Con Nooga multi-fandom convention returns for weekend

43e98a0ccb6f77752e77e3f7b1810351

Con Nooga returns this weekend. (Photo Connooga.com)

This weekend, you might see a group of Stormtroopers eating pizza at Lupi’s, an over-sized Pikachu sharing your Uber or Chewbacca in line behind you at Starbucks (we hear that Wookies like lattés.)

Don’t freak out. These are normal people in costume (i.e. cosplay) attending Chattanooga’s biggest multi-fandom convention. Con Nooga returns this year to the Chattanoogan hotel and Chattanooga Convention Center. Think of it as kind of a mini DragonCon with similar programming but manageable crowds.

For the uninitiated, Con Nooga is like a big party for people who like to dress up as their favorite pop culture characters. Seriously, the Con Nooga Costume Contest + Saber Idol (“American Idol” but with lightsabers) are both worth the price of admission. Every genre is encouraged and the programming includes activities for kids and adults.

Of course, you don’t have to dress up to attend. If you’re unsure how to proceed, you can just pick a “track,” a way to schedule your weekend around a specific genre or area of interest. Check out the full schedule here.

Weekend passes are $60, but if you can only attend one day, go on Saturday. The one-day $40 badge will get you into the costume contest + other events… and you can stick around for the room parties later in the night. Trust me on the room parties thing.

Have you been to Con Nooga? Reply to this email and share your stories. Use the buttons below to send this to your friends.

I’ve never had a bad time at Con Nooga. How could you? The people watching alone is worth the price of admission. We attended the 2014 convention (at the Chattanooga Choo Choo) and recorded this video. It’s really one of those events that you just need to immerse yourself in.

More from NOOGAtoday
The slasher was shot in an old factory off Amnicola Highway and the woods near Snooper’s Rock.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Airbnb released its travel predictions for the year — here’s how you can join the trends right from the Scenic City.
To help make your entire process at the Chattanooga Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s nonstop flights.
A recent survey named the North Shore park Tennessee’s top public space to live near — so we found the closest listings.
Hamilton County residents are invited to Storm Safety Day featuring demonstrations, expert Q&A, and weather radio help.
Chattanooga Lookouts share full promotional schedule for Opening Week.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
Gov. Bill Lee’s budget proposal includes $45 million to transform 1,300 acres in Hamilton and Rhea counties.
Crews are working hard to wrap things up before Tuesday, April 14.