March 27th to 29th
Crowne Plaza Toronto Don Valley Hotel
1250 Eglinton Avenue East
For more information, check the
When & Where Page from the Con Info menu option.
From Friday night straight through to Sunday afternoon, there's always something to
see or do at Ad Astra, whether your tastes run to intelligent discussions, relaxing
and mingling with friends, meeting authors and other professionals, or enjoying live entertainment.
Ad Astra takes pride in the quality and the variety of our programming. Thanks to our
panelists, who are a mix of professional writers, editors, artists, costumers,
scientists, dedicated fans, and experts on a variety of subjects, the panel discussions
are always full of energy and ideas. We have discussion panels, workshops, demos and
interactive programming. Topics range from science fiction, fantasy, and horror, to
costuming, movies and TV, science and technology, filk, writing and the publishing
industry, fandom, and working as a creative professional - with some "just for fun"
panels for when you get tired of all that "serious" stuff.
For those of you who love meeting our featured authors and guests, readings and autograph
sessions are scheduled throughout the convention, and each of our guests is celebrated
with their own Guest of Honour Hour. Each of our Guests of Honour is invited to participate
in programming, so there are many chances to see the Guests throughout the weekend.
There is always a book launch or two at Ad Astra, giving you the chance to pick up a great
new novel or anthology before anyone else and meet the people whose hard work brought it to
publication. This year, the books being launched include Ages of Wonder, a fantasy anthology
edited by Julie E. Czerneda and Rob St. Martin (Sunday, 11 AM), Impossibilia, a collection of
short stories by Douglas Smith (Saturday, time TBA), and Truthseekers 2, a YA occult
investigation novel by Rob St. Martin (day and time TBA). All launches will be in Reflections.
In the mood for contests? The Friday Night PJ Party features games and prizes, and if
you think you've got what it takes, bring out your best zombie moan, shamble, or costume
for Ad Astra's Next Top Zombie.
Horror fans will want to check out a classic horror film on Friday night, after Ad Astra's
Next Top Zombie...if they dare.
Don't be surprised to meet a stormtrooper or two in the halls! The Fighting 501st: Canadian
Garrison, part of the world's premier Imperial Star Wars costuming fan club, is returning to
the convention this year.
If you're an aspiring author who wants a bit of advice, we will be offering a Writer's
Workshop, where a professional author will critique your writing. More details will be coming soon.
There will also be a Young Writer's workshop for budding authors between the ages of 13 and 17, run
by the authors Julie E. Czerneda and Adrienne Kress. The Young Writer's Workshop will be free of
charge, but space is limited so advance sign-up is required. More details will be coming soon.
Bring your children to the convention and share your fandom with the next generation,
with crafts and other activities you can do together.
Our popular Saturday night Masquerade will be back, featuring both recreations and original
designs, you never know what fantastic creations you'll see on our stage. Costumers of all
skill levels are welcome to participate and we appreciate seeing costumes from a variety of
genres. For more information visit our Masquerade page:
Masquerade Information.
Check out some of last year's contestants here (images by Kevin Chan Photography):
Last Year.
We will be having a mini film festival on Sunday at Ad Astra this year, featuring both professional
productions, such as the stop-motion science fiction short Hyperhelion, http://www.hyperhelion.ca, and
fan films. Have a science fiction, fantasy or horror related short film that you'd like to show?
Submissions should be a maximum of 20 minutes. Contact Programming at
if you'd like to make a submission or have questions.
Have a suggestion about the con you would like the Chairs to know about??
Have a suggestion for Food offered by the Hotel, let us know, we might be able to do something??
Go to the Suggestions Page.
