NorwesconFeb 3

Philip K. Dick Award Nominees and Ceremony Update

This year’s Philip K. Dick Award nominees were announced on January 13. This year there are seven nominated works:

If you track your reading using the book tracking website The Storygraph, we have set up a reading challenge. How many of this year’s nominees can you read before the award ceremony on Friday, April 3, at Norwescon?

And speaking of this year’s award ceremony—the ceremony will be returning to the conversation tables in Grand 2! Join us shortly before the ceremony for conversation and chances to meet the attending authors, then enjoy readings of excerpts from the nominated works (some read by the authors themselves) before the winners are announced.

It’s another excellent lineup of nominees. We’re looking forward to another fun ceremony, and we hope you join us on Friday evening!

Catan Championship Qualifier

Norwescon is hosting an official CATAN United States National Championship Qualifier tournament. We will have three preliminary rounds followed by a final round. There will be 24 seats available. The Qualifier winner will win a guaranteed seat at the 2026 CATAN United States National Championship tournament.

Bring your best game and compete with fellow enthusiasts for a chance to become the ultimate settler of CATAN. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn, compete, and have fun.

Registration

Did you get your membership yet? Right now it’s $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 convention begins!

Also, this year we are opening sales for single-day memberships to the convention on Saturday, February 14. It’s not always easy to get four days off from work or school, but we still want you to join us for some Norwescon fun! Single-day badges may only be picked up on the day they are valid prior to 8:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, or 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Reach out to Registration with any questions.

  • Thursday: $40
  • Friday: $70
  • Saturday: $70
  • Sunday: $40

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

Writer Guest of Honor—Ursula Vernon, aka T. Kingfisher

Ursula Vernon, aka T. Kingfisher, is the author and illustrator of far more projects than is probably healthy. She has written over fifteen books for children, at least a dozen novels for adults, an epic webcomic called Digger, and various short stories and other odds and ends.

The daughter of an artist, she spent her youth attempting to rebel but eventually succumbed to the siren song of paint (although not before getting a degree in anthropology). Ursula grew up in Oregon and Arizona, went to Macalester College in Minnesota, and stayed there for ten years until she finally learned to drive in deep snow and was obligated to leave the state.

Having moved across the country several times, she eventually settled in Pittsboro, North Carolina, where she works full-time as an artist and creator of oddities. She lives with her husband and his chickens.

Her works have won many awards, including Hugos, Nebulas, Locus Awards, British Fantasy Awards, and many others. In addition to writing and making art, Ms. Vernon gardens, feeds the birds, and has an unhealthy obsession with mulch.

Join Us for Three Nights of Dance at Norwescon 48

Join us for Norwescon 48 in the Grand Ballrooms for three nights of dance favorites and fun!

  • Thursday: First Contact Galactic Gala. Leap into the cosmos and celebrate the thrill of discovery. Dress stellar, dance interstellar!
  • Friday: Black Light Rave. Glow under the neon lights and dance wild through the night.
  • Saturday: The Goblin Ball. Enter the realm of fantasy and mischief where masks, magic, and music collide.

Three nights. Three worlds. One epic weekend of Norwescon dances! Check the schedule for times and locations, and don’t forget to suggest music in advance using our form found on the Norwescon Dances page.

Teen Engagement Is Looking at YOU, Teens!

Already been to the art show? Tired of being dragged to panels? Come and hang out with people your own age!

The Shire involves kids (13 to 18 years) by helping them develop social and self-guided skills, encouraging them to play games, and giving them roles in running the con. We’re in the Teen Lounge at various times throughout the convention. Come and meet the Elders who are available for gentle guidance if you would like it.

For our kickoff meet-n-greet, we’ll be at the Root Beer Float Social on Friday afternoon.

We look forward to meeting you!

Artist List on Website

The list of artists to be featured in our art show is now live on the website. Get a sneak peek of who is exhibiting art at Norwescon 48. During the convention, visit our gallery-style space starting at 10:00 a.m. on Friday to see some amazing art and bid on something special to take home.

