09:28PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
11:00am Saturday | Esperanto! |
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| Free Mars (Cardinal Perch) | Before Star Trek, William Shatner starred in Incubus which was filmed entirely in Esperanto, the most successful constructed international auxiliary language. Starting with Attack of the Moon Zombies, filmmaker and former guest of honor Christopher Mihm has dubbed eight of his self-described "new old good bad" films into Esperanto: The Monster of Phantom Lake Attack of the Moon Zombies House of Ghosts The Giant Spider The Late Night Double Feature Danny Johnson Saves The World Demon with the Atomic Brain Queen of Snakes Learn about the language from local fans and Esperantists, and maybe pick up a phrase or two. | Art Johnson, Alexander Johnson, Minnesota Esperanto Club | 08:04PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
11:00am Saturday | Movie TBA |
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| AV/Anime (Mallard Point) | A/V Room with GPS | 08:42PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
12:00pm Saturday | Haedong Kumdo Demonstration |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Haedong Kumdo is a Korean Sword Art form using one or two swords. Many action, fantasy, and anime depictions have different sword work. Come join us as we demonstrate basic movements, sword cutting, and new two handed sword forms. There will be a follow up panel to come and play. | Steve Erickson | 09:57AM - Sunday 10 November 2024 |
01:00pm Saturday | Zumba! |
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| Cantina (Executive Boardroom) | For fun and fitness | Rachel Beise, host | 11:01PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
01:00pm Saturday | A Year in Trek |
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| Free Mars (Cardinal Perch) | Join us as we take a comprehensive look back at the remarkable events and milestones that have shaped the Star Trek universe over the past year. With the diamond anniversary of this iconic franchise approaching, we’ll reflect on the journeys we've embarked upon across various series, films, and the exciting new projects on the horizon. Get ready for spoilers as we delve into: The Fen events, including Universal Studios Hollywood's Universal Fan Fest Nights: Star Trek Nights, the To the Journey documentary, and Khan!!! The Musical! The conclusion of Discovery, Prodigy, and Lower Decks. The highly anticipated movie event Section 31, along with upcoming seasons of Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy. A glimpse into the future with thrilling projects like a live-action comedy, an origin movie, Star Trek 4, and a musical Broadway show. | Tony Artym | 11:31PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
01:00pm Saturday | Distant Calling Pictures |
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| AV/Anime (Mallard Point) | Distant Calling Pictures returns to MarsCon for 90 minutes of short film screenings followed by a Q&A. Join us on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM, as the Minnesota film-making team presents selected works for your viewing enjoyment. This program will consist of short films ranging from drama, horror, dark comedy, and action. A Q&A with the filmmakers will follow. | Distant Calling Pictures | 09:43PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
02:00pm Saturday | Blue Lotus Belly Dance |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | The Blue Lotus dance company was established in 2004. They are a troupe of professional and semi-professional dancers based in Minneapolis and Rochester, MN. They perform together in community events, professional performances, and their own original stage productions. To learn more, find them on Instagram @bluelotusbellydancers and on Facebook at "The Blue Lotus Middle Eastern Dancers." | Blue Lotus | 10:46PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
02:00pm Saturday | Haedong Kumdo Basic cuts and paper cutting |
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| Cantina (Executive Boardroom) | You watched our demonstration, now come and participate with some hands on basics and paper cutting. | 10:02AM - Sunday 10 November 2024 | |
02:00pm Saturday | Creating the… Death from Agatha All Along |
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| Masquerade Lounge (Blue Heron Colony) | Live costume & makeup demo | Bill Hedrick, Rae Lundquist | 07:40PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
02:45pm Saturday | Regdar and the Fighters |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Regdar and the Fighters is a glitch punk band out of Nashville, TN. Since 2007, who have been making weird, energetic music for nerds and music lovers. The core lineup is Steve “Fighter #1” Smith on bass/guitar and vocals, and Regdar “Why Did We Give the Computer Free Will?” on drums and synthesizers. Other musicians are frequently featured in recordings and live performances. They have existed in some form or another since 2007 and have played live with this lineup since 2009. They’re on all the major streaming platforms. If you’re looking for that, you know how to find it. | Regdar and the Fighters | 07:35PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
03:00pm Saturday | Primordial Pouch |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Primordial Pouch | 07:39PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
03:00pm Saturday | Bellydance For Every Body |
