The largest fan-run Pop Culture Convention in the state happens this weekend, April 5-7 at the Lake Charles Event Center. It’s so big – with 110-plus hours of original panels and programming, fan groups, local groups, CyPhaKids and a new vendor, artists and makers arena with more than 80 vendors – CyPhaCon 2024 will take up the entire Center complex.

Featured celebrity guest is Academy Award winner Edward James Olmos, known for his roles in Stand and Deliver, Miami Vice and as William Adama in the reimagined Battlestar Galactica.

Friday scheduling starts at 5 p.m. with the Take One-Comedy Show at the main panel area, Mela Lee Q&A on the Lake Charles Toyota Stage, Pride in the Lake Charles area in room two, Max Fleischer:Animation Pioneer in room three, NAAC:Background and History in room four and Level 1 Gaming Magic, the Gathering Tournament in room five. Friday ends with the 9:30-11 p.m. performances of Professor ShyGuy, Suzaki 7 and Secret Stache. Back by popular demand is the Downtown Lake Charles Pub Crawl, beginning at 5 p.m.   

Saturday’s events begin at 10 a.m. with Cosplay and video gaming. The fun continues until 11 p.m.

Sunday at 10 a.m., the schedule includes Women in Voice Acting, Anime Jeopardy, Movies:Interactive and Pokemon Battling 101. CyPhaCon 2024 wraps up with a 4 p.m. panel on Sunday to discuss, CyPhaCon: How did we do?

Go to cyphacon.org to buy tickets and see a complete schedule, list of celebrity and musical guests, games and contests, performing acts, and what’s happening in the Scion eSports arena.

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Online: cyphacon.org