Supplies Needed for Teen & Tween Panels

The Teen & Tween track has some supply needs for their panels. If you have anything you would like to donate to them, please bring it to the March meeting or drop it off at Cascade 1 during the convention. Please email Programming if you can help and/or plan on bringing anything. Thank you for your help! Specific needs we have include the following:

  • Magazines for black-out poetry and vision boards
  • Costume/cosplay items
  • Clothes to use for costuming
  • Miscellanea that would be good for creating costumes and accessories out of (trim, jewelry, jewelry crafting items, baubles, hats, belts, fabric, and so much more)
  • Duct tape
  • Zip ties
  • Chainmail rings
  • Hat wire

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.

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 webpage for more information and the link to the application.

Announcing the Norwescon Music Mixer

Join us for an evening of sound on Friday, February 20, featuring ethereal electronic synthesizer and solo guitar filk/folk performances, curated by Norwescon volunteer and Gallery 1412 member Mark Kerrigan. Gary Davis and Alexander James Adams, featured on the mixer, will also be performing at Norwescon 48 in April. All proceeds go to support the performers and the venue, and advance tickets are available but not required.

  • Venue: Gallery 1412 in Seattle, WA
  • Date: Friday, February 20, 2026, at 8 p.m.
  • RSVP here

Featured Local Performers

More details

  • Doors open at 7 p.m., music starts at 7:30 p.m.
  • All ages, no alcohol, entrance is accessible but bathrooms are not
  • Parking available on neighborhood streets
  • $10 suggested donation

Since 2004, Gallery 1412 in Seattle Central District is an intimate storefront venue run by a collective of artists and musicians focused on supporting experimental and avant-garde music.

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.

https://www.norwescon.org/2026/02/02/news-from-norwescon-february-2026/ #Catan #PageAhead #UrsulaVernon
NorwesconApr 2, 2025

Norwescon 47 In Two Weeks!

To ensure a quick and smooth check-in at Registration, please see these tips:

  • Have your government-issued picture ID ready; all persons aged 18 and older must complete their checkins in person at Registration and verify their identity.
  • All persons aged 17 and younger must have a Minor Permission Slip, completed and signed by a responsible adult who is also attending Norwescon 47.
  • Youth aged 15 or younger may not check themselves in; they must be checked in by their responsible adult, who will provide their Minor Permission Slip.
  • Youth aged 16 or 17 may check themselves in if 1) they have their own government-issued picture ID; 2) they provide their Minor Permission Slip, completed and signed by their responsible adult; and 3) Registration staff verify that the responsible adult is registered for Norwescon 47.

Please remember that Thursday and Saturday mornings are our busiest check-in times, so the quicker we can get each person checked in, the sooner you can get to your favorite Con activities. We will have self-service kiosks available on-site for folks who still need to purchase their membership, but if you’ve already purchased your membership online, you can go straight to the next available Registration cashier to check in.

Online sales will remain open throughout the entire Con, so you’re encouraged to purchase your membership in advance, and by the time you’re reading this, single-day memberships will have already gone on sale (see our Memberships page for more information).

We’re really looking forward to welcoming you (or welcoming you back) to Norwescon, and if you have any questions about your membership or Registration check-in procedures, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Thanks, and see you soon!

Writer Guest of Honor

Our last guest of honor feature is for Catherynne M. Valente. She is the NYT bestselling author of over forty books of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, including Deathless, Space Opera_, The Past Is Red, and the Fairyland novels. She is the winner of the Hugo, Locus, Nebula, Sturgeon, and Lambda awards, among others, and has been shortlisted for the World Fantasy and Ursula K LeGuin awards. She lives on a small island off the coast of Maine with her child and several troublingly large cats.

Check out ALL Norwescon 47 guests of honor on panels, at Q&A’s, at the autograph session, and many other places.

The Programming Schedule is Live On the Website!

Check out all the programming that starts at 2pm on Thursday and ends on Sunday at 4pm. We have a full schedule of all types of tracks, from writing to costuming to space. Come all four days to see as much of it as you can!

Guidebook is Ready!

We are excited to announce that the schedule app for Norwescon 47, powered by Guidebook, is now available. With this resource, you have access to the most up-to-date information as well as networking tools.

To get started, tap “Download the app” to access the guide on your iOS and Android device. Prefer the web version? Content will also be available online.

