Horror, fantasy and steampunk: pop culture festival launches in Saint John

Fans of fantasy, sci-fi, steampunk and other pop culture fandoms are getting their own major summer festival in Saint John.

Fundy Fan Fest, scheduled for Aug. 25-27 at the Delta Hotel, is poised to become Saint John's premiere festival celebrating all things niche and nerdy, according to organizers Matt Delano and Greg Grondin.

"We want to start off with a bang, with a big event," said Grondin, owner of the comic-book store Heroes Beacon, adding organizers were inspired by major conventions like the Toronto Fan Expo and ComiCon.

"There will be a lot of people in costumes and dressed up," said Grondin.

Festival-goers can also enjoy professional photo-ops with an as-yet-to be announced roster of celebrities, Q&A sessions with industry insiders, and panels with authors and illustrations in the realm of speculative fiction.

The organizers are finalizing the guests.

"Keep an eye on the website," said Grondin. "We'll have some big announcements coming up in the next few weeks."

Artists, authors in the spotlight

Although "art and animation are not terribly big in New Brunswick," said Delano, who runs local animation company Knuckledown Studios, "this will help showeverybody this is a big deal, it's a big moneymaker."

With sponsorship from Discover Saint John, and a festival date coinciding with Canada 150 celebrations this summer, they're anticipating Fundy Fan Fest will be a draw to the uptown.

"If you're a big comic fan, you might hit several of these in the course of the year," said Grondin.

"Saint John's nightlife is really hopping right now, and this is another big event that we're adding to the summer."

Fundy Fan Fest will take place at the Delta Hotel from Aug. 25 to Aug. 27. Tickets will be on sale at the beginning of March. Passes range from $30 for a single-day pass, to $125 for a three-day limited VIP pass.