All About Pensacon

There are a few events and times of the year where it is acceptable to dress up in costume, show your skills for creating unique costumes and display your personality and likes. Pensacon in Pensacola, Florida, is one event that embraces differences and allows people to be themselves in unique ways. Pensacon is Pensacola’s annual all-inclusive convention that embraces the sci-fi, horror, comic book, superhero, fantasy, anime, and gaming fan communities. Read on to learn about Pensacon and what to expect when you attend this fun-filled annual event.

About Pensacon

“Pen 33” by Gideon Wright is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Pensacon, the North American multi-genre convention founded in 2013, occurs annually in Pensacola, Florida. Typically held in February, the event welcomes fans of all genres to do their favorite or best cosplay, grab a beloved t-shirt that shows a special character, or head out to celebrate the unique culture and characters hosted at the convention. Pensacon attracts hundreds of famous personalities, collectors, fans, and visitors from near and far to the gulf coast. The convention quickly became a beloved event that boosts the local economy and reaches multiple restaurants, venues, and locations throughout the city.

2022 Pensacon

This year, Pensacon 2022 takes place across three days, from February 18-20. The three-day event, scheduled at the Pensacola Bay Center, is the premier event for comic book and pop culture fanatics along the Gulf Coast. Guests of the event will have the opportunity to visit stands to purchase memorabilia, one-of-a-kind items, attend autograph signings, round-table discussions, and have photo opportunities with celebrity personalities. Vendors and celebrity guests accept payment via credit card, so have one with you, along with a valid ID. Participants aren’t allowed to bring outside food or drink, but local food vendors are onsite with specialty menus.

Guests

Each year Pensacon features special celebrity guests from several favorite shows and movies to meet with guests, take pictures, sign autographs, and even talk about their experiences. Celebrity guests will be on the second floor of the Pensacola Bay Center at their designated tables. To keep updated regarding the panel schedule and photo-op schedule, download the app or have a dependable service on your phone to access the website. You can even pre-purchase your photo-ops online here. Some celebrity guests will only be available for select days, so check the schedule and make plans to catch your favorite celebrities.

For 2022, Pensacon has an exciting lineup of celebrity guests from fan-favorite shows. Some familiar faces scheduled for an appearance include Alanna Masterson and Kyla Kennedy from the Walking Dead, Giancarlo Esposito from The Mandalorian, George Takei from Star Trek, Dylan McDermott and Dennis O’Hare from American Horror Story, Alex Winter from Bill and Ted, and the Incredible Hulk himself, Lou Ferrigno. Aspiring writers and artists may want to meet with creatives like Simon Bisley, Melinda Snodgrass, and David Gerrold.

Events

A key attraction this year is the Pensacon Short Film Festival. This film festival is in its eighth year and will feature over 30 productions celebrating science fiction, horror, fantasy, pop culture, comic books, animation, and documentaries. Each screening will feature a questions and answers segment with present filmmakers. Titles you can look forward to for this year include “A Journey Through Hell” by Caleb Cook, “Cutter” directed by Dan Repp and Lindsey Young, “Dreamster” by Pat Camp, “Woodland Cemetary” by Niels Bourgonje, and “The Skunk Ape” written by Shannon Williams.

You can expect most events and activities to take place on Friday from 1 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other venues, like the Rex Theater, the Pensacola Little Theater, and the UWF Historic Trust Bowden Building, are scheduled to host additional events. Check the venues’ website for an updated schedule to keep informed and plan your days best.

Parking and Trolley

Attendees with VIP passes, vendors, and those providing media coverage for the event will be able to park in the lot behind Bay Center off 9th Avenue. For a $10 fee, attendees (holding any ticket) can park in the gravel lot across Alcaniz Street. However, re-entry won’t be allowed. Guests can also use parking available through the city, although prices will vary. Be prepared to pay at least $10 per day to park your vehicle.

Another option for attendees is to ride the trolley service, which offers free trolley rides throughout the downtown area for an hour before Pensacon’s opening time each day for Pensacon badge holders. Trolley service will run throughout the days and into the evenings on Friday and Saturday. Check the website for more details on trolley ride end times as the convention approaches.

Tickets and Passes

Tickets for Pensacon are limited and available as single-day passes and weekend passes for 3-days or the VIP Experience. Children 10 years and younger enter for free and do not have to be registered. One-day pass prices come with a wristband (no badge) and vary depending on the day you choose. Friday passes are $35, Saturday passes are $45, while Sunday passes are on sale for $40. Attendees can purchase a 3-day pass for $85, which includes a badge and access to the trolley for free.

The VIP Experience pass, for $175, features a slew of amenities for the badge holder. VIP passes grant you entrance to Pensacon for all three days, with 30-minute early access to the vendor floor, front line access for all panels and photo-ops, an exclusive event t-shirt, event swag, and first-come-first-serve free parking in the lot behind Bay Center. Pensacon expects to announce more VIP perks, so check the website for updates. Also, plan ahead to avoid schedule conflicts because there are no refunds for Pensacon passes.

So there you have it. Allen Turner Chevrolet has just shared with you valuable information about Pensacon. If you’re looking to catch a selfie with a celebrity, enjoy cosplay, or want to have some fun, consider going. Have you ever been to Pensacon? If you have, let us know! Leave a message, and we’ll be happy to read about your experiences.