Sci Fi Activities and Events
Sci Fi Activities and Events
Developing Your Sci-Fi Characters for a Sci-Fi Universe
Coming up with your story can be fun, but there are some tips and tricks to launch your creativity to the edges of the universe. Let’s dive into the world of science fiction and how you can develop your characters, worlds, and the lore that brings everything together. After all, nothing drives a story better than a character, especially one in the distant future.
Sunday
Welcome to Starfleet Academy!
Star Trek’s newest show has arrived! In the 32nd Century, Starfleet Academy has reopened after a century and the first new class of cadets learns what it takes to lead in a galaxy brimming with danger. What did you think of Season 1? Members of the United Federation of Phoenix will discuss the new show, the first to focus on college-aged students and their peers.
Friday
Jar-Jarpardy: Some Like it Hoth (18+)
Holy Snokes! It’s time for Final Jar Jarpody! Test your knowledge of Star Wars trivia that you might be a little embarrassed to admit is or was canon! This “no Holdos-barred” game will have you laughing, crying, and maybe even cringing a bit! Not sure you have the correct answer? Don’t worry! Wrong answers might even score you Boba-bonus points! May the Farce be with you!
Saturday
The Akira Slide - Breakdown of the legendary film, Akira
We’ve seen it everywhere, but do you know where it really came from? Here we’ll break down the iconic movie, Akira, that kickstarted a trend across anime and cartoons. Starting with its beautiful world and vibrant sceneries, to the unique story that made it one of a kind. Come dive into what made Akira so iconic and see what that trend spread across the world.
Saturday
This is the Way: To Forge Your Own Mandalorian Armor
Have you ever wanted to make Mandalorian Armor, but you just weren't sure where to start? Come watch the Arizona Mando Mercs of Shonare Vhekadla Clan forge a set of Mandalorian Armor live and in person! Learn techniques, tips and tricks to building your own beskar. This is the way.
Saturday
Cosplay Deviants Presents: ASTROnaughty Sci-Fi Rave (18+)
Blast off with the Deviants for a thrilling night of DJs and dancing at the ASTROnaughty 18+ Rave! We're opening the pod doors to high-energy beats, jaw-dropping entertainment, and electrifying fun! Survival is inefficient, and we aim to misbehave, so come out to experience our DJs spinning nerdy mixes, live ambience provided by the Cosplay Deviants models, and a cash bar to keep the party going all night long!
Saturday
La La Lando
LA LA LANDO is the musical starring the galaxy's greatest scoundrel, Lando Calrissian. Derek Jeremiah Reid stars as Billy Dee Williams, the caped wonder of Cloud City. Set just after the Battle of Endor, we find Lando looking for love and laughs with all your favorite Star Wars characters. If you love musicals and Star Wars, this show is for you. Includes a Q and A with the cast and free giveaways!
Saturday
Drunk History: Star Wars (18+)
A panel of tipsy Star Wars superfans dramatically retell the most iconic moments in the galaxy far, far away. Our brave narrators will stumble through the Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise, confidently mispronounce "Palpatine" and tearfully insist that Jar Jar Binks was always a Sith lord. From the Clone Wars to the fall of the Republic, our panelists will attempt to recount pivotal moments in Star Wars lore with absolute conviction and questionable accuracy.
Saturday
Star Trek: Enterprise 25th Anniversary: It’s been a Long Road
Star Trek: Enterprise premiered 25 years ago after 9/11. The TOS prequel evolved with a changing country and UPN. Canceled after four seasons, it later found new life through streaming and the COVID-19 era. With talk of a President Jonathan Archer sequel, join the United Federation of Phoenix to revisit the series.
Sunday
Andor and Democracy
Do you consider yourself an expert on Khyber crystals? Bring your Jedi knowledge to help in this rollicking discussion about “Andor," liberty, individualism, and the nature of freedom and revolution. "Andor" raised questions about the nature of justice and tyranny. Scholars from Maricopa Community Colleges and local artist Val Hochberg come together to chat. All Midichlorian levels welcome!
Saturday
Dusters and Darkness: Exploring the Existential Themes of the Firefly 'Verse
Have you every wondered what it would be like to have the nothingness of space staring back at you? Join the Arizona Browncoats in exploring the deeper themes of the classic space western, Firefly, as they try to answer question and many more.
Friday
Ghost In The Shell - Anime Movie Class
Time to break down one of the most iconic anime movies in science fiction! Dive into the world of the classic movie, Ghost In The Shell, as we investigate what makes it so unique: its characters, world, tech, and story! We go off into a distant future where cybernetic enhancement is as normal as the hackers that come with it.
