About Programming

View the Program Schedule and learn more about this year’s guests. Boskone’s program offers an exciting variety of science fiction and fantasy panels, talks, discussions, demos, and workshops led by a diverse selection of program participants and speakers who range from authors, artists, publishers, editors, against, fans, and educators and librarians. We include hard SF and space opera, epic and urban fantasy, science and art, fandom and anime, new media and TV, horror and comics, music and singing, and heaps of related topics!

Program also includes interviews with our Guest of Honor, slide-shows and demos with our artists, and individual solo presentations by experts within their fields. You can expect exciting, cutting-edge programming at Boskone. Since programming items run concurrently, it will be your tough decision as to what to attend! If you have questions or ideas, please write to Program at Boskone because we want to hear from you. Also, be sure to check out the convention hours for more information.

Do You Have a Program Idea?

If you have a program idea that you’d like to share or program participants that you would like to suggest, please visit our Program Idea/Participant Suggestion Form.

Types of Programming

  • Art Exhibits, Discussions, & Demos—See our Artists in action as they create a new painting right before your eyes! Also, check out the art show for a unique look at some of the best art in the speculative fiction world.
  • Autographs/Signings—Program participants are available to sign your books in the Galleria on Saturday and Sunday. Please note that you may bring three items to be signed at a time. If you have more items that you would like to have signed, you may return to the end of the line if there is sufficient time remaining.
  • Dealers Room—This is your chance to buy everything from brand new releases to rare books from the dealers in our Dealers Room!
  • Book Club—Read The Rithmatist by Guest of Honor Brandon Sanderson and join in the Boskone Book Club discussion!
  • Discussion Groups—Join program participants and other members for small intimate conversations on focused topics in the Boskone Con Suite, our very own “living room of fandom.”
  • Dragonslair aka “Children’s Program”—All kinds of fun and creative activities for children between the ages of 7-12.
  • Concerts & Filk—Filksongs are fandom’s folksongs with themes of science fiction, fantasy, and fannish interests. Programming includes theme circles, NESFA Hymnal singing, and the Featured Musician Concert.
  • Anime and Film—Throughout the convention, we will host an marathon session of Anime and film favorites, including a special shorts feature from the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival.
  • Kaffeeklatsches—Join your favorite new or returning program participants for a small group / informal round-table discussion. Attendance is limited; sign-up is required to secure your seat. The Sign-up sheets are available at Program Ops at the top of the escalator in the Harbor Foyer. Sign-up sheets are available the day before the Kaffeeklatsch.
  • Panel Discussions—Dozens of interactive and lively discussions by our program participants also come with your chance to ask questions and get in on the conversation. Boskone is proud to feature excellent science panels as well as literary, film, writing/publishing, and art panels.
  • Readings—Hear writers read and discuss their own works. You might even get a sneak peek at the next novel in your favorite series.
  • Gaming—From video games to the hottest new board games, members come together to play individual games and tournaments alike.
    • Jump in and demo some hot new games that haven’t hit the market yet. That’s right, game designers are coming in and you won’t be disappointed.
    • Join the Saturday tournament, which features 4 games in 5 hours with prizes for the top 4 winners. There is no cost to play, but please make sure you have the time to finish the games you start. Add your name to the sign-up sheet to guarantee your place in the tournament.

In addition to our regular program items, Boskone also hosts special events and parties throughout the weekend.