Archon 45–Annual science fiction and fantasy convention returns

Since 1977 the St. Louis area convention Archon has become one of the Midwest’s premiere science fiction and fantasy convention events. After canceling its event in 2020 for the pandemic and holding only a partial event in 2021, Archon 45 begins today and it promises a return with its full slate of festivities including its internationally recognized cosplay masquerade, extensive gaming arena, and 250 scheduled events over its three days, September 30 through October 2.

The Guests of Honor headlining Archon 45 are Edgar Award-winning mystery and Morris Award-winning fantasy author Elizabeth C. Bunce and Artist Guest of Honor, the award-winning fantasy artist and actor R. Cat Conrad. Past Guests of Honor include George R.R. Martin, Tanith Lee, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Ray Harryhausen, Forrest J. Ackerman, Robert Jordan, Connie Willis, and Barbara Hambly.

Kevin Dulle will lead the masquerade as Grand Masquerade Master of Ceremonies. Chicago band Random Fractions will be featured as the Filk Guest of Honor–“filk” music is a musical culture community combining the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres.

The fan program details 238 events, including expert panels on about every fandom and professional creator subject you can think of, artist and author autograph sessions, art shows, music concerts, and the event’s annual screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (find out more about all the events here). A 46-page science fiction and fantasy gaming program (available here) details miniatures, roleplaying, board game, and card tournaments to be held over nine four-hour sessions.