Friday
Mando Movie Review: The Mandalorian and Grogu
Join the Arizona Mando Mercs of Shonare Vhekadla Clan as they talk about the latest Star Wars movie: "The Mandalorian and Grogu." We'll discuss the story, theories about where the story will go next, and highlight the best easter eggs and references.
Friday
Behind the Force: How to Make Star Wars Fan Films
Go behind the scenes of a galaxy far, far away with local filmmakers as they reveal how Star Wars fan films are made. Learn about the filmmaking process and explore techniques like 3D printing, prop building, visual effects, stunt acting, puppetry, and cosplay that help bring these stories to life. If you’ve ever wanted to create your own Star Wars adventure, this panel will help you take your first step—because the Force is strong with fan filmmakers.
Friday
Syndicate Saber Presents: Tales of the Enthralled
A holocron awakens, displaying tales of glories and daring from ages long, long past. Come and view a brilliant display of saber combat, heroes, and villains from all across the galaxy as the never ending struggle between light and dark manifests before your eyes...
Saturday
Real World Romulan Cloaking Device
In 1966 the Star Trek episode Balance of Terror introduced the world to the Romulan Cloaking Device, a machine that could turn a spaceship invisible and make it nearly impossible to track. Little did Gene Roddenberry and his production staff know that the cloaking device they thought wouldn't appear for 300 years was just around the corner. Our military expert and lifelong Trekkie Dave Eisenstein has taken real United States Air Force training materials and added a Star Trek spin to them to show the audience that the cloaking device really exists and is used by many militaries around the world. It's called Low Observable Technology.
Friday
Want to Build your own Droid?
Ever wondered how fans build fully functional droids like BB units and Astromechs? Local Arizona Droid Builders share the basics of how these amazing robots are designed, assembled, and brought to life. Learn about tools, electronics, and techniques, plus the worldwide droid-building clubs and communities that help makers get started. Whether you're a Star Wars fan, a maker, or just curious about robotics, we will show how anyone can begin their journey into droid building.
Friday
The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act FREAKOUT
Holy [BIONK] I can't believe GLITCH premiered early screenings literally the day before Fan Fusion!! Gather round, my delightfully dipped daffodils, for group therapy with your fellow TADC fans that made the choice of going to see The Final Act in theaters instead of dealing with the final hours of con crunch! Let's all take time to scream/process episode 9, the final episode of a show that has held us in a chokehold for over 2 years. Grab your bones and pop your pansies, because we gotta talk about this doozy of a finale that has without a doubt traumatized us! Hahahahahahaa!
Friday
Starwars Family Feud
Join The 501st Dune Sea Garrison and Rebel Legion Mos Eisley Base in a friendly contest, Family Feud style. Audience members will try to predict what the "Survey says" or even join in the fun by volunteering themselves. Win or lose, the force will be strong with this panel!
Friday
Tournament of the Saber: Battle of the Orders
Champions are called forth from across the galaxy to participate in a tournament to discover the greatest heroes or villains of our age; light and dark, scoundrel and hunter; Will you stand to the last?
Visit Syndicate Saber's table in the Star Wars Neighborhood to sign up for the 1v1 tournament full of fun, prizes, and incredible thrills! Spectators are welcome to cheer on their favorite team or combatant, or just enjoy some amazing saber dueling!
Combatants must be 18+ to participate, limited participation is available on a first sign up basis.
Sunday
Creating Fan Clubs with UFP
What does it take to create and sustain a fan community for years to decades? Join members of the United Federation of Phoenix to discuss how our club formed in 1975 and how it evolved over the decades as Star Trek has evolved and our country has changed culturally.
Saturday
Would You Still Love Me If I Were A Sandworm?: An Exploration of Exobiology in Sci-Fi
From the sandworms of Arrakis to the xenomorphs haunting Ellen Ripley, sci-fi authors dream up alien creatures that differ wildly from our own. Come learn about how fictional alien life forms might (or might not) be plausible!
Saturday
Is Starfleet Military?
When Gene Roddenberry was developing Star Trek in 1964 he told his production staff that the organization that his heroes were part of was not the military. But there was a problem with this. Roddenberry and his writers, and all those who came after them, did make Starfleet a military organization. Our military expert, United States Air Force veteran and lifelong Trekkie, Dave Eisenstein will show the audience the military aspects of Starfleet and that even the creator of a franchise can sometimes get things wrong.
Friday
Character Arc: The Best and Worst Evolutions in The 100
From Octavia's transformation, Murphy's unlikely redemption, and Jasper's devastating unraveling, The 100 is a masterclass in character evolution--and collapse. This panel explores the most compelling character arcs across the series while we discuss what worked, what hurt, and why these characters still live rent-free in our heads.
