Balticon 60: Celebrating 60 Years of Sci-Fi Fun

Balticon 60: A Beacon of Science Fiction and Fantasy in Baltimore

Miles de toneladas de bombas y armas químicas de la Segunda Guerra Mundial yacen en el fondo del ...
Miles de toneladas de bombas y armas químicas de la Segunda Guerra Mundial yacen en el fondo del ...

Balticon, the renowned annual science fiction and fantasy convention, returned for its 60th iteration in Baltimore, Maryland, from May 27th to 30th, 2022. This milestone event, affectionately known as "The Gem City's Premier SF&F Convention," drew enthusiasts from across the globe to celebrate their shared love for the imaginative and the extraordinary.

an old boat in the water with no people around
an old boat in the water with no people around

About Balticon 60

Balticon 60, organized by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society (BSFS), was a four-day extravaganza filled with panel discussions, workshops, readings, art exhibits, cosplay, and more. The convention took place at the Hunt Valley Inn, providing a comfortable and convenient setting for attendees to immerse themselves in the world of science fiction and fantasy.

Baltico
Baltico

Guests of Honor and Special Guests

Each year, Balticon invites distinguished guests from the science fiction and fantasy community to share their insights and experiences. This year's Guests of Honor included:

F-560 MRK560 BD-80 Corvetta "Zyb" Flotta del Baltico 2026
F-560 MRK560 BD-80 Corvetta "Zyb" Flotta del Baltico 2026
  • **Author Guest of Honor:** N.K. Jemisin, award-winning author of the Broken Earth trilogy and other notable works.
  • **Artist Guest of Honor:** John Picacio, renowned cover artist and designer.
  • **Fan Guest of Honor:** Joe Haldeman, celebrated science fiction author and four-time Hugo Award winner.

Additional special guests included authors, artists, and industry professionals who enriched the convention with their expertise and passion.

Panels and Workshops

UFO Sightings news 2016: Underwater UFO in Baltic Sea puzzles scientists; Alien craft jams electronic equipment
UFO Sightings news 2016: Underwater UFO in Baltic Sea puzzles scientists; Alien craft jams electronic equipment

Balticon 60 offered a diverse range of panels and workshops, catering to various interests within the science fiction and fantasy community. Some popular topics included:

  • Writing workshops and craft discussions led by industry professionals.
  • Panels on the future of space exploration, artificial intelligence, and other scientific advancements.
  • In-depth analyses of popular franchises, such as Star Trek, Doctor Who, and The Expanse.
  • Conversations about the intersection of science fiction and fantasy with social issues, politics, and culture.

Art Show and Exhibits

two gold balloons with the number 66 on them are in front of a white background
two gold balloons with the number 66 on them are in front of a white background

The Balticon Art Show, curated by local and international artists, showcased an impressive collection of science fiction and fantasy-themed artwork. Attendees had the opportunity to admire, purchase, and even vote for their favorite pieces in the annual Chesley Awards. Additionally, the convention featured exhibits from local science fiction and fantasy clubs, as well as vendors selling books, merchandise, and collectibles.

Cosplay and Community

A close up of a number 60 balloon with a bunch of balloons generative ai | Premium AI-generated image
A close up of a number 60 balloon with a bunch of balloons generative ai | Premium AI-generated image
a black and white photo of an object in the ground with words on it that says,
a black and white photo of an object in the ground with words on it that says,
an arrow pointing to the left side of a white wall with black lines on it
an arrow pointing to the left side of a white wall with black lines on it
60 Off Discount Promotion Sale Made of Realistic 3d Gold Helium Balloons. Illustration of Golden Percent Symbols for Selling Stock Illustration - Illustration of alphabet, realistic: 263099449
60 Off Discount Promotion Sale Made of Realistic 3d Gold Helium Balloons. Illustration of Golden Percent Symbols for Selling Stock Illustration - Illustration of alphabet, realistic: 263099449
1966
1966
a red and white sign with the number 60 in it's center on a white background
a red and white sign with the number 60 in it's center on a white background
the number 60 is written in white on a black background
the number 60 is written in white on a black background
a woman with long hair wearing a black dress and holding a candle in her hand
a woman with long hair wearing a black dress and holding a candle in her hand
Stoccolma e Tallinn con Crociera sul Baltico - BambiniConLaValigia
Stoccolma e Tallinn con Crociera sul Baltico - BambiniConLaValigia
Nummer 60 Heliumballon aus Goldfolie isoliert auf weißem Hintergrund 3D-Render | Premium Foto
Nummer 60 Heliumballon aus Goldfolie isoliert auf weißem Hintergrund 3D-Render | Premium Foto
60th Birthday Svg, Old Number 60 Svg, Aged to Perfection Svg, Vintage 1966 Svg, 60th Svg File for Cricut, SVG, PNG, JPG
60th Birthday Svg, Old Number 60 Svg, Aged to Perfection Svg, Vintage 1966 Svg, 60th Svg File for Cricut, SVG, PNG, JPG
a black and gold 60th birthday card with the number sixty
a black and gold 60th birthday card with the number sixty
Baltic Sea anomaly The Baltic Sea anomaly is a 60-metre diameter circular rock formation on the floor of the northern Baltic Sea. The formation has an appearance of "rough granite", is round, 3 to 4 metres thick and approximately 60 metres in diameter, stands on an 8-meter tall pillar-like feature, and is located at a depth of 85 to 90 metres. Dark Ocean Anomaly, Anomaly Stone, Ancient Sea Anomaly Map, Antique Baltic Sea Map, Unexplained Satellite Anomaly, Underwater Anomaly On Ocean Floor, Antarctica Anomaly, Ufo Baltic Sea, Bactria-margiana Archaeological Complex Seal
Baltic Sea anomaly The Baltic Sea anomaly is a 60-metre diameter circular rock formation on the floor of the northern Baltic Sea. The formation has an appearance of "rough granite", is round, 3 to 4 metres thick and approximately 60 metres in diameter, stands on an 8-meter tall pillar-like feature, and is located at a depth of 85 to 90 metres. Dark Ocean Anomaly, Anomaly Stone, Ancient Sea Anomaly Map, Antique Baltic Sea Map, Unexplained Satellite Anomaly, Underwater Anomaly On Ocean Floor, Antarctica Anomaly, Ufo Baltic Sea, Bactria-margiana Archaeological Complex Seal
Sixty
Sixty
a large rock in the water with a light shining on it
a large rock in the water with a light shining on it
Numbers 60 3d Progressive, Background, Bill, Discount PNG Transparent Image and Clipart for Free Download
Numbers 60 3d Progressive, Background, Bill, Discount PNG Transparent Image and Clipart for Free Download
Themes for 60th Birthday
Themes for 60th Birthday
a black and blue motorcycle parked in a parking lot
a black and blue motorcycle parked in a parking lot

Balticon 60 provided ample opportunities for attendees to showcase their creativity and passion through cosplay. The convention hosted a masquerade, where participants could strut their stuff on stage and compete for prizes. Throughout the weekend, attendees also enjoyed impromptu cosplay gatherings, photo shoots, and social events that fostered a sense of community and camaraderie.

Looking Ahead to Balticon 61

As Balticon 60 drew to a close, attendees eagerly looked forward to next year's convention. Balticon 61 is set to take place from May 26th to 29th, 2023, once again at the Hunt Valley Inn. With another year of exciting guests, panels, and events on the horizon, science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts can't wait to gather once more in Baltimore to celebrate their love for the genre.