Next ‘Fest: June 1-2, 2019 | Crowne Plaza Louisville Hotel
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WHAT IS WONDERFEST?
A weekend of wonder in Louisville!
WonderFest is a weekend of hobby escape that’s held every Summer in Louisville, Kentucky USA!
Now in its 30th year, WonderFest features movie special effects guests, the largest model contest in the U.S. for sci-fi, horror & comics-related subjects, model and toy dealers galore, and seminars to entertain and improve hobbyists of all ages!
It’s always held at our mothership, the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Hotel, 830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209.
MEET THE 2019 GUESTS
Click their names to read about them.
PLAN YOUR WEEKEND
Click an icon to learn more.
Tickets
Buy your tickets at the door for one day or the whole weekend. Early Bird tickets get you into the dealer’s rooms 2 hours early!
More info…
Hotel & Restaurant
Special WonderFest room rates in a fine hotel, with an award-winning restaurant. It’s so convenient to stay in the show hotel!
More info…
Louisville Attractions
Bring your family and take extra time to visit exciting tourism sites in and around Louisville. Go exploring.
More info…
THE AMAZING MODEL CONTEST
Greatest in the World for Imaginative Modelers!
The WonderFest “Amazing” Model Contest is focused on all types of science-fiction, horror and comics models. It’s the biggest contest of its type in America, and it’s fun to look at even if you don’t build models yourself!
The contest is sponsored by Amazing Figure Modeler magazine, which is providing a special $300 award for the Most Amazing Figure!
With 743 entries in 2017, it took up the entire ballroom and featured some of the best modeling we’ve ever seen.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE)
JUNE 1-2-3, 2018
| # | Session | Speaker(s) | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amazing Figure Modeler’s Model Boot Camp | 9A-5P | TBA | |
| 2 | Badger / Black Heart Model Finishing Class | 9A-3P | TBA | |
| 3 | TAG Team / Iwata Sci-Fi Modeling School | 9A-4P | TBA | |
| 4 | Friday Night Welcome Party | 7P-9P | Main Hallway | |
| 5 | Iwata Airbrush Party | 7P-10P | Madison Room | |
| 6 | Friday Night Frights | 9P-11P | Theater B |
| # | Session | Speaker(s) | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DEALER ROOMS OPEN | 10A-5P | Dealer A & B | |
| 2 | HOW-TO DEMOS | 11A-5P | Elliott, Franklin, Grant | |
| 3 | GUEST TALKS | 10A-4:30P | Theaters A & B | |
| 4 | CONTEST ENTRIES | 8A-Noon | Coronet | |
| 5 | CONTEST VIEWING | Noon-5P | Coronet | |
| 6 | RONDO AWARDS | 5P-7P | Theater A | |
| 7 | CHILLER CINEMA LIVE | 7P-11P | Theater B | |
| 8 | Wicked WonderFest Hallway Cosplay Contest | 1PM-5PM | Main Hallway | |
| 9 | RobotWorks at WonderFest | 9AM-5PM | Grant Room |
| # | Session | Speaker(s) | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DEALER ROOMS OPEN | 10A-5P | Dealer A & B | |
| 2 | HOW-TO DEMOS | 10A-2P | Elliott, Franklin, Grant | |
| 3 | CONTEST VIEWING | 10A-3P | Coronet | |
| 4 | GUEST TALKS | 10A-3P | Theaters A & B | |
| 5 | CONTEST AWARDS CEREMONY | 3P-4P | Theater B | |
| 6 | ROBOTWORKS AT WONDERFEST | 9AM-5PM | Grant Room | |
| 7 | WONDERFEST WRAP PARTY | 7:30P | Theater A |
MUST-SEE PROGRAMMING
Click an icon to learn more.
How-To Demos
Learn techniques from other great modelers! Demos last from 30 minutes to an hour. Become a better modeler with these tips and tricks.
More info…
Iron Modeler
Teams are given a “base model,” a big pile of parts, and 4 hours to build the craziest model with only what they’ve got. Best model & presentation wins!
More info…
The Rondo Awards
Fandom’s only classic horror awards—decided by fans, for fans. Recognize the best in print, film, web, art, media, toys and models!
More info…
Sunday Wrap Party
Sunday night at 7:30 celebrate the end of the show with exclusive programming! Optional a la carte food and cash bar.
More info…
HIGHLIGHTS FROM WONDERFEST 2016
Click image to open a slideshow.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
They help make this event possible!
WONDERFEST LATEST NEWS
From our Facebook feed...
It is with extreme sadness that I give you the news that long time guest coordinator for Wonderfest Donnie Waddell has passed away. Donnie worked with us for many years before leaving to pursue other interests. He was far too young and passed after suffering a severe stroke and possible heart attack. We join with others in sending condolences to his family and his friends. With his passing I urge all our Wonderfest family to take care of themselves and to look after the others you love. Too many of us have left too soon.
Prayers
Very sad to hear. Though I was never close friends with Donnie, we saw each other enough times at Wonderfest, and at other various places around town, to give each other the cordial nod and short conversation when passing. He was a quiet, friendly guy. I know this is a hard time for the Wonderfest family, and I will miss him as well.
Sorry to hear the news. Prayers for his family!
I’m so sorry for your loss 😢
Damn it.
Rest In Peace Donnie.
Well..... Rats... we exchanged emails about my large displays for 2019.. is anyone taking over the email end? - RIP Donnie
Tom Eilerman
John Eaves / John Michael Eaves
Boyd Crompton
I know Donnie's brother. They are good people.
Very sad. I had only met him this past WF . sobering reminder of how fragile life can be.
Pam Eckert, did you all see this? 😔
So sorry to hear this. <Insert huge hug here>
So sorry , i knew him as an aquiantence and he was always nice 🙁 it puts things in perspective if how fragile lufe is so so sad
Live, love and enjoy life as much as you can!
Rest in peace, Donnie. I learned the heard way a couple years back about being too young for a heart attack. Now, life has changed,but at least I am still here to enjoy it. Take care of yourselves, and go to the doctor.
Awful news. So sorry to hear this.
Take a look at these great video shots from FineScale Modeler!
Click below to see Star Wars, Star Trek, and lots more fantasy creations.
Need to resubscribe fine scale modeler. Been model kit building since 1973 and 2004 mold making other figure resin kits to kit bash them. Love Star Trek universe my favorite, Star Wars, and sexy female resin kits
Was there, did that!
Jason Banks some great models.
We're happy to announce our 2018 Amazing Model Contest Winners List is finally posted on our website. Congratulations to all who entered and won!
wonderfest.com/upcoming-show/contest/past-winners-archive/2018-winners/
wonderfest.com
Pinnacle Award for Best Scratch BuildingSponsored by Resin Illuminati “N-Type Shuttlecraft XN-1B Javelin” Bill Krause
Thank you again, and congratulations to all the winners!
More entries = more winners ??? Let's aim for 800 models in 2019 (-:
It looks like silver and up are intended to be links to photos, maybe? Doesn't seem to be working for me...
Needs pics.