The Guidebook app is the most complete and comprehensive resource for information about the Norwescon 47 schedule and our guests of honor, panelists, art show participants, dealers, club tables, scheduled games, and more. Download it before the convention starts to plan your weekend, and save bandwidth on-site!

Norwescon Community Partner Page Ahead

Norwescon is proud to be working with Page Ahead to help eliminate book deserts in the greater Seattle area and other areas in the state of Washington. Page Ahead provides new books and develops reading activities that empower at-risk children, and it has given more than four million new books to more than one million children through early childhood programs across Washington.

Norwescon is raising money for our nonprofit partner through sales of items in the art show and donating all proceeds to Page Ahead. We will be accepting donations of items that are fannish in nature such as art, jewelry, books, and games at the convention. To make a donation, just bring it to the art show in Grand 1 during open hours on Friday and Saturday.

You can also support this year’s community partner by visiting our community partners’ sales area in the art show and making a purchase. We have many interesting and exciting items for this year. Whether you have something that you would like to donate or are looking for a new treasure, please join us in supporting this year’s community partner Page Ahead.

Single Pattern Contest and Masquerade Membership Prize Reminder

Show off your mad costume skills at Norwescon this year! Enter our single pattern contest and have fun with our unisex sweatshirt and pants pattern. Or go for broke and enter our masquerade. All skill levels welcome! Masquerade entrants have a chance to win a membership to Norwescon 48! We look forward to seeing you shine!

Pre-masquerade meeting times are Friday 7pm-8pm in Cascade 7&8, and Saturday 10am-12pm in Grand 3.

Click here for rules and entry forms.

More Games Than You Can Imagine!

Seriously! You want to game? Not sure where to go to find your tribe? Look no further:

Game Libraries

The Dragonflight GameCon Game Library and Alexandria RPG Library will be located in Olympic 1 and 2 for the duration of the convention.

Open Gaming Tables

Pathfinder/Starfinder and D&D organized play will be located in Lakeside Gaming, which can be found at the end of Concourse 1 or 2 between Wings 4 and 5. Both the first and second floors of Lakeside Gaming require use of the second-floor skybridge.

Artemis Simulator

The Artemis Simulator sessions are being held in Maxi’s Salon.

Warhorn

Don’t forget to register for Warhorn and secure your spot for your favorite games. From thrilling RPGs to strategic board games, the choices are endless.

Calling All Game Masters!

We are still looking for game masters to lead board games and card games. Imagine the joy of guiding players through the whimsical world of Dr. Who Flux or the hilarious chaos of Munchkin. If you’re interested, simply complete the online form to get on the schedule.

Catan Championship Qualifier

Norwescon is hosting an official CATAN United States National Championship Qualifier Tournament. There will be three preliminary rounds followed by a final round. Only 16 seats are available, and you must be 18 to enter. Register today at Warhorn. A Norwescon membership will be needed to attend the event. You can purchase a weekend pass for Norwescon at norwescon.org. Day passes can also be purchased on-site.

Email us if you have any questions.

Info Table Update

Would you like to know more? Find out at the Info Table! Pick up your Souvenir Program Book, Pocket Programs, single-day schedules, pronoun stickers, and more. Read the ‘Zine, share your suggestions and comments at the Feedback Box – or just stop by to say hello! We’re open 9-7 Thursday through Saturday, 9-3 Sunday. Find us in the lobby hallway next to the official Norwescon t-shirt vendor.

Introducing Nebula Notes

The Norwescon ‘Zine (the official daily news sheet for Norwescon 47) will be full of information for you each day of the convention – and some of that comes from you!

This year, the ‘Zine will be called Nebula Notes, in honor of our Through the Cosmic Telescope theme. Also keeping with that theme is one of our columns, “Close Encounters.” Send in a paragraph about interesting, unique, or funny interactions you have at Norwescon 47.

Photos are always welcome – costumes, an event, a droid trying to blend in with the rubbish bins. You get the gist. Are you an artist with a great, geeky sense of humor? Submit your single-panel comic.

