SWFL SpaceCon at the German America Social Club this Saturday
Southwest Floridians can proudly show off their fandom and cosplay as their favorite characters this weekend in Cape Coral.
SWFL SpaceCon hits the German American Social Club this Saturday for a day filled with comics, anime, sci-fi and more.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will be packed with vendors, game demos, drop-in gaming, game tournaments, photo and autograph opportunities, panels, costume contests, and non-stop entertainment.
“It’s going to be a great time,” said Michelle Wassall, captain of Nexus9, the entity that puts on SWFL SpaceCon. “It’s a sci-fi convention with anime and pop culture themes as well. We’re going to have vendors set up selling comic books, anime items, pop culture items, and art work. We’ll have special guests from the film industry as well.”
Special guests this year include: actor Alex Mai (“My Hero Academia,” “Dragonball Super,” “One Piece”), actor Brett Heneise (“VR Troopers,” “Star Trek,” “JAG”), actor Mike Pollock (“Sonic,” “Pokemon,” “Yu-Gi-Oh!”); plus comic book creator and artist Mike Sealie, cosplay guests Daleks of Orakos, Joel Xero, Rose_Cosplay, SWFL Ghost Corps and 501’st Tampa Bay Squad.
“It will be a day full of fun,” Wassall said. “We’ll have games and trivia throughout the day, and other entertainment.”
Attendees are encouraged to dress up or in their favorite cosplay, with a discounted ticket price for those that do.
Tabletop gaming sessions and lessons include “Dungeons and Dragons,” “Pokemon,” with back battles happening throughout the day, as well as drop-in gaming.
The event will also feature live “Mario Kart” racing, a retro video game area, indy video game demos, and a “Star Fox” experience booth.
Other entertainment includes ’80s movie trivia, question and answer sessions with the special guests, group photo opportunities, “Disney” trivia, and more.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Wassail said of the event that’s been going on since 2017. “It’s a great time out with friends, or a chance to meet new people.”
Meeting likeminded people who share the same passions is a major component of event to spread joy throughout the community.
“A lot of people when they see one another dressed in costume, or they see their shirt, it’s just a good atmosphere to mingle and connect with each other,” Wassall said. “A lot of people make new friends interacting and talking about what they love. It helps bring people together.”
The bar at the German American Social Club will be open, and food trucks will be on-site.
There will free on-site parking and tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.swflspacecon.com, and can also be purchased with cash at the door.
Tickets are $15, and $12 for those in costume at the door. For paying adults, one child under 12 is free, and $5 per additional entry.
The German American Social Club is at 2101 SW Pine Island Road.