After all the joints from the medical marijuana expo burn out, the Albuquerque Convention Center hosts the stuff of stoner nightmares with the Albuquerque Sci-Fi and Horror Expo. The event is more of a tribute to the past, honoring the genre’s influence in technology and science.
Organizer Jim Burleson promoted various events in his career, but he said he converted to comic book and science fiction theme-based events this year because of his passion for the industry. He said he also organized a more general comic convention in January that attracted 10,000 fans, many of whom who demanded a show focused on the sci-fi and horror genres.
“Aliens and zombies are part of our culture,” he said. “Originally planned for Santa Fe, the City of Albuquerque and the Convention Center fought really hard to keep us here. We feel like it was the best move for all involved.”
Attendees can shake hands with genre stars like Edward Furlong, Walter Koenig and Charisma Carpenter. Costumes are encouraged, and there will be a best alien costume contest.
While these are perks, Burleson said the expo celebrates a genre of film and literature that spawned a generation of scientists and astronauts.
“I firmly believe that our technology and way of life were created from the fanbase of Gene Roddenberry and George Lucas,” he said. “We are people that had to deal with public scrutiny in school to immerse ourselves in our passion or hide it away so nobody would know as we played football or basketball and dated the cheerleaders. As adults we find ways to indulge ourselves.”
Albuquerque Sci-Fi and Horror Expo
Aug. 6, 7
Albuquerque Convention Center
401 Second St. S.W.
full event pass $25, day pass $15
www.AlbuquerqueSciFiExpo.com