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| Cantina (Executive Boardroom) | The dance forms from the Arab world that fall under the English term "bellydance" are a fun way to get moving and enjoy beautiful music. We will learn a little bit about these dances, warm up, play with veils, learn a few basic movements that are building blocks of these dances, and put these moves together into a simple combination. No dance experience required. Bring a hip scarf and/or veil if you have them, otherwise Anjela will have some available to borrow during the class. All genders, sizes, and ability levels are invited. Variations will be offered for various levels of mobility. The instructor places an emphasis on how the movements feel over how they look. Sensory advisory: coin scarves produce ringing sounds that may cause discomfort for some with noise sensitivity or hearing aids. | Blue Lotus Dancers | 08:33AM - Thursday 21 November 2024 |
03:00pm Saturday | Space Exploration: Year in Review |
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| Free Mars (Cardinal Perch) | Highlights will include CSS, ISS and Starship…Oh, myyy! | Ben Huset, MN Space Frontier Society | 08:12PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
03:30pm Saturday | Holy Bongwater |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Holy Bongwater is the musical project of adorable couple Jace McLain (of Nuclear Bubble Wrap) and Julia Larson. They do psychedelic comedy and parody music. Their EP “Mock The Vote” is a series of parodies made about each main candidate during the 2016 presidential election: Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Jill Stein, Gary Johnson, and Bernie Sanders. Although the election was intense and stressful, this little parody EP hopefully serves as a nice little time capsule that showcases how a lot of people felt at the time. Many of their songs can be heard at the Funny Music Project, aka The FuMP dot com. FFI: https://holybongwater.bandcamp.com/ | Holy Bongwater | 06:52PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
04:00pm Saturday | Steve Goodie |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Steve Goodie is, in all modesty and candor, the genius of our age. Comedian, writer, singer, director and producer, Steve was a founding member of Monty Python and has written scripts for Sid Caesar, Woody Allen, Mahatma Gandhi, Matt Groening, and Queen Elizabeth (for which he was knighted in 1972 at the unprecedented age of six). The Beatles credit much of their fame to his early studio work, during which he developed their recording sound with his apprentice, George Martin. His film scores and theatre work need no introduction, and he became a household word with his ground-breaking recording of The Biggest Belch In The History Of Man. It is a tribute to his humility that, on the suggestion of his long-time fan and sometime paramour Liz Taylor, he entered the Federal Witness Protection Program and began a new career, “to level the playing field,” as he put it, “for the other idiots trying to make it in Show Business.” | Steve Goodie | 06:41PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
04:00pm Saturday | School of Shaolin Kung-Fu |
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| Cantina (Executive Boardroom) | Hands on demonstration | 10:10AM - Sunday 17 November 2024 | |
04:00pm Saturday | Rogue One & Andor: The Star Wars Prequels We Actually Needed |
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| Free Mars (Cardinal Perch) | Of all the Star Wars shows on Disney Plus, Andor has consistently been the most critically acclaimed. It's also proven incredibly popular with viewers and was nominated for multiple Emmy Awards. Andor is in fact a prequel to Rogue One, the Star Wars prequel which chronicles the immediate lead up to Star Wars: A New Hope and lays the groundwork for the Rebellion's first major victory in the battle against the Empire, the destruction of the Death Star. Rogue One is a stand-alone cinematic triumph that breaks a few Disney/Star Wars rules on its own. Andor's Season 2 production was delayed, but is highly anticipated for 2025. Meet, discuss, Squee! | Christine LaBounty, Kevin Berg, Brian LaBounty | 11:44PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
04:30pm Saturday | Devo Spice |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | 2019 Guest of Honor Devo Spice is a nerdcore and comedy rapper from New Jersey who calls himself “the red-headed stepson of Weird Al Yankovic and Eminem” and is one of the most popular artists on “The Dr. Demento Show”, having had the #1 most requested song of the year three times, and is also a FOUR-TIME Logan Award winner spanning all 3 categories. He is the webmaster of the comedy music collective website “The Funny Music Project”, aka The FuMP .com. Of his many albums, one of note would be his Doctor Who concept album “I Am The Doctor”, which has has 11 tracks about each of the first 11 Doctors (there’s a new Capaldi song on his latest album, Whittaker song coming in the future, fam). | Devo Spice | 06:47PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
