Overview
AlienCon, the convention dedicated to UFOs, extraterrestrial research and related fringe topics, will return to Pasadena on March 4‑5 at the Pasadena Convention Center. The two‑day gathering marks the event’s first in‑person edition since the COVID‑19 pandemic halted large gatherings in 2020, and it follows a successful debut in Pasadena in June 2018. Organizers describe the convention as “an exploration into the unexplained mysteries that exist between science fact and science fiction,” offering a mix of panel discussions, presentations, and interactive exhibits for enthusiasts and curious members of the public alike.
Programming and Panels
The schedule features multiple stages with sessions ranging from “ancient civilizations and lost worlds” to “UFOs and the long road to Disclosure.” According to Jill Tully, Vice President of Consumer Enterprises at A+E Networks, attendees can expect “thought‑provoking panel discussions” that address both historical speculation and contemporary investigations. Topics will include cryptids, sacred relics, secret sites, and recent UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports. The convention also provides autograph and photograph opportunities with contributors from four History Channel shows, as well as exclusive merchandise and film screenings.
Notable Speakers
AlienCon’s lineup blends long‑time personalities from the History Channel’s “Ancient Aliens” franchise with newer voices from government and investigative journalism. Among the featured experts are Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, known for his work on “Ancient Aliens,” former Defense Intelligence Officer and former director of the UAP Task Force Jay Stratton, veteran investigative journalist George Knapp, and bestselling author Erich von Däniken of Chariots of the Gods. Additional guests will represent shows such as “Secret of Skinwalker Ranch,” “Proof Is Out There,” and “The Unexplained,” bringing the total to roughly 34 speakers.
Vendors and Interactive Experiences
More than a hundred vendors will populate the exhibition hall, offering a diverse array of products that span the speculative to the artisanal. Attendees can explore booths featuring droid builders crafting replicas of R2‑D2 and BB‑8, as well as artists presenting paintings, sculptures, and jewelry inspired by extraterrestrial themes. A novelty “Alien Hot Sauce” will also be available, underscoring the convention’s blend of pop‑culture fandom and serious inquiry. Event organizers emphasize that the vendor floor is intended to cater to both collectors and newcomers seeking tangible connections to the subject matter.
History and Community Roots
The first AlienCon was launched in 2016 in Santa Clara, emerging from the vibrant fan community surrounding the History Channel’s “Ancient Aliens.” The convention was created to provide a physical space where enthusiasts could convene, share research, and engage with creators of related media. Since its inception, AlienCon has grown to include guests from iconic science‑fiction series such as Star Trek, The X‑Files, Doctor Who, and Stranger Things, reflecting its broad appeal across both scholarly and entertainment spheres. The Pasadena edition aims to expand that reach further into the Los Angeles area, building on the positive reception of the 2018 event.
Looking Ahead
With pandemic restrictions easing, AlienCon’s return signals a renewed appetite for public forums on UFO and UAP topics, especially as governmental agencies have begun releasing previously classified data. While the convention maintains a focus on entertainment and fan engagement, its inclusion of former intelligence officials and investigative journalists suggests a growing intersection between mainstream media, scientific inquiry, and popular culture. Organizers hope the event will foster dialogue, inspire future research, and reinforce the community that has sustained interest in the unknown for over a decade.
