NerdCon returns bigger, crazier

Lee Eric Shackleford will be one of three featured authors during “Rocket City NerdCon 2015” at the downtown library in Huntsville on Oct. 23-25. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON COUNTY – At this time of year, Huntsville-Madison County Public Library allows people to switch from business attire into superhero garb.

“Rocket City NerdCon 2015” will be held at the downtown library in Huntsville, 915 Monroe St. on Oct. 23-25.

“Do you geek out over ‘Doctor Who,’ ‘Star Trek’ or anything Sherlock Holmes? Celebrate these ‘fandoms’ and more at the bigger, longer and ‘nerdier’ Rocket City NerdCon,” library communications director Ann Marie Martin said.

NerdCon 2015 will feature games, vendors and costume-clad revelers, just like the premiere convention in 2014. New this year are the “Author and Artist Alley,” RPG gaming and bad movie awards. Plus, the event is now three days, instead of two.

NerdCon features visiting authors Lee Eric Shackleford, Jen Wang and Simon Fraser. Shackleford is a writer, performer and producer with more than 150 produced scripts. His work in science fiction has ranged from stories for “Star Trek: The Next Generation” to the planned reboot of “Logan’s Run.”

Wang has created graphic novels, including “Koko Be Good” and “In Real Life.” Fraser has drawn comics in the United Kingdom and United States for more than 20 years. He is best known for his work in the British sci-fi weekly “2000AD.”

To build NerdCon anticipation, the Bailey Cove Library hosted “Doctor Who Day” on Oct. 3. At Madison Public Library, all ages of patrons pursued science experiments during “MAD Scientist Day” on Oct. 10.

At the Monrovia Library, participants are encouraged to bring their Smartphones or tablets for a family-friendly event on Oct. 17 from noon to 4 p.m.

The annual Teen Masquerade Ball will take over the downtown library on Oct. 24 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Meanwhile, NerdCon will host an adults-only event at Yellowhammer Brewery, 2406 Clinton Ave., with a costume contest, live music, a food truck and beer.

NerdCon tickets are available at store.hmcpl.org. A one-day pass costs $15 and a weekend pass is $35. Ten-year-olds and younger are admitted free with a ticketed adult.

For more information, email to nerdcon@hmcpl.org or visit hmcpl.org or Facebook/rcnerdcon.