05:00pm Saturday | the great Luke Ski |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | 2005 & 2016 & 2019 Guest of Honor At Dragon*Con 2004, Dr. Demento declared “the great Luke Ski” (a former MarsCon Music Guest Of Honor) to be his radio program’s “Most Requested Artist of the 21st Century”. Since then, Luke held onto that title by having his nerdy comedy tracks on “The Dr. Demento Show’s” annual year-end “Funny 25” countdown of his most requested songs of the year for 18 years in a row, with a whopping FIVE of them reaching the #1 spot, including his 2018 hit “Candybars”, which earned him his 3rd Logan Award for Outstanding Parody Song. Luke has been the Chair of the MarsCon Comedy Music Track since it’s inception. Luke Ski is currently looking for his next full-time job in the animation industry in the Burbank / L.A. area, paying the bills by being a cannabis product delivery boy, and trying to make more new comedy songs when he has the time and money to do so. | the great Luke Ski | 06:43PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
05:00pm Saturday | Epic Universe |
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| Free Mars (Cardinal Perch) | Universal Orlando Studios' new Epic Universe is set to redefine theme park experiences with its five new lands: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Join us for an in-depth chat about these lands, the incredible details, and the unique ways they tell their stories. Plus, get insights into possible expansions and future developments. Note: There will be spoilers, so come prepared for an immersive discussion into the magic of Epic Universe! | Tony Artym | 12:22AM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
05:00pm Saturday | SF Writing Groups: The 2025 Scene |
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| Re(a)d Mars (Eagle’s Nest) | Since 1986, the Minnesota Imaginative Fiction Writers' Alliance has held an annual meeting--currently at MarsCon--at which science fiction and fantasy writers who are looking for a writing group get a chance to connect with SF writing groups that are looking for new members. | Eric M Heideman, mod. | 10:25PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
05:30pm Saturday | the 15th Annual LOGAN AWARDS |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Comedy Music Track | 07:46PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
06:00pm Saturday | Masquerade Workmanship Judging |
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| Masquerade Lounge (Blue Heron Colony) | Masquerade Director Rae Lundquist | 09:21PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
07:00pm Saturday | Masquerade Rehearsal & Judging |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Masquerade participants | 09:40AM - Sunday 10 November 2024 | |
07:00pm Saturday | Masquerade Rehearsal |
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| Masquerade Lounge (Blue Heron Colony) | Masquerade Director Rae Lundquist | 09:17PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
07:00pm Saturday | Prop-A-Torium Closes |
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| Prop-A-Torium (White Pelican Bay) | Thank you for visiting! Come back tomorrow! | All | 10:38AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 |
07:00pm Saturday | Science Room Closes |
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| Science Room (Woodlands) | "The pursuit of science is a never-ending journey into the unknown, fueled by curiosity and guided by reason." - Neil Armstrong | All | 10:22AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 |
07:00pm Saturday | Dealers Room & Makers Market Close |
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| Visit before closing time for your last minute purchases! Supporting Dealers supports the convention. | Everyone | 10:33AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 | |
07:30pm Saturday | Art Show Closes |
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| Art Show (Riverside) | “So while our art cannot, as we wish it could, save us from wars, privation, envy, greed, old age, or death, it can revitalize us amidst it all.” —Ray Bradbury Please come back tomorrow! Support local artists! | Art & Fans of Art | 10:21AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 |
08:00pm Saturday | Masquerade/ Cosplay |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | A grand costume contest with prizes and half-time entertainment! | Masquerade Director Rae Lundquist, MC, Judges, Masquerade participants | 09:43AM - Sunday 10 November 2024 |
08:00pm Saturday | Masquerade Green Room |
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| Masquerade Lounge (Blue Heron Colony) | Masquerade Director Rae Lundquist | 09:17PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
09:00pm Saturday | Saturday Night Karaoke |
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| Cantina (Executive Boardroom) | Sing and sing along. | 09:52AM - Sunday 10 November 2024 | |
09:00pm Saturday | Movie TBA |
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| AV/Anime (Mallard Point) | A/V Room with GPS | 09:45PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
10:00pm Saturday | Hentai Game Show! |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Join us for an adult (18+) game show where contestants compete for prizes. Volunteers from the audience competeand play adult-themed games. These fun naughty games are for aliens and humans alike. Come show us your bawdy side, or just be a voyeur! Prizes donated by Fantasy Gifts | Kevin Doheny, Host | 09:49AM - Sunday 10 November 2024 |
11:00pm Saturday | Burlesque - 18+ |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Back for their 12th appearance…the ladies and gentlemen of the Twin Cities burlesque scene. Meet them, hear a history, learn where the shows are, and maybe a performance. Open to those 18+ ONLY, you will be carded at the door. | 10:25AM - Sunday 17 November 2024 | |
