CyPhaCon, the Lake Area’s pop culture-themed media event, is returning for its ninth year April 12-14 at the Civic Center.

Featuring panels and visits from science fiction/fantasy and anime celebrities, guests will have access to 120 hours of fan-based programming.

“Some of these shows and genres have been around for generations. You’ll be surprised what kind of fan is out there for all genres and all types,” Stuart Griggs, convention administrator, said.

Griggs said visitors of the convention can enter the Cosplay Contest in hopes of winning top honors for their costumes.

“These are very elaborate, taking hours and hours, sometimes even a year, to create. The quality is so good they look like they just stepped out of a movie,” Griggs said.

Fans of classic video gaming systems will also have access to vintage consoles like Atari and the many generations of Playstation.

“It’s all for free to play,” Griggs said. “You just have to have a badge to get in.”

CyPhaCon will feature panel discussion with invited celebrities sharing their art and answering audience questions.

“Meet the celebrities, hear their stories and what method they use for acting. Just the love of their craft,” he said.

Featured celebrities include Bruce Boxleitner of “Babylon 5,” Rekha Sharma of “Battlestar Galactica,” Andrew Robinson of “Star Trek: Deep Space 9” and anime voice actors Caitlin Glass and Todd Haberkorn.

A vendors market will also be available selling rare collectibles as well as an ongoing charity auction to support the Molly Frank Foundation, which trains shelter dogs to be service animals for veterans.

Tickets are available at the door and grant all day access to the events — $20 on Friday and Sunday and $35 Saturday. Hours of operation vary by day.

Online: www.cyphacon.org