San Diego Comic-Con may be all the rage right now, but the Valley is known for its robust convention schedule as well. Here are some highlights of upcoming events:
North American Discworld Convention
A U.K. tradition comes to America with the first North American Discworld Convention Sept. 4-7 at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel, 60 E. Fifth St.. This event celebrates the long-running series of satirical fantasy novels by British author Terry Pratchett, who will be the guest of honor. The guest list also includes novelist Diane Duane.
Memberships are $30-$90, $45 ages 6-11 and children 5 and younger get in free.
Information: http://www.nadwcon.org
DarkCon
The Dark Ones will gather Jan. 14-17, 2010 at the Grace Inn at Ahwatukee, 10831 S 51st St., Phoenix.
Announced guests for this convention include: Martin Klebba, a little person who has appeared in the Pirates of the Caribbean films and various episodes of Scrubs, and in 2011 will star as 4-foot-tall vampire hunter Apollo Thorne in an adventure-horror flick of the same name; and John Wick, an author and game designer behind games for White Wolf and Upper Deck.
Programming includes A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (Victorian or Edwardian costumes a must), Wild Wild West Poker Tournament, games, workshops, demos, and art show and more. Registration is $40 in advance or $5 more at the door.
Information: http://www.darkcon.org
