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
Sold at the door only.
Adults: $30 for 1-day, $45 for 2-days.
Ages 4 to 12: $10 for 1-day, $15 for 2-days
Age 3 and under free.
Ticket booth hours…
Hotel & Restaurant
Special WonderFest room rates at the Crowne: $124 per night for up to 4 people! It’s convenient to stay in the show hotel with an award-winning restaurant
Reserve a room online…
Louisville Attractions
Bring your family and take extra time to visit exciting tourism sites in and around Louisville. Go exploring the Bourbon Trails and more.
Fun in Louisville…
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!
Entry Hours: Saturday, June 1st, from 8 a.m. ’til Noon
- $10.00 per first 2 models for adults, up to 8 additional entries free
- $8.00 per first 2 models for teens, up to 8 add’l entries free (ages 13-19)
- Free for ages 12 & under
With over 700 entries in 2018, it took up the entire ballroom and featured some of the best modeling we’ve ever seen.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE)
MAY 31 & JUNE 1-2, 2019
| # | Session | 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 | 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 | 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
All weekend! Learn techniques from other great modelers! Demos last from 30 minutes to an hour. Become a better modeler!
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
5pm Saturday! Fandom’s only classic horror awards—decided by 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 2018
Click image to open a slideshow.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
They help make this event possible!
WONDERFEST LATEST NEWS
From our Facebook feed...
GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT: STAR TREK fans won't want to miss returning guest artist Rick Sternbach. Rick's designs and illustrations have shaped the look of STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE, THE LAST STARFIGHTER, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, DEEP SPACE NINE, VOYAGER, and STAR TREK NEMESIS. He also provided computer playback graphics and animation elements for Steven Soderbergh’s SOLARIS.
In 2004, Rick began Space Model Systems, Inc, providing the space modeler with what many consider the best aftermarket decals for historical spacecraft.
Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
Shaping up to be one helluva show this year!
Always great to see Rick!
WOooot!
Great guy. Very approachable
Wahoo
Awesome guy!
ATTENTION DEALERS: As of today, 1/20/19, Dealer Room A is SOLD OUT! There are limited tables left in Dealer Room B. Don't delay reserving your table!
Another sellout show for sure. Love wonderfest
How much is a table in room B?
When will the dealer list be posted on the site?
GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cylon God returns! Fan favorite guest Eric Chu was conceptual designer for SyFy's now-legendary retooling of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA. He recently collaborated with producer-and past-WonderFest-guest Jamie Anderson on the Ultramarionation pilot minisode of Gerry Anderson's FIRESTORM (if you haven't seen it, watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-yhwYMoRfk).
Eric's past credits include working as a storyboard and layout artist for animated series including BEETLEJUICE, DROIDS, BABAR and the legendary J Michael Straczynski-penned kid's show CAPTAIN POWER AND THE SOLDIERS OF THE FUTURE.
For more information visit: www.wonderfest.com
GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT: Our Secret Weapon(maker) and fan fave Ken Palkow returns for WonderFest 30!
Ken's recent projects include building weapons and gadgets for the last three X-MEN films--including the upcoming DARK PHOENIX--and weapons, gadgets, and props for the TV show ALTERED CARBON. He fabricated props for Jim Carrey's SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, and for Dwayne Johnson's recent SKYSCRAPER. Ken created new guns, swords, and Cable’s rifle for DEADPOOL 2.
He's built everything from gold tablets for NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM to serum gas canisters in RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. Did we mention weapons? We’re talking Kate Beckinsale's weapons in UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING, Colonial sidearms in BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: BLOOD AND CHROME, to Federation phasers, alien weapons, and medical gadgets for STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS and STAR TREK BEYOND.
Ken will be appearing both days. For more information visit: www.wonderfest.com
I think I know that guy...
Great news, though I hope I don’t end up directly behind Ken in the airport TSA line, like happened a few years ago. His props slowed the line a bit😉
Can’t wait to meet this guy. Seems like a real stand up dude.
Welcome back, Ken!!! Lookin’ forward to party witchew!!!
Ken is an amazing artist!
Long-time WonderFest guest FRANK DIETZ is returning after an absence for our 30th--and we're delighted! Frank's had a busy year. A new movie comedy he wrote, I HATE KIDS, opens January 18th. He helped out animating the penguins in MARY POPPINS RETURNS, and he starred in the radio comedy WHAT ABOUT BLOB? with Brian Howe, Frank Conniff and Trace Beaulieu from "Mystery Science Theater 3000."
Frank has a new book coming out in time for WonderFest, called "Damn Dirty Geeks Walk Among Us!" It's a collection of reviews and essays by Frank and his fellow podcast members on their favorite and not-so-favorite horror, sci-fi and fantasy films.
More guest announcements to come! For info about tickets, hotel and more, visit www.wonderfest.com.
I’m so excited!!! He is the nicest guy!
Missed you last year Frank Dietz!
Nice! I may have to come up and see ya!