The Maryland Regional Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention, Balticon 53, is just around the corner! The four-day convention is taking place on May 24-27, 2019 at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel on 202 East Pratt Street in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Hugo Award winner Elizabeth Bear (Tideline) is attending the show as the guest of honor, along with fantasy author Scott Lynch (The Lies of Locke Lamora), freelance illustrator Charles Ves (Spirits of the Earth), Compton Crook Award winner Nicky Drayden (The Prey of Gods), Heinlein Award winner Gregory Benford (Jupiter Project), and Compton Crook Award Winner R.F. Kuang (The Poppy War). The late Jack L Chalker (The Saga of the Well World) is also being recognized as this year’s ghost of honor.

Along with an artists alley and dealers room, the show will also will provide two gaming rooms, where attendees can play science fiction and fantasy board games, card games, and roleplaying games. Balticon will also be hosting a Short Film Festival, awarding certificates for best in show in the animation, science fiction, and horror categories. There will also be an Art Show showcasing showcases two and three dimensional art and the annual Cosplay Masquerade Party.  

The con is running nearly continuously from Friday to Monday. A full weekend pass is $74 for adults, $56 for young adults (13-21), and $37 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.