Registration
Did you get your membership yet? You’ll want to hurry, but don’t worry: the rate for a four-day adult membership won’t go up until January 16, 2026. Right now it’s $95, and the next rate increase will bring it to $110. Visit the Memberships page of our website for the link to register and instructions on how to register others. Email us with any questions. Get your membership before the holiday season is over!
Reserve Your Hotel Room for Norwescon Today!
Stay on-site and don’t miss a moment of the fun at Norwescon! Visit our Hotel page to make your reservation today.
Guest of Honor Spotlight
Special Guest of Honor – Dutch Bihary
Dutch Bihary is a renowned figure in the world of face and body art, a highly respected international instructor whose foundation was laid in the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest mountains. From his earliest memories, art has been an intrinsic part of who he is. While his beginnings were humble and his childhood presented its challenges, Dutch held a steadfast vision of becoming an art teacher. This ambition fueled years of dedicated self-study and an unwavering commitment to mastering a vast spectrum of artistic mediums.
The depth of knowledge brought to his instruction is undeniable. His experience encompasses the precise artistry of tattoo work, the narrative power of comic book illustration, the transformative skills of face and body painting, the techniques of special effects makeup and prosthetics, and the craft of practical special effects for television and film. Furthermore, his expertise extends to large-scale murals, 3D chromadepth attractions, and the commanding presence of large-scale prop sculpting.
Widely recognized from Season 1 of Skin Wars, the competitive reality series focused on body painting, and his return as a celebrity mentor on Skin Wars: Fresh Paint, Dutch’s accomplishments speak for themselves. His most significant achievement lies in the reputation as a highly qualified and skilled educator sought after globally, evidenced by invitations to lead courses at esteemed institutions such as MBS Academy in Korea and the iconic Stan Winston Studios.
Dutch finds profound satisfaction in sharing his hard-earned knowledge with the next generation of dedicated artists, creators, and innovators. His commitment to their growth and understanding is unwavering.
Club Tables
Supporting other fannish and fandom-related organizations is a big part of Norwescon’s mission to promote science fiction, fantasy, horror, related fictional genres, and science through the written word, art, and educational programs. If you are part of or know of a fannish organization that wants to join us at Norwescon 48, visit our Club Tables page for more information and the application. Help your organization reach Norwescon members with similar interests and support fandom! The deadline for priority consideration is . Applications sent after that date will be added to our waitlist.
Norwescon 48 Welcomes Concerts!!
Norwescon 48 is excited to welcome CONCERTS back to our schedule! We’re going to light up the weekend with fantastic musicians! Most of them will also be appearing on various music-related and other panels throughout the weekend. Here is a list of expected musical bands and artists (subject to revision and in no particular order):
- Alexander James Adams
- Gary Davis
- Cecilia Eng
- Cool Nerd Mark
- Faerie Born
- The Faithful Sidekicks
- Griff the Filker
- Paul Kwinn
- Cathy McManamon
- Menage a Trio
- The PDX Broadsides
- Andrew Ross
- Mark Rounds
- Vixy & Tony
Hey Cosplayers and Costume Wizards!
Dust off your glue guns and fire up those sewing machines—this year’s Norwescon Masquerade is going full-on legendary! We’re talking next-level prizes, including free passes to Norwescon 49.
But wait, there’s even more sparkle! Thanks to our amazing workmanship judge, Barnkow, and their convention-powered magic with Costume College, we’re also adding the following prizes:
- A Costume College scholarship with hotel stay
- A full year of Costumer’s Guild West membership
And because feedback is the ultimate XP boost, you’ll also get insightful, encouraging notes from our superstar panel of judges to help you level up your costuming skills.
Bring your brilliance, your boldness, and your best builds—this masquerade is going to be unforgettable! Go to the Masquerade page for more information. Sign up online today!
Single Pattern Contest!
Each year, the Single Pattern Contest challenges creative, sewing, and crafting skills by choosing one pattern as the basis for your creativity! The object of the competition is to construct a one-of-a-kind creation using this pattern. Some adjustments or changes to the pattern are allowed as long as the end product reflects the original pattern.
Norwescon is excited to announce the two pattern options for this year’s Single Pattern Contest:
Competition awards will include, but are not limited to, best workmanship, best use of convention theme, and best in competition. Awards will be given out during the masquerade halftime.
Labyrinth Shadow Cast Auditions!
As announced last month, Norwescon 48 will feature a 40th anniversary showing of the beloved film classic Labyrinth, complete with a shadow cast! Would you like to be a part of it? Auditions opened up this month!
All roles in the shadow cast production are open for auditions. Whether you’re hoping to step into the shoes of Sarah, Jareth, Hoggle, Ludo, or Sir Didymus, we want to see your talent on stage. We’re also seeking stagehands, tech crew, prop builders, and costume creators. If you love working behind the scenes, this is your moment to shine.
Visit the Labyrinth Shadow Cast page on the website to access and submit the special events audition form. We welcome participants of all backgrounds. Norwescon and the Special Events Department encourage involvement from individuals of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, creed, and cultural background. Inclusivity is a core value of our community, and all are invited to audition and participate.
Brought to you by the Norwescon Special Events Department.
Calling All GM’s!!
If you are interested in running a special event, including wargaming, trading card games, large learn-to-play events, tournaments, or multitable tabletop role-playing game events, please send the following information to gaming@norwescon.org:
- Game Master Name
- Type of Event
- Estimated Table Size
- Number of Players You Can Accommodate
- Day You Want to Run It
- Time You’d Like to Run It
- Estimated Run Time
- Printouts or Materials Required
GM’s can start signing up to run tabletop games and RPGs via the Norwescon 48 Game Submission form.
Moderators Needed!
Have you been to a panel and thought the moderator job would be interesting and fun? Then Programming would love to hear from you. The moderator is the backbone of the panel. It is a great opportunity to work with our amazing panelists. Here are some things that are required:
- Email the panelists in advance to work out the structure of the panel.
- Introduce the panel and move the panelist introductions along smoothly.
- Keep the panel on the right track.
- Move the topic along and allow all panelists equal time to speak.
- Manage the audience Q&A.
- Handle any media that is needed.
- Fill out the feedback form after the panel is finished.
If this sounds like a job for you, please contact us. We would love to talk to you and answer any questions.
Meetup Sign Ups Are Open!
Got a great idea for a meetup during the convention? Anything can work, whether it’s a fandom hangout, industry mixer, writer’s lounge, or just an opportunity to find other fen like you. Go to the Meetup website for more information and the link to the application.
Norwescon Charity for Page Ahead
We are pleased to announce that Page Ahead will once again be the recipient of charity sale proceeds in the art show. To make a donation, just bring it to the art show in Grand 1, and while you are there, you can check out what is for sale to support this charity.
We will also be accepting donations of items that are fannish in nature at the convention, such as art, jewelry, books, and games. Items will be available for sale in the art show throughout the convention or used as volunteer prizes.
And, of course, please be sure to join us in the art show to purchase donated items. It all goes to a great cause. If you have questions, please email us about making a donation.
Page Ahead provides new books and develops reading activities that empower at-risk children. Founded in 1990, Page Ahead’s Children’s Literacy Program has given more than four million new books to more than one million children through collaborations with schools, social service agencies, preschools, and early childhood programs across Washington.
Norwescon is proud to be working with Page Ahead to help eliminate book deserts and get books into the hands of under-resourced children in the greater Seattle area, as well as other areas in the state of Washington. You can also donate a book directly to Page Ahead through the Norwescon Book Drive Wish List via Amazon, or you can donate money directly at GiveDirect Fundraising Platform: Page Ahead Children’s Literacy Program.