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Cap off your Saturday, November 9, at Sci-Fi Valley Con with a night of fun and festivities at our official After Party! Join us at the Holiday Bowl, located at 181 Bowling Lane, Altoona, PA 16601, for an evening that promises to be filled with excitement and entertainment. The party kicks off at 9:00 PM and goes until 2:00 AM, giving you plenty of time to bowl, sing, and celebrate with fellow con-goers.
Get ready to strike down some pins at our special after-party bowling rates—just $20 per lane per hour. Bring your friends or team up with new ones as each lane accommodates up to 6 people, and don’t worry about extra costs because shoe rentals are absolutely free! Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or just looking for a fun way to relax after a busy day at the con, our bowling event is the perfect strike!
Not into bowling? Grab the mic and show off your vocal chops with some karaoke. Our after-party isn’t just about bowling; it’s also a chance for you to take the stage and belt out your favorite tunes. Karaoke is a fan-favorite feature every year, and it’s a fantastic way to mingle and make memories with other attendees.
The After Party at the Holiday Bowl is not just an event; it's a tradition that attendees look forward to each year. It's the perfect setting to unwind and connect with others who share your passions in a relaxed, fun-filled environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to wrap up your Saturday night with a bit of competitive fun and a lot of laughter.
Mark your calendar for Saturday night, November 9, and get ready to bowl and sing the night away! No registration necessary, just show up and join in on the fun. We can’t wait to see you there and close out an incredible day with a strike!
Where:
Holiday Bowl
181 Bowling Lane
Altoona, PA 16601
When:
Saturday Night:
November 9
9:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Special Bowling Rates:
Only $20 per lane per hour.
Up to 6 people per lane
(as low as $3.33 per person for an hour)
FREE SHOE RENTALS!
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most out of your autograph and photo opportunities at Sci-Fi Valley Con:
The price list information is subject to change.
Sci-Fi Valley Con proudly presents the Con-Quest, a unique charity event hosted by the Gearbox Union. This engaging adventure combines fun with philanthropy, benefiting children's hospitals around the globe, and takes place right here at our convention.
For a small donation of $5 to the Child’s Play Charity, participants receive an official GBU Con-Quest pouch, five raffle tickets for a chance to win amazing donated prizes, and a one-day questing pass. Your adventure starts with a map found in the Sci-Fi Valley Con flyer, guiding you through various engaging activities at participating tables. Complete challenges like acting like a zombie, dancing like a unicorn, or quoting your favorite superhero to earn GBU Con-Quest bottle caps. These caps can be exchanged at the Mega-Table for additional raffle tickets, increasing your chances of winning while you enjoy the convention's many offerings.
Begin your heroic journey at the Gearbox Union Con-Quest Mega-Table, located at Tables D1-D7, upstairs outside the ballroom. Each day brings new quests, variable trade values for your collected raffle tickets, hidden secrets to uncover, and much more. It’s an adventure packed with surprises and rewards!
Interested in being a part of the Con-Quest? Wonderful! We invite vendors, artists, and guests with tables at the convention to join by donating to the charity raffle and participating in the quest activities. It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage more attendees at your table while contributing to a great cause.
To sign up and become a quest location, please email GearboxUnion@gmail.com. We are excited to see your creative participation in this year’s Con-Quest!
Don’t miss out on this distinctive way to explore Sci-Fi Valley Con, engage in fun interactions, and help support children in need. Prepare to quest, collect, and conquer at the Con-Quest!
Prepare to dazzle and be dazzled at Sci-Fi Valley Con's annual Costume Contest! Whether you're a die-hard fan of Sci-Fi, a lover of Horror, a Fantasy enthusiast, or an Anime aficionado, we invite you to showcase your best costume and compete for amazing prizes and the admiration of your peers.
Dress up in your most creative attire inspired by any realm of your choice—be it Fantasy, Science Fiction, Anime, Steampunk, Horror, or your favorite Movie, TV Show, or Book. Show off your craftsmanship, flair, and passion for all things fantastical and otherworldly!
Impress our panel of judges and take home one of the coveted trophies! We are awarding trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places across three age categories, ensuring everyone from our youngest fans to seasoned adults gets a chance to shine. For our adult participants, we have special awards including Best-of-Show and Judge’s Choice, recognizing outstanding creativity and craftsmanship.
Registration Begins & Optional Prejudging:
Contest Begins:
When signing up, you will be asked to provide:
Costume Title:
Costume Inspiration:
Details for Judges:
Join us for an evening of spectacular costumes, thrilling competition, and community fun. Whether competing or spectating, the Costume Contest at Sci-Fi Valley Con is an event you won't want to miss. Shine in your best costume, cheer on your favorites, and maybe even leave with a trophy!
Get ready to make a difference while indulging in your passion for collectibles and fine art at the Sci-Fi Valley Con Charity Auction! This special event combines the excitement of bidding with the joy of giving, all in support of a fantastic cause.
All proceeds from our Charity Auction will go directly to Extra Life, a charitable organization that supports Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. By participating, you're not just bidding for beautiful items—you're helping to improve the lives of children in need.