Sunday
Syndicate Saber Presents: Two Sides of the Saber
A promising new padawan joins the Jedi as they search the galaxy for new apprentices. But little do they know, there is more to this new acolyte *ahem*... padawan than meets the eye… Come join us for a fun, interactive, family friendly kids show featuring saber and Force training for the kids!
Friday
Behind the Force: How to Make Star Wars Fan Films
Go behind the scenes of a galaxy far, far away with local filmmakers as they reveal how Star Wars fan films are made. Learn about the filmmaking process and explore techniques like 3D printing, prop building, visual effects, stunt acting, puppetry, and cosplay that help bring these stories to life. If you’ve ever wanted to create your own Star Wars adventure, this panel will help you take your first step—because the Force is strong with fan filmmakers.
Friday + Saturday
Star Wars' Weirdest and Forgotten Aliens
Yep. We're going into the weird and obscure of lost, or forgotten, Star Wars Aliens! We will chat about their abilities, history, cultures, and even include some fun quotes related to members of their species that once Wandered the vast Universe in lands far, far away.
Saturday
Dinosaurs Eat Man, Panelists Inherit the Earth
The Jurassic Park series is 32 years old- that's practically Mesozoic. We've had plenty of time to pick apart the scientific inaccuracies of every entry since 1993. The real (and most pedantic ) question is, which are the most egregious, and arguably the funniest? Better yet, where do we think the series will go from here? As we all know, no matter how bad the previous entry is, the series always finds a way...
Friday
So You Want to Make a Short Film: Animation Edition
Putting together your first short film can be challenging, even scary if you don’t know where to start. You’ll learn about important details in all stages of production, hiring actors, picking your teammates, and so much more! The more you know now, the more prepared you’ll be down the road!
Saturday
La La Lando
LA LA LANDO is the musical starring the galaxy's greatest scoundrel, Lando Calrissian. Derek Jeremiah Reid stars as Billy Dee Williams, the caped wonder of Cloud City. Set just after the Battle of Endor, we find Lando looking for love and laughs with all your favorite Star Wars characters. If you love musicals and Star Wars, this show is for you. Includes a Q and A with the cast and free giveaways!
Friday + Saturday
SCP Anomalous Items Auction
Marshall, Carter, and Darke of AZ are proud to once again present our anomalous items auction. Join us for a show like no other, and take this opportunity to bring home your own Euclid or Keter classed items, brought to you directly from the SCP Foundation's custody.
Friday
Boldly Going for 60 Years: A Retrospective on Star Trek: The Original Series
Its been 60 years since Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and the crew of the Starship Enterprise began exploring strange, new worlds. The impact on American television and culture is extraordinary. Members of the United Federation of Phoenix, one of the longest continuously-running Star Trek fan clubs in the country, will discuss Star Trek’s role in shaping society’s vision of the human future.
Saturday
From Plot to Panel: Writing for Comics with John Jackson Miller
Writer of comics for Star Wars and many more franchises, guest author JOHN JACKSON MILLER shares pointers for plotting, scripting, and breakdowns drawing upon examples from those titles and other comics work he’s done, including for Marvel, Battlestar Galactica, Disney, Halo, Mass Effect, The Simpsons, and more. A slideshow presentation provides examples for taking your comic book from the plotted page to the final script, and a visual aid packet is provided showing a complete comic book story from beginning to end. As founder of the comics history site Comichron, Miller also details changes in comics writing methods over the years, and modern best practices.
Saturday
21 Days To A Novel *PAID EVENT*
New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole presents his three week program for preparing yourself to write a novel. This set of 21 exercises is broken down to give you everything from character creation to world building, practical plotting devices, dialogue development and character voice creation tools. This program is a practical, kick-in-the-pants place to start your career. (This seminar cost $10 payable at the door)
Sunday
Mechs, Robots, and the People, Oh My!
We see them everywhere in movies, TV shows, games, and books, fighting for the good of mankind or to exterminate it. Whether you like it or not, robots are here to stay. We’ll go through our favorites and most powerful machines, ranging from Transformers to Pacific Rim. Breaking down their strengths, weaknesses, and more importantly, their possibilities!
Friday
Star Wars!
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a legend was born—one that would inspire generations, ignite imaginations, and unite fans across the stars. Star Wars isn’t just a franchise; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a mythos, and an epic adventure that changed the world forever!
Boldly go!
Star Trek is more than just a sci-fi franchise—it’s a vision of the future filled with hope, discovery, and the unyielding spirit of exploration. From the moment Captain Kirk first sat in the captain’s chair to the latest voyages of Starfleet, Star Trek has inspired generations to dream beyond the stars and believe in a better tomorrow.