And, of course, we will be including a favorite: the “Overheard” column. The things you’re only going to hear at a sci-fi and fantasy convention. Tidbits of delight that have you chuckling with fannish glee because it’s normal to hear at a convention, but not in the mundane world.

Send us your content and ideas. The ‘Zine will be available each morning of Norwescon 47 at 10am. You’ll find it at the Information Desk in the convention lobby, online in Guidebook, and on the website.

Hotel Parking Information

If you are in the Norwescon room block, the first car registered to your hotel room is free. Any additional cars registered to the same hotel room are charged $22.18 per day and will receive in/out privileges provided the guest exits and enters using their room key. This rate begins at 7am on Wednesday, April 16th, and runs through 6pm Sunday, April 20th.

For your information, the next day starts at 2:45am, so if you come for the day on Saturday but do not leave until 3am on Sunday, you will be charged $44.36 for two days of parking. No in/out feature exists for people not staying at the hotel.

Do You Enjoy Audiobooks?

Are you an author thinking about branching into audiobooks? These two panels are for you. Come join our professional audiobook narrators as they read from selections sent in by Norwescon authors. Want your selection to be read? Be sure to send it to the Author Listeners Lounge before the convention.

First Page Idol

Saturday 11am-12pm Evergreen 1&2

Does your hook grab your target readers? Are you sure? Try out your opening in front of a live audience with the help of professional voice actors. Our audiobook narrators will read a stack of first pages out loud. Audience members who read in your genre will raise their hands when they lose interest. As the author, you’ll stay anonymous while getting feedback from readers. To submit work, email your first page with genre designation at the top to [email protected].

Author Listeners’ Lounge

Sunday 11am-1pm Cascade 10

Have you ever wondered how your stories would sound if they were read by a professional audiobook narrator? Here’s your chance to find out! A trained voice actor will help your stories and their emotions come to life right before your ears and will engage your audience like no other medium. Whether you’re a seasoned author with numerous audiobooks to your name or completely new to the world of audiobooks, come by and listen as your books come to life. Submit a story to be read.

Norwescon Little Free Library Reminder

Don’t forget to bring your book donations to the Norwescon Little Free Library table! Just one or a whole box, community donations are the heart and soul of the swap. We’ll be under the stairs in the lobby accepting donations around the clock, AND you’ll get a ribbon! Don’t forget to take a book (or two) while you’re there.

Volunteer for Norwescon 47

Norwescon 47 is fast approaching (just under a month away!), and while we’ve got a great ConCom team, we still need volunteers before, during, and after the con! Interested? We’ve been keeping the Open Volunteer Positions page up-to-date – come take a look to see if anything catches your eye.

If you’re not sure where you’d like to help out, or you have additional questions, please reach out and we’ll do our best to respond rapidly. You are also welcome to attend our final pre-con ConCom meeting on Saturday April 5th at 11am, in-person or remotely. Talk to some people and see if you find a good fit! Click here for meeting details.

And, of course, if you want to help out but not take on a role, we will gladly welcome at-event volunteers. This is especially true if you find yourself at the hotel on Wednesday or Monday and are open to helping with load-in or load-out.

Holiday Cards???

It is never too early to think about your annual holiday cards. Back by popular demand are our favorite Santa and Krampus. This year all donations for the event will go to Norwescon 47’s local charity of choice, Page Ahead, because every child deserves to have a book of their own. Event runs on Saturday from 1pm-3pm in the lobby.

Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

Past, present, and future Norwescon volunteers are invited to join our annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic on Sunday, July 27, 11am until 2pm, at Steel Lake Park picnic shelter #1 in Federal Way.

We will be providing basic grill foods (i.e., burgers, dogs, vegetarian options) and non-alcoholic beverages. Side dishes and desserts are always appreciated, but not required, if you want to bring something along.

Friends, family, and other potential volunteers are very welcome!

Sunday, July 27, 2025
11am-2pm
Steel Lake Park, Shelter #1
Federal Way, WA 98003
2410 S. 312th St

https://www.norwescon.org/2025/04/02/news-from-norwescon-april-2025/

#Catan #CatherynneMValente #Guidebook #LittleFreeLibrary #norwescon #Norwescon47 #NWC47 #PageAhead #VolunteerAppreciationPicnic