11:00pm Saturday | Masquerade Lounge “After Hours” |
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| Masquerade Lounge (Blue Heron Colony) | Everyone | 09:15PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
10:00am Sunday | Art Show opens! - 1st floor |
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| Art Show (Riverside) | Open for Art Market and Sunday Sales, Artist Pick up and check out, All artwork must be picked up no later than 1:00 pm on Sunday. | Everyone | 10:07AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 |
11:00am Sunday | Charity Auction |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Come, bid on donated items, and raise money for worthwhile causes! Charity Auction proceeds will be split between the Gordy Dickson Memorial Scholarship Fund which benefits aspiring SF authors and Oasis for Youth, a local organization that helps youth who are at risk of homelessness. This YouTube video says it all: https://youtu.be/4RW-e5xfjDw?si=nK3V--3ojqsY0cEx Please consider contributing to the Charity Auction any way you can--by bidding, by donating, by volunteering. We are able to take donations up until an hour before the auction. Donations may be brought to the Bridge which is located on first floor, across from the hotel’s front desk. Thank you for your generosity! | Everyone | 08:29PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
11:00am Sunday | Prop-A-Torium 18 opens - 2nd floor |
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| Prop-A-Torium (White Pelican Bay) | Located in White Pelican Bay, at the far end of the hall The Prop-A-Torium has an extraordinary display of some of the most unusual and fabulous handmade and collected props staffed by the people who made and collected them! Swing by and enjoy the view. | Everyone | 10:46AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 |
11:00am Sunday | Science Room opens! - 1st floor |
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| Science Room (Woodlands) | Located in Woodlands on the 1st floor, between the Front Desk & Restaurant Come see how we are transforming science fiction into science fact! Visit the Science Room to view and interact with science exhibits. | Everyone | 10:13AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 |
11:00am Sunday | Dealers Room & Makers Market open - 2nd floor |
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| Ballroom I/II - Buy something fun! There are new Dealers & some older Dealers with new merchandise. Many are offering “Con Theme” oriented merch at Great Prices: jewelry, tote bags, plushies, costumes, accessories, articulated dragons, figurines, books, toys & more. Many local authors that like to talk. Some Dealers are in the hall/foyer area. All hours are posted by the Dealer Room door, in the program book & pocket program… SUPPORT YOUR CON BY SUPPORTING OUR DEALERS | Everyone | 10:16AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 | |
12:00pm Sunday | Scenes From A Hat : Family Friendly |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Improv comedy from a local long running improv troupe, TV, online, and stage show. SFAH has been making audiences laugh since 2017. We've performed at MarsCon in the past. | Scenes From A Hat | 07:48PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
12:00pm Sunday | Actor Guest of Honor: Jason Carter Q&A |
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| Cantina (Executive Boardroom) | Jason Carter, GoH | 12:37PM - Sunday 10 November 2024 | |
12:00pm Sunday | Thrift Store Costuming |
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| Masquerade Lounge (Blue Heron Colony) | 09:33PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | ||
12:00pm Sunday | Anime by request |
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| AV/Anime (Mallard Point) | Anime/YA | 09:51PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
01:00pm Sunday | Carrie Dahlby |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Carrie Dahlby is originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, now a Chicago area resident for over 20 years. In 2014 Carrie released her 3rd album “Sing All Funny Jokes”, and frequently appears in songs by other members of the FuMP. Her song about the sweet bliss of being a parent who finally gets some time to watch the R-rated movies and geeky TV shows they love away from their kids, “Almost Parent Time”, hit #5 on Dr. Demento’s Funny 25 countdown of 2014. Carrie also joined the Ren Faire singing group “Court And Country”, an a capella vocal ensemble with a focus on bringing a variety of historically researched medieval and renaissance choral music to popular audiences. She was the Music Guest Of Honor at CapriCon 2019 in Chicago. | Carrie Dahlby | 06:59PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
01:00pm Sunday | Getting to Know Our Artist Guest of Honor Brandie Hanson |
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| Cantina (Executive Boardroom) | Brandie Hanson | 10:57PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
01:00pm Sunday | Ask the Experts |
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| Masquerade Lounge (Blue Heron Colony) | Costuming experts | 09:29PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
01:00pm Sunday | Art Show Closes |
