< Back Art Show The Balticon Art Show showcases two- and three dimensional art across the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres. For Balticon 59, come and enjoy a stunning display of painting, prints, sculptures, and jewelry. Bid on unique pieces via silent auction or make a few Quick-sale purchases (or both!). Registration is open January 1, 2025 until May 1, 2025. BALTICON 59 is proud to announce STEPHANIE LAW as our Guest of Honor! Meet her at the Art Show Reception Friday night! Our show is open to artists of all ages and talent levels . If you’re interested in showcasing your own work, take a look at our Guidelines for Art Show Artists . We offer display space to hang or otherwise display your art starting at $7 for table space and $11 for panel space. There is a handling fee of $8 for mail in art. Guidelines for Art Show Artists Balticon Art Show is looking for volunteers! Email volunteers@balticon.org to volunteer or find out more about volunteer opportunities. Please email artshow@balticon.org if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. See you at Balticon! Hours and Guidelines: Friday 5pm - 7pm Bidding and Quicksales 8pm - 9pm Reception Saturday 10am - 8pm Bidding and Quicksales Sunday 10am - 1pm Bidding and Quicksales 2pm - 5pm Auction Ends, Quicksales Only Monday 10am - 2pm Special Exhibit NO FOOD, NO DRINKS, NO BULKY BAGS. There will be a bag check outside of the Art Show. Additionally, there is NO PHOTOGRAPHY allowed in the Art Show. How To Buy Art Auction Your BADGE NUMBER is your BIDDING NUMBER . Bidding is through auction. Place a written bid on artwork starting at the listed minimum bid or higher. Bidding CLOSES at 1pm Sunday. Pieces with THREE bids move to Sunday voice auction at 2pm. Pieces with TWO OR FEWER bids are sold to the highest bidder on the bid sheet. Pieces sold through bid sheets can be paid for and collected after 3pm Sunday. BIDDING = BUYING . Filling out a bid sheet is agreeing to pay the amount listed on the bid sheet on Sunday afternoon after 3pm Sunday. Quicksale If an item has NO OTHER BIDS , a piece may be purchased at its Quick-sale price. To purchase an item for the Quick-sale price, alert one of the Art Show volunteers. They will assist you with the purchase. DO NOT TOUCH OR REMOVE pieces from their display. Quick-sale purchases must be paid for I MMEDIATELY . The purchased piece will REMAIN ON DISPLAY until 6pm Saturday. After 6pm on Saturday, pieces can be CHECKED OUT through the volunteers and taken home. Pieces must be CHECKED OUT by 5pm Sunday.

< Back Charity Auctions Fandom has a history of giving. At Balticon, you will have opportunities to contribute to several causes. BSFS also maintains a Little Free Library in front of its building in East Baltimore. Books for Kids money is used to purchase books to be distributed through the LFL. Over 900 books have been distributed this year. BSFS Books for Kids raises money at Balticon in several ways. BSFS Books for Kids Balticon holds two auctions to raise money for the BSFS Books for Kids program: Saturday evening during the Masquerade intermission and Sunday afternoon after the Art Auction. Funds raised will be used to purchase books for students to keep on their own. BSFS Books for Kids also collects book donations for local school libraries. Items for the auction are donated by individuals and companies and generally have a Science Fiction or Fantasy theme. To donate items for the auction, contact booksforkids@balticon.org .

< Back Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade Balticon’s Cosplay Contest, the Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade, is the opportunity for fans to present their science fiction- and fantasy-related costumes to delight our audience. While some costumers may simply model their costumes on stage, most entries present dramatic or comedic skits. A team of judges reward costume design and workmanship to encourage our costumers’ efforts. Cosplay, or the practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game, is a strong component of Balticon. Many attendees choose to wander around the con dressed as their favorite character. Anonymous judges will award Hall Costume Contest ribbons throughout the weekend. The costuming highlight of the weekend is the Masquerade held on Saturday evening. Balticon offers hours of costuming panels, workshops, and presentations. We try to schedule the majority before the Masquerade so that novices can pick up last minute coaching, if desired. The Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade The Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade will be held in the Main Ballroom. Individual and group contestants take the stage for a short presentation showcasing their costumes. Children will get to show off their favorite characters before the adults strut their stuff. Our team of expert judges award points in several categories, including creativity, craftsmanship, and presentation. Winners are announced at the end of the evening. The goal of the Masquerade is to give our costumers a chance to share their talent and put on a good show for the enjoyment of all. Everyone is invited to enjoy the display of creativity and artistry that will be on stage. Masquerade Rules and Guidelines Enter a costume in the Masquerade

