Penguicon is a weekend-long, volunteer-run convention for people who like to think, make, argue, build, and occasionally stay up too late doing all of the above. It sits at the intersection of open source software, science fiction and fantasy, gaming, anime, maker culture, and the many overlapping communities that orbit those worlds.

What makes Penguicon unusual is that it never decided it had to be only one thing. You can attend a technical talk about Linux, databases, or security. Wander into a panel about writing science fiction or worldbuilding. Learn to solder, knit, or repair a costume. Play board games or roleplaying games. Watch anime or cult movies. Argue about text editors and debate the philosophy of Star Trek at the same time. Take part in rituals that are half joke and half community glue.

You know how your favorite moments at a conference are the hallway conversations between the talks? There’s a complimentary hospitality suite to encourage that!

In the spirit of open source development, the emphasis is on your direct participation! Many events are hands-on, discussion-based, or experimental. A huge number our speakers are from our attendees, and audiences are expected to ask questions, challenge ideas, and occasionally help build the thing being discussed. If you like learning by doing, Penguicon is designed for that!

Penguicon also has a strong tradition of humor and self-awareness. Panels may be serious, but they rarely take themselves too seriously. Long-running traditions like coffee and chocolate rituals, late-night anime, geek music, and improvised events exist alongside more formal programming. The result is a convention that does not feel at all like a trade show and more like a temporary village of curious people.

For newcomers, Penguicon works because there is no single “right” way to attend. Come for the technical content, the creative panels, the games, the social atmosphere, or simply to discover new interests, a new hobby, a new perspective, or a new set of friends. There has usually been too much on the schedule for anyone to attend all of it, and we’re proud of the embarrassment of riches! Just make sure you get some sleep.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations, collaborative making, and communities that value both rigor and play, Penguicon is worth your weekend!