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| Art Show (Riverside) | All artwork must be picked up no later than 1:00 pm on Sunday. If you bid on something, please check with Art Show before you leave. You may have the winning bid! | Artists & Fans of Art | 10:09AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 |
01:30pm Sunday | Il Neige |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Returning for his 4th year is Garett Snook, a.k.a. “Il Neige” (it’s French). He is an L.A. based songwriter whose love of the electric guitar is matched only by his passion for Simpsons quotes. He began producing comedy music in 2014 with “Sub Zero,” widely regarded as the moment “Let It Go” parodies stopped being funny, and has since gone on to spoof Bastille, the Beatles, and more. His originals walk the line between silly and sincere, covering topics ranging from Nintendo, to the meme-ification of Christmas, to… okay, so it’s mostly Nintendo. His most recent project is “Rock that Pokemon,” a YouTube series that attempts to immortalize all 800+ of the little buggers through song. Citing influence from Green Day, Weezer, and whichever Ska band is playing in Anaheim tonight, Neige believes there’s always room for a little more Geek in your Rock. | Il Neige | 07:08PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
02:00pm Sunday | Insane Ian |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Insane Ian is a comedian/writer who has been in several bands and loves video games. He plays them, he reviews them, he collects them, he even writes comedy songs about video games. He’s gone so far as to combine reviews and comedy songs into his video game “Reviewsicals” on YouTube. Just one look at Ian’s Bandcamp page makes it obvious that Insane Ian is a comedy music juggernaut that cannot be stopped. Ian hit a milestone in his career a long time in coming, as he had the #1 most requested song of 2015 on “The Dr. Demento Show”, the name-mangling Brit-tribute, “Benedict Cumberbatch”, sitting firmly atop the Doctor’s year-end Funny 25. With a sharp wit, sarcastic smirk, and a bit of self-deprecation, he’s here to bring his unique sound to anyone who won’t tell him to shut up… and even a few that will. FFI: https://www.insaneian.com/ | Insane Ian | 06:56PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
02:00pm Sunday | Get Smart Again |
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| Free Mars (Cardinal Perch) | We'd like to continue MarsCon 2024's discussion of this innovative sly comedy show (1965-1970). Created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry and starring Don Adams as Maxwell Smart, Agent 86, and Barbara Feldon as Agent 99, Get Smart used satire, parody, slapstick, wordplay, and imagination to create a show that has stood the test of time. | Eric M Heideman | 10:31PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
02:30pm Sunday | Dogbowl |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Stephen Tunney, also known as Dogbowl, is an American artist, musician and novelist. He is a founding member of the avant-garde band King Missile (Dog Fly Religion), and has recorded many albums as a solo act. He is also the author of two novels, the surreal, post-apocalyptic Flan, published in 1992 by Four Walls Eight Windows, and One Hundred Percent Lunar Boy, published in 2010 by MacAdam/Cage. One Hundred Percent Lunar Boy takes place on a terraformed Moon two thousand years in the future and chronicles the misadventures of sixteen-year-old Hieronymus Rexaphin, a boy who can see the fourth primary color, and the trouble he gets into after showing his unusual eyes to a teenage tourist girl from Earth. | Dogbowl | 07:38PM - Tuesday 17 December 2024 |
03:00pm Sunday | Dumb Parody Ideas |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Comedy Music Track | 07:52PM - Monday 16 December 2024 | |
03:00pm Sunday | Prop-A-Torium Closes |
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| Prop-A-Torium (White Pelican Bay) | Thank you for visiting! See you again soon! | All | 10:40AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 |
03:00pm Sunday | Science Room Closes |
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| Science Room (Woodlands) | So long, and thanks for all the fish! | Everyone | 10:11AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 |
03:00pm Sunday | Dealers Room & Makers Market Close |
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| Visit before closing time for your last minute purchases! Supporting Dealers supports the convention. | Everyone | 10:18AM - Wednesday 18 December 2024 | |
03:15pm Sunday | COMEDY MUSIC SMACKDOWN concert |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Concert featuring many of the 2025 Comedy Music Track acts in our grand* finale! | Comedy Music Track Artists | 07:51PM - Monday 16 December 2024 |
04:00pm Sunday | Closing Ceremonies |
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| Mainstage (Ballroom III/IV) | Say “farewell” to the guests & “thanks” to volunteers. Hear news about next year’s convention plans, pre-register for next year, and wonder why the weekend went so quickly. | Chairs, ConCom and Guests of Honor Jason Carter, Brandie Hanson, Ozgur Sahin, TBA, TBA | 12:59PM - Sunday 10 November 2024 |
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MarsCon 2025: Gone Rogue March 7-9 MarsCon is a fan run family friendly all-inclusive convention, held annually. A universe of Nerddom! Mailing Address: MarsCon P.O. Box 21213 Eagan, MN 55121 |
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