< Back Robert A. Heinlein Award The Baltimore Science Fiction Society will present the Robert A. Heinlein Award during the Opening Ceremonies. Sharon Lee Wins 2025 Robert A. Heinlein Award The award will be formally presented during opening ceremonies of Balticon 59 Friday, May 23, 2025 8:00 p.m. Sharon Lee , novelist, is the 2025 winner of the Robert A. Heinlein Award. The award is bestowed for outstanding published works in science fiction and technical writings that inspire the human exploration of space. This award is in recognition of Ms. Lee’s body of work of over 38 novels and short stories. A majority of her space themed work is in the Liaden Universe, written with her late husband Steve Miller, and features merchant families trading across the galaxy. The next Liaden Universe novel, Diviner’s Row, is forthcoming from Baen Books in April 2025. The award will be formally presented during opening ceremonies on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 8:00 PM for Balticon 59, the 59th Maryland Regional Science Fiction Convention. Balticon will take place at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore Maryland. Ms. Lee will participate in the Balticon program across Memorial Day Weekend. Balticon and the Robert A. Heinlein Award are both managed and sponsored by The Baltimore Science Fiction Society, Inc. BSFS thanks The Heinlein Society and the family of Dr. Yoji Kondo for providing funding for this award. The Robert A. Heinlein Award is a sterling silver medallion bearing the image of Robert A. Heinlein, as depicted by artist Arlin Robins. The medallion is matched with a red-white-blue lanyard. In addition, the winner receives two lapel pins for use when a large medallion is impractical, and a plaque describing the award for home or office wall display. The Robert A. Heinlein Award selection committee consists of science fiction writers and was founded by Dr. Yoji Kondo, a long-time friend of Robert and Virginia Heinlein. Members of the original committee were approved by Virginia Heinlein. Virginia Heinlein authorized multiple awards in memory of her husband. Other awards include the Heinlein Prize, which is fully funded by Virginia Heinlein's estate, and a National Space Society award for volunteer projects. More information on the Robert A. Heinlein Award, including past winners, can be found at www.bsfs.org/bsfsheinlein.htm Sharon Lee maintains an official website at https://sharonleewriter.com/ To contact the Heinlein Award liaison at BSFS, email dale@bsfs.org Sharon Lee lives in the town of Waterville in the state of Maine, USA. The Robert A. Heinlein Award was founded by Dr. Yoji Kondo, a long-time friend of Robert and Virginia Heinlein. A grant from the Heinlein Society funds half of the costs associated with the award with additional funding provided by the family of Dr. Kondo. Balticon and the Robert A. Heinlein Award are annual activities of the Baltimore Science Fiction Society. More information on the Robert A. Heinlein Award, including past winners, can be found at https://www.bsfs.org/bsfsheinlein.htm .

< Back Jack L. Chalker Young Writers Contest The Jack L. Chalker Young Writers Contest honors local writers aged 14 - 18 who reside in Maryland. Submission deadline is March 31. The Jack L. Chalker Young Writers Contest results will be announced during the Masquerade. Contestants are local young writers aged 14 to 18 who reside in or attend school in Maryland. The winners will receive cash prizes, Balticon T-shirts, and membership in Balticon. CONTESTANT REQUIREMENTS: Contestants shall be no younger than 14 and no older than 18 years of age as of May 29 in the contest year and shall reside in, or attend school in Maryland. Winners will be required to provide their proof of age. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Submissions must be in the field of science fiction or fantasy. Submissions shall be no more than 2,500 words in length. All submissions should include a title page with the title of the story, the entrant's name or note Home schooled, home address, evening phone number, and e-mail address if possible. Also, please include your English teacher's name. Paper submissions must have numbered pages - all submissions must have a footer with the title and page number. They should not have the entrants name or other identifying information on the individual pages. Paper submissions should be typed or printed, double-spaced, on 8.5 x 11" paper. Electronic submissions must be sent as an attachment to email in either Microsoft Word, PDF or Wordperfect format. Otherwise they must be printed out and submitted on paper. One contestant may submit multiple entries, but only one prize may be won by any one entrant. Submission deadline is March 31. See the BSFS web site for details. OTHER RULES: Judges shall be drawn from the membership of BSFS, Inc. The winners will be contacted before the convention and their names will be announced to the public at the next Balticon on Memorial Day

