If you go
› What: Con Nooga 2019› Where: Chattanooga Convention Center, 1150 Carter St.; The Chattanoogan, 1201 Broad St.› When: Noon-midnight Friday, Feb. 22; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24› Admission: $30 adults, $15 ages 6-12, Friday; $40 adults, $15 ages 6-12, Saturday; $15 ages 13 and older Sunday. Three-day pass, cash only at door: $60 adults, $25 kids› For more information: www.connooga.com
Con Nooga, Chattanooga's largest multifandom convention, opens Friday, Feb. 22, for its 12th year with more than 160,000 square feet of fan fun offered at the Chattanooga Convention Center and The Chattanoogan hotel.
Fans of anime, comics, artists, science fiction, horror, cosplay, fantasy, films, gaming, the paranormal and more genres will find something to interest them at Con Nooga. While some comic cons highlight special guests, Con Nooga's focus is programming, entertainment, workshops, contests and interactive events. Organizers say they have scheduled more than 500 hours of programming in three days.
Harrison Gibson came to a previous Con Nooga as Jawa from Star Wars.Family-friendly events will be held during the day in the convention center. Many night events for ages 18 and up along with Nooga Nights (8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday) will be held at The Chattanoogan.
Con Nooga will offer over 18,000 square feet of gaming space. Partners Infinity Flux and Game On Chattanooga have put together tabletop and board games, role playing, video game tournaments and more, as well as the chance for guests to learn to play games.
Con Nooga organizers have developed a Kidz Track for ages 13 and under, with activities all day and into the early night hours that range from workshops and panels to interactive gatherings. An adult must accompany any child age 13 or under attending one of these events.
Several charity events are scheduled throughout the weekend including a Texas Hold 'Em tournament, charity auction and Big Wheel race. Selected charities to be beneficiaries of this year's Con Nooga are Hamilton County STARS, Chattanooga Roller Girls and Tennessee Valley Pride.
The number of activities in 500 hours of events is too lengthy to print, but interested folks can find the full schedule on Con Nooga's app. Once downloaded, the app will allow participants to customize their schedules and will alert them to any schedule changes.
To download: go to your cellphone's app store, search for Con Nooga and download the latest year.
Whiskerjam Benefit Concert
United Nerd Network is hosting Whiskerjam, a Con Nooga warm-up party/benefit concert, Thursday, Feb. 21, in the ballroom of The Chattanoogan. The concert will benefit the Humane Educational Society of Chattanooga.Radio Cult of Atlanta is the headlining band. Also onstage will be local bands Scarlet Love Conspiracy and The Joel Beaver Band.Doors open at 6 p.m. before the concert at 7 p.m.Tickets are $25 and will be available at the door.For more information: 706-996-6326.
Con Nooga guests arrive dressed as Mandalorians from Star Wars during a previous Con Nooga. Con Nooga 2019 begins Friday, Feb. 22, continuing through Sunday afternoon, Feb. 24.