Windycon 2026

Windycon is Chicagoland's longest-running science fiction convention, run every year since 1973 by Illinois Science Fiction in Chicago (ISFiC). A literary-based con of about 1,000 members, it covers the whole range of science fiction and fantasy, from books and films to astrophysics, costuming, gaming and pop culture.

Windycon 52, themed "Sanctuary Among the Stars," runs October 9–11, 2026 at the con's new home, the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago in Rosemont, Illinois. Guests of Honor are Alien RPG writer Andrew E.C. Gaska, monster maker and filmmaker Tristian "TrisRex" Johnson, Arcane voice actor Jason Spisak, singer-songwriter Mary Crowell, pixel artist Tom Bacon and science communicator Professor Diva, with Special Guests Rick Heinz, Bill Higgins, Megen Leigh, Andrew and Kristin Looney of Looney Labs, filker Tom Smith and cosplayer Spinneret. The weekend offers panels and workshops, a Cosplay Parade, an art show, a vendors' hall, tabletop gaming, RPG adventures and LARP, the ISFiC Writers Contest and three floors of evening room parties.