< Back Compton Crook Award The Compton Crook Award is presented to the best of each year’s English language first novel by an author in the field of science fiction, fantasy, or horror. The 2025 Compton Crook Award winner will be announced in Spring 2025. The Compton Crook Award is presented to the best of each year’s English language first novel by an author in the field of science fiction, fantasy, or horror by the members of the Baltimore Science Fiction Society at our annual science fiction convention, Balticon, the Maryland Regional Science Fiction Convention. Awards have been presented since 1983. The award is also known as the Compton Crook/Stephen Tall Award. The list of eligible books is published in the monthly newsletter so all club members will have a chance to read and vote. The winning author is invited to Balticon (BSFS pays transportation and lodging) for two years, and presented with the cash award of $1,000 and an award plaque. Compton Crook, who wrote under the name of Stephen Tall, was a long-time Baltimore resident, Towson State University professor, and science fiction author. He died in 1981.

Activities & Events Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade Balticon’s Cosplay Contest, the Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade, is the opportunity for fans to present their science fiction- and fantasy-related costumes to delight our audience. While some costumers may simply model their costumes on stage, most entries present dramatic or comedic skits. A team of judges reward costume design and workmanship to encourage our costumers’ efforts. Read More Robert A. Heinlein Award The Baltimore Science Fiction Society will present the Robert A. Heinlein Award during the Opening Ceremonies. Read More Jack L. Chalker Young Writers Contest The Jack L. Chalker Young Writers Contest honors local writers aged 14 - 18 who reside in Maryland. Submission deadline is March 31. Read More Concerts and Filk Balticon is home to one of the East Coast’s strongest tracks of filk and fannish music, featuring a variety of concerts, panels, and workshops, plus open circles all three nights. Read More Short Film Festival The Balticon Sunday Short Science Fiction Film Festival (BS³F³) features independently produced short films from around the world, including live action and animated films in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. Awards are given based on audience preferences. Read More Compton Crook Award The Compton Crook Award is presented to the best of each year’s English language first novel by an author in the field of science fiction, fantasy, or horror. Read More Charity Auctions Fandom has a history of giving. At Balticon, you will have opportunities to contribute to several causes. Read More Art Show The Balticon Art Show showcases two- and three dimensional art across the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres. For Balticon 59, come and enjoy a stunning display of painting, prints, sculptures, and jewelry. Bid on unique pieces via silent auction or make a few Quick-sale purchases (or both!). Registration is open January 1, 2025 until May 1, 2025. Read More

