The centerpiece of Tampa’s comic convention season, Tampa Bay Comic Con, returns this weekend with dozens of different panels, events and experiences around the Tampa Convention Center. Below, you’ll find 13 of the most anticipated or interesting options, from yoga classes to celebrity Q&As. A full, constantly updated schedule can be found on the official Tampa Bay Comic Con app and on the convention’s website.
NASA Experience
Friday 12-6 p.m. | Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room 3
Explore outer space from right here on Earth and learn how your sci-fi favorites keep in touch with reality at three different panels presented by NASA: “Science Fiction to Science Fact,” “Life Beyond Earth” and “Moon to Mars.”
League of Little Legends Kids Zone
Friday 12-6 p.m. | Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room 10
Keep younger kids occupied with free crafts and activities. This zone is for children 10 and under and their families.
Nerdy Yoga Flow
Friday 2:30-4 p.m. | Saturday 9-10:30 a.m. | Sunday 10-11:30 a.m.
Room 2
This superhero-inspired power yoga class will have you unlocking your inner Wonder Woman or Superman. All levels of yoga experience are welcome, though this session is recommended for attendees 18 and up.
“Avengers: Infinity War” Screening
Friday 3-6 p.m.
Room 1
Now that you’ve had a few months to recover from the film’s shocking ending, swap theories about the fate of your favorite Avengers at this screening. The movie will be released on digital platforms this week but doesn’t hit DVD and Blu-Ray until August 14.
Nerdy Speed Dating
Friday 10-11:30 p.m. | Saturday 6:30-8 p.m. | Sunday 3-4:30 p.m.
Room 2
What better place to meet your soulmate than a con? Platonic connections with fellow fans are encouraged too at this fun event. This session is recommended for ages 18 and up, and you must sign up at event registration before 6 p.m. to participate.
“Stranger Things” Q&A
Saturday 1-1:50 p.m.
Ballroom D
If you’re counting down the days until season 3 of this smash hit Netflix series, this panel cannot be missed. Emmy nominee David Harbour, who plays Sheriff Jim Hopper, and Noah Schnapp, who portrays Will Byers, will be answering questions straight out of the Upside Down. The two will also be signing autographs and taking photos with fans on Saturday and Sunday (autographs and photo ops with Harbour are $60 each; $40 each for Schnapp. Autographs and photo ops are cash only.).
Talent Show
Saturday 2-4 p.m.
Room 24
Showcase your own hidden talents to your fellow nerds. The top three acts are selected based on audience applause and will receive a prize.
Cosplay Contest
Saturday 3-4 p.m.
Ballroom D
You put lots of hard work into your cosplay; why not get rewarded for it? Convention-goers can enter in one of six different categories (TV/movie, comics, video games, anime, Star Wars and kids) to compete for up to $500 in cash prizes. Sign up for the contest at event registration as soon as possible; spaces are limited and first come, first served.
Beard Competition
Saturday 5-5:30 p.m.
Room 24
If you’ve got it, flaunt it — a luxurious beard, that is. All convention attendees are welcome to compete in categories that include “just the stache,” “best partial beard,” “best styled beard” and “grizzliest beard.”
Starting a Podcast on a Budget
Friday 11-11:30 p.m. | Sunday 10-10:30 a.m.
Room 5 (Friday), Room 20 (Sunday)
Podcasts are the hottest form of media since, well, TV. Though starting one of your own sounds simple, it can quickly become overwhelming when you factor in equipment and software if you don’t know what you’re doing. During this session, hear stories and get advice from the founder of “The Following Has Been Approved,” a nearly four-year-old weekly podcast.
Cosplay Building 101
Friday 7-8 p.m. | Sunday 2-3 p.m.
Prepare to make your next cosplay costumes by hand with assistance from the ladies behind Cosplay Therapy. They’ll discuss sewing tips and tricks for selecting fabrics and patterns, taking measurements and making a good bodysuit as well as the best materials for props, how to paint and seal them, and Thow to manipulate foam.
Great and Powerful Tim
Friday 2-3 p.m. | Saturday 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Sunday 12-1 p.m.
Room 24 (Friday & Saturday), Room 17 (Sunday)
A favorite of past Tampa Bay Comic Cons, magician and comedian Tim Hoffman is bringing an all-new show with illusions you have to see to believe and storylines to tickle your funny bone.
Human-Size Chess
Friday 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Saturday 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Sunday 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Room 24 (all three days)
Put yourself in the game (literally) and play chess as either a player or a pawn in this life-sized battle of “strategy and silliness.” The game will be hosted by YouTuber FanboyHex and prizes will be awarded.
TAMPA BAY COMIC CON
Tampa Convention Center
333 S. Franklin St.
tampabaycomiccon.com
Friday: Noon-midnight
Saturday: 8 a.m. to midnight
Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exhibitor Hall closes at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday
