The Maryland regional science fiction and fantasy convention, Balticon 52, is rapidly approaching on May 25-28, 2018. The four-day convention is taking place at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel on 202 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland. 

Author, singer, and PhD physicist Catherine Asaro is attending the show as the Guest of Honor, while Galen Dara (Uncanny Magazine) is attending as the Artist Guest of Honor. Additional guests include Music Guest of Honor Tim Griffin, Fan Guest of Honor Filthy Pierre (Microfilk), Editor Special Guest Neil Clarke (Clarkesworld), Author Special Guest Larry Niven (Fleet of Worlds), 2017 Compton Crook Award Winner Ada Palmer (Too Like the Lightning) and 2018 Robert A. Heinlein Award Winner Neal Stephenson (Seveneves). 

In addition to an Artists Alley and Dealers Room, they will showcase two and three dimensional art across the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres in a Silent Auction Art Show. On Saturday, Balticon invites attendees to show off their cosplay skills at the annual Masquerade Party. The following evening, Balticon will host the Short Film Festival with independently produced short films from around the region and across the globe. Awards will be given in several genres and categories, including Best Live Action Film, Best Animated Film, Best Music Video, Best Experimental Film and more. 

A full weekend pass is $72 for adults and $36 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are admitted for free. 

For more information on the upcoming convention, or to purchase tickets, visit balticon.org.