Coming summer 2027

The Future of Science & Technology Fandom is Here

First Light Con will ‘boldly go’ where no fandom event has gone before — an immersive, multiday, inclusive experience for all ages.
Our mission is to share the excitement of exploration and spark the joy of discovery for everyone.

Where Science and Fandom Come Alive

First Light Con will merge the excitement of Comic Con™ with the tantalizing insights of a major science press conference or the unveiling of a breakthrough engineering achievement!

You will become part of an event that spans the entire universe of discovery — cosmology, the search for habitable worlds and life beyond Earth, medical marvels and breakthroughs in the ‘squishy’ science of biology, quantum weirdness and ghost particles, the future of human cognition and AI, and so much more!

We will also showcase the great achievements of engineering and the grand challenges of innovation, providing a space where curiosity is not just welcome, but celebrated.

  • Science Celebrity Guests: Featured speakers and panelists will include active researchers, science spokespeople, authors, humorists, educators, pop-culture celebrities, and visionaries.

  • Citizen Science Workshops: From variable star observers to ecosystem monitors, citizen scientists are essential to discovery. Representatives will help attendees go from science enthusiasts to contributing researchers.

  • Topical Sessions: First Light Con will welcome abstract submissions from YOU! This includes researchers, science communicators, creators, innovators and discovery enthusiasts of all stripes! We’ll select the most compelling topics and showcase everything that makes you “geek out!” We encourage people at all levels of science literacy to contribute to the program.

  • Meet the Pros and Party: We want attendees to interact with all our guests. Discovery isn’t for just for the specialists. Everyone should share in the wonders of science and power of innovation.

  • Cosplay Contests: The best Einstein or Curie? Or mashups of the two? Let your imaginations run wild! Cosplay is core to fandom across genres. Help us build on-site engagement and fun!

  • ‘After Hours’ Socials and Community-Building Events: Fandom gatherings naturally spark clusters of conversation, spontaneous meetups, and late‑night hangouts — and First Light Con will be no exception. Attendees and presenters will find plenty of opportunities to connect throughout the weekend.From music jams, sea chantey sing alongs, design contests, movies, media, and so much more!

First Light Con is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization.
“First Light” is the moment when a new telescope or astrophysics instrument captures its first photons.
This exemplifies engineering innovation enabling scientific discovery.