PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

Main Stage

Friday: Stories That Haunt Us – Enter the Flanaverse

A Friday the 13th deep dive into atmospheric horror, complex characters, and the creative process behind some of the genre’s most talked-about performances.

Saturday: An Evening with Adam Savage

From making and myth-busting to storytelling and lifelong curiosity, Adam Savage takes the stage for an open, audience-driven discussion about creativity, problem-solving, and the joy of building things.

Sunday: Critical Role: The Adventure Continues

Join Taliesin Jaffe, Sam Riegel, and new cast members Alex Ward, Luis Carazo, and Whitney Moore for a special conversation celebrating storytelling, tabletop adventures, and the ever-growing world of Critical Role.

Craft & Meetup – Room 208

Coloring & Conversations: A Neurodivergent Wellness Space

Coloring and Conversations at Awesome Con 2026 is a wellness-focused, sensory-friendly retreat for neurodivergent attendees. This calming space offers fans a place to relax, recharge, and express themselves through themed coloring pages and mindful dialogue inspired by pop culture. Participants receive a free digital Coloring and Conversations book with original illustrations, affirmations, and journaling cues. Ideal for those feeling overstimulated or socially fatigued, it’s a mindful experience rooted in inclusion, wellness, and creative joy.

Cosplay Stash Exchange

Do you have old, unwanted cosplay items, fabrics, wigs, or sewing supplies you can part with? Bring them to this panel/stash! Give your used cosplay and sewing materials a new life by letting others adopt them. Our goal is to connect your unwanted items with people who will love them. Everyone is welcome, whether you bring items or not.

Performance – Room 202

Cosplay Runway: Outside the Competition

Showcase your cosplay on the Awesome Con Cosplay Runway! This non-competitive program offers a spotlight opportunity for cosplayers of all ages. Get tips on posing and performance before hitting the runway. Full or handmade costumes are not required; all levels of cosplay fans and supporters are welcome to participate, whether on stage or in the audience. Make this Cosplay Runway unforgettable!

Divas & Death Saves

This Live D&D One-Shot Drag adventure follows four Drag-venturers in a high fantasy, competition-inspired show (Drag Race/Dragula/King of Drag). The show includes “Lipsync Introductions,” the audience-participation “Vicious Mockery” Side-Quest, and the main “Talent Under Fire!” Story Quest, where the team performs a group talent show during combat against an unknown foe. Will they Slay or Sashay Away?

Movement – Room 209

Not Your Senpai’s Electric Slide

A dance workshop fusing Southern culture and “Nerd” pride. Learn classic and contemporary line dances, from the Cupid Shuffle to a Naruto-themed Soul Train line, understanding the history and community power of rhythm. All skill levels welcome.

LIVE Mario Themed Cardio Workout with Geeknasium!

Celebrate the Mario Galaxy movie early with a LIVE, interactive cardio workout for all fitness levels! Channel your favorite NINTENDO characters in this Mario Bros-inspired workout to test your jumps and speed. Come in or out of cosplay (wear clothes you can move in) for a discussion on fandoms and fitness, followed by a 30-minute themed workout modifiable for everyone. Hosted by Heather Boddy of Geeknasium, empowering self-proclaimed nerds in exercise.

See Full Schedule

Laurel’s House of Horrors Photo Experience – Room 143C

Transform. Pose. Terrify.

Get transformed into a monster at Laurel’s House of Horrors! This immersive photo experience features professional horror makeup, limited costumes for photos, and four haunting selfie spaces designed for your creepiest shots.