Prepare to be amazed by the array of fine art available at our auction, generously donated by the talented artists attending our convention. From stunning paintings and intricate sculptures to unique collectibles and memorabilia, there's something to catch the eye of every collector and enthusiast.
Date: Saturday, November 9
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Event Room
We encourage all our attendees to come with their checkbooks ready to engage in spirited bidding. Whether you’re looking to add a unique piece to your collection or searching for that perfect gift, you’ll find plenty of wonderful options—all while supporting a worthy cause.
The Charity Auction is open to all Sci-Fi Valley Con attendees. We invite you to join us in the Event Room, where you can bid on your favorite items in a live auction format. It’s a perfect opportunity to acquire rare and beautiful pieces and make a significant impact through your contributions.
Mark your calendars and join us for an afternoon of competitive bidding at Sci-Fi Valley Con. Let's raise funds for Extra Life and make a meaningful difference together. See you there!
Prepare for a whirlwind of artistic talent and charitable giving at Sci-Fi Valley Con's Charity Quick Sketches! This dynamic event brings together some of the convention's most talented artists for a fast-paced drawing session where creativity knows no bounds.
Join us on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for an exhilarating hour where our artists will speed-sketch as many pieces as possible. Each piece, ranging from beloved superheroes to original creations shouted out by attendees, is immediately available for auction right after it’s completed. It’s your chance to own a unique piece of art created right before your eyes!
Can’t find a print of your favorite character on the exhibitor floor? No problem! At the Charity Quick Sketches, you can request anything you’d like to see drawn. Participate in the excitement by bidding on these unique artworks through raffle tickets, with all proceeds going to various charities.
Sci-Fi Valley Con is proud to supply all necessary materials for our artists, ensuring they have everything they need to produce amazing work. Just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to bid!
This event not only showcases the incredible skills of our artists but also supports worthwhile causes. Gather at the designated times in the main event area and watch art happen in real-time. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply looking to support charity in a fun way, the Charity Quick Sketches at Sci-Fi Valley Con is an event you won’t want to miss. See you there for some rapid artistic action!
Location: Outside on The Lawn
When: Saturday, November 9
Time: 1:00-2:00 PM & 4:00-5:00 PM
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of medieval combat at Sci-Fi Valley Con! Whether you've always dreamed of being a valiant knight, a cunning rogue, or simply want to try your hand at a new, action-packed hobby, our Dagorhir Demonstrations are not to be missed.
Join us for a spectacular display of medieval sports for the modern age, where full-contact combat meets historical fantasy. Participants donned in period-appropriate attire engage in battles using foam weaponry, prioritizing safety while delivering an exhilarating experience.
This vivid presentation will be led by the esteemed members of the Wolves of Asgard and Iron Mountain units from Johnstown. They will guide you through the basic rules, demonstrate the combat techniques, and explain the safety measures and equipment used. Adding to the excitement, the Gearbox Union will be on hand, boosting the energy as our enthusiastic crowd supporters!
After the demonstration, you're invited to pick up a sword and join the fray. We'll have plenty of foam weapons available for you to get a firsthand experience of Dagorhir (waivers required, and minors must have parental supervision).
So, step outside, embrace a legendary pastime, and prepare to shout "Lay on!" as you dive into the world of medieval combat sports at Sci-Fi Valley Con.
At Sci-Fi Valley Con, we offer an extensive lineup of Q&A Guest Panels that run throughout the entire weekend, providing you with continuous opportunities to engage directly with your favorite celebrities, creators, and thinkers in the world of science fiction and fantasy.
Located in Panel Room 1, our highly anticipated Celebrity Guest Panels are a highlight of the convention. Due to the popularity of these panels, seating is limited. To ensure a spot, consider purchasing a 3-day pass which grants advanced seating privileges, allowing you to secure the best spots before anyone else. Typically, we schedule two celebrity guest panels on Friday and Sunday, and three on Saturday. Each session offers a unique chance to hear from renowned figures in the entertainment industry about their experiences, insights, and journeys.
In Panel Room 2, dive deeper into the creative process with our convention artists, authors, and other talented individuals. These panels feature presentations on a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of world-building and character creation to the technical details of comic book publishing and beyond. Our panelists are eager to share their expertise and answer your questions. Whether you're an aspiring creator or a seasoned enthusiast, these sessions are designed to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the creative arts.
Each panel is crafted to maximize interaction and engagement, allowing you ample time to ask questions, participate in discussions, and gain valuable insights directly from the experts. Remember, with limited seating available, arriving early to each panel is highly recommended to ensure you don’t miss out on these enlightening experiences.
Explore the full schedule of panels to plan your weekend at Sci-Fi Valley Con and make the most out of every session. We can't wait to see you there, ready to explore new realms of imagination and creativity!
Step into a blast from the past at Sci-Fi Valley Con's expansive Retro Gaming Arcade Vault! We've dedicated considerable effort and resources to create an awe-inspiring room that celebrates over 50 years of video game history. This is your chance to experience a vast collection of video game consoles, all in one place.
