Con Nooga, Chattanooga's largest multigenre pop-culture convention, marks its 10th year this weekend with events spread between two of downtown's largest venues.
The fandom convention embraces all genres, from animé to horror to cosplay. Organizer Todd Patton says guests can expect more than 500 hours of programming, concerts, shows, entertainment, contests and 18,000 square feet of gaming.
The complete schedule is available in an app available at any app store (search for Con Nooga).
Among the guest artists attending are Tom Nguyen, who has worked on major titles, including Batman, Green Lantern, JLA and Superman for DC Comics and Marvel Comics; and Dave Woodman, a Disney animator who has earned an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award for his work, which includes contributions to "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin" and Paula Abdul's "Opposites Attract" video.
Also among the special guests is designer, art consultant and author Victoria Price, whose contemporary design aesthetic was influenced by her famous parents, actor Vincent Price and costume designer Mary Grant Price. Her critically acclaimed biography of her father, "Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography," was published in 1999. She also has written for The New York Times, A&E's "Biography" series and many other national regional and local magazines, newspapers and television programs.
The convention's family-friendly events will take place at the Chattanooga Convention Center, 1150 Carter St., from noon to midnight Friday, Feb. 24; 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Feb. 25; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26. The 18-and-older events happen at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St., from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Day passes are available at the door, cash only. Cost for adults is $30 Friday, $50 Saturday, $10 Sunday, $60 for all three days. Cost for children 6-13 is $20 Friday, $20 Saturday, $10 Sunday, $20 for all three days, and all children must be accompanied by an adult badge holder. Badges include access to all programming (some workshops and gaming events may have small, separate fees), as well as shuttle service between the two venues.
In the past nine years, organizers say, Con Nooga has raised more than $35,000 for local charities. This year's beneficiaries will be Hamilton County STARS (Special Tactics and Rescue Services), Tennessee Valley Pride and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3679 in Fort Oglethorpe.
Find out more at www.connooga.com.