Whether you love science with your fiction or costumes with your books, at Balticon we do too! Join 1500+ fans of all backgrounds to celebrate Science Fiction and Fantasy with 300+ hours of diverse programming: meet authors, publishers, editors, cosplay experts, Twitch live-streamers, renowned scientists and tech innovators. Sing along with our filkers, see our stunning Art Show and Masquerade, laugh and cry at our Film Festival. We’ve got something for everyone A four day celebration of Science Fiction and Fantasy! Profoundly uncool since 1967 Get your geek on Whether you love science with your fiction or costumes with your books, we do too! While our central theme is writing, literature, and authors, our dynamic program has something everyone can appreciate. Join over fifteen hundred fans of all backgrounds as we gather to celebrate Science Fiction and Fantasy with more than 300 hours of diverse programming, from award-winning authors and publishers to twitch live-streamers, from cosplay experts to renowned scientists and tech innovators. Sing along with our filkers, soak in our stunning Art Show and Masquerade, laugh and cry at our Film Festival. We’ve got something for everyone. Balticon exists to celebrate the creation and appreciation of science fiction and fantasy in all its expressions, by bringing together fans of all backgrounds in a warm, welcoming environment. Guests of Honor Silvia Moreno-Garcia Author Guest of Honor Sebastien de Castell Author Guest of Honor Stephanie Law Artist Guest of Honor Marc Abrahams Science Guest of Honor Joanna Fang Gaming Guest of Honor Blake Collins Gaming Guest of Honor Baltimore Gamer Symphony Orchestra Music Guest of Honor Sharon Lee Robert A. Heinlein Award winner To Be Announced 2025 Compton Crook Winner Kemi Ashing-Giwa 2024 Compton Crook Winner Ticket prices go up April 16! Buy your Membership Adult (25+) $80 Young Adult (13 - 24) $40 Child (12 and under) ALWAYS FREE Virtual Only $30 Workshops FOUR DAYS OF EVENTS TRINKETS FOR SALE Dealers Room & Artist Alley Balticon’s Dealers Room is like a pop-up mini mall of geeky goodness. You’ll find an assortment of vendors with all sorts of fannish delights, including books, games and gaming accessories, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, and more! Just outside the Dealers Room, you’ll find Artist Alley , where you can meet the artists behind the tables, browse a selection of fine art and handcrafted goods, and even commission custom art! GAMES TO PLAY RPGs, Board Games, and Video Games With three full rooms of gaming, there's sure to be something you'll like! Our RPG room has drop-in round-the-clock tabletop role-playing games, including demos of new systems and scheduled games with old favorites. The Board Games room has scheduled drop-in games as well as our game library where you can pick for yourself. And our Video Game room brings you both modern and retro video gaming! COME IN COSTUME Cosplay Contest The Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade is a cosplay contest with history! Individual and Group contestants take the stage for a short presentation showcasing their costuming skills. We'll also have panels all weekend long on how to craft your own costumes, and a chance to interact with some of our cosplay experts! Partners STAY IN THE KNOW Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting!

Guests of Honor Silvia Moreno-Garcia Author Guest of Honor Silvia Moreno-Garcia has won the Locus, British Fantasy and World Fantasy awards. Her fiction has appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, including Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her essays and reviews have been featured in The New York Times, LA Times and Washington Post, among other publications. Read More Marc Abrahams Science Guest of Honor Marc Abrahams founded the Ig Nobel Prize and co-founded of the Annals of Improbable Research. He writes about things that are surprising to make people laugh and then think. Read More Baltimore Gamer Symphony Orchestra Music Guest of Honor The BGSO is an all-volunteer community orchestra, who performs orchestral arrangements of video game music for the enjoyment of the greater Baltimore community. Read More Kemi Ashing-Giwa 2024 Compton Crook Winner Kemi Ashing-Giwa won the 2024 Compton Crook Award for her novel The Splinter in the Sky Read More Sebastien de Castell Author Guest of Honor Sebastien de Castell is the multi-award nominated author of the acclaimed swashbuckling fantasy series, The Greatcoats. His new series is the YA fantasy Spellslinger. Sebastien’s books are published in fourteen languages and counting. Read More Joanna Fang Gaming Guest of Honor Joanna Fang is a multiple award-winning foley artist, currently working as a Senior Foley Artist at Sony PlayStation. Read More Sharon Lee Robert A. Heinlein Award winner Sharon Lee, novelist, is the 2025 winner of the Robert A. Heinlein Award. The award is bestowed for outstanding published works in science fiction and technical writings that inspire the human exploration of space. Read More Stephanie Law Artist Guest of Honor Stephanie Law has worked for gaming companies to create art for rpgs and ccgs, including Magic the Gathering, Forgotten Realms, Blue Rose, Warhammer, Legend of Five Rings, and also designs art for magazine illustrations, book interior and cover illustrations. Read More Blake Collins Gaming Guest of Honor Read More To Be Announced 2025 Compton Crook Winner Read More