Our Retro Gaming Arcade Vault features an impressive array of more than 45+ different consoles and computer systems, offering everyone from casual fans to hardcore gamers the opportunity to dive into the golden age of gaming. Whether you're looking to relive cherished childhood memories or discover the classics for the first time, our arcade is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the rich history of video gaming.
Magnavox Odyssey (1972)
National Semiconductor Adversary (1976)
Atari 2600 (1977)
Magnavox Odyssey 2 (1978)
Mattel Intellivision (1979)
ColecoVision (1982)
Atari 5200 (1982)
Apple IIe (1983)
Nintendo Famicom (1983)
Commodore SX-64 (1984)
Nintendo Entertainment System (1985)
Sega Master System (1985)
Atari 7800 (1986)
Twin Famicom (1986)
Commodore 64C (1986)
NEC TurboGrafx-16 (1987)
Sega Genesis (1988)
SNK NeoGeo AES (1990)
Nintendo Super Famicom (1990)
Super Nintendo EntertainmentSystem (1991)
Philips CD-i (1991)
NEC PC Engine DUO-R (1991)
Goldstar 3DO (1993)
Atari Jaguar (1993)
Nintendo AV Famicom Console (1993)
Sega Saturn (1994)
SNK NeoGeo CD (1994)
Sony PlayStation (1994)
Nintendo Virtual Boy (1995)
Nintendo 64 (1996)
Sega Dreamcast (1998)
iMac G3 (1998)
Sony PlayStation 2 (2000)
Nintendo GameCube (2001)
Microsoft Xbox (2001)
Nintendo Wii (2006)
Sony PlayStation 3 (2006)
Microsoft Xbox 360 (2005)
Nintendo Wii U (2012)
Xbox One (2013)
PlayStation 4 (2013)
Nintendo Switch (2017)
Xbox Series X (2020)
PlayStation 5 (2020)
Enjoy hassle-free transportation to Sci-Fi Valley Con with our complimentary shuttle service available on Saturday, November 9, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Take advantage of the free overflow parking located at the Altoona Curve Baseball Stadium Parking Garage and hop on the shuttle for a smooth ride straight to the excitement of the convention.
Park & Ride Details:
Plan your visit with ease, park your car, and let our shuttle service take care of the rest. We look forward to making your Sci-Fi Valley Con experience as convenient and enjoyable as possible!
Sci-Fi Valley Con is a haven for gamers, featuring an extensive array of tabletop gaming events hosted by Snake Eyes Gaming, Quelmar Realm, and Sentinels’ Keep Gaming Society. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the scene, we have something for everyone.
Our convention boasts a diverse selection of games, including:
Explore our engaging workshops and activities designed for all skill levels, located in various areas of the convention:
What is Warhammer?:
Introduction to Tabletop Miniature Gaming:
Learn to Paint Miniatures:
Paint and Take:
Participate in our Trading Card Game (TCG) events happening throughout the weekend:
Disney Lorcana Booster Draft:
Magic Commander Constructed Event:
Heroclix $5 Battle Royale:
On-demand Learn to Play Demonstrations and Casual Play
Available all weekend, engage in casual play or learn new games including various card games, miniatures games, and board games like Blood Bowl, Star Wars Shatterpoint, and more.
With a full schedule catering to all interests and skill levels, Sci-Fi Valley Con is the ultimate destination for gaming enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the world of tabletop gaming.
Test your knowledge and compete for amazing prizes at the Sci-Fi Valley Con Trivia Tournaments! Join us on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to answer questions from a wide range of geeky categories and see if you can outsmart other attendees. Trophies and Best Buy gift cards await the top trivia masters!
Gather your friends or come solo to take on challenging questions spanning across various fandoms and topics. Whether you're a sci-fi aficionado, a fantasy enthusiast, or a pop culture expert, our Trivia Tournaments offer a fun and competitive environment to showcase your trivia skills. Don't miss your chance to be crowned one of the biggest geeks at Sci-Fi Valley Con and win great prizes!
Dive into the world of creative craftsmanship with our exciting lineup of workshops at Sci-Fi Valley Con!
All weekend long, Snake Eyes Gaming invites you to join their popular 'Paint and Take' workshops, conveniently located in the workshop area downstairs, next to the Gaming Rooms. For a nominal fee, we provide everything you need—a miniature, paints, and tools—along with expert guidance to help you paint your very own miniature. Whether you're a seasoned painter or a novice eager to learn a new skill, this workshop is a perfect creative outlet.
Explore the cutting-edge technology of 3D printing and the art of foam smithing with Snowtiger Designs. Visit their booth at Table D3 for live demonstrations and hands-on workshops throughout the convention. These sessions are great for anyone interested in learning more about 3D printing technologies and the techniques of foam smithing used in cosplay and prop making.
Whether you're looking to improve your painting skills or delve into new creative technologies, our workshops offer unique opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and take home your very own creations. Stop by and unleash your creativity at Sci-Fi Valley Con!
