A weekend of fun and excitement

Ad Astra, held annually in Toronto, Canada, is a science fiction, fantasy, and horror event. It focuses on the written word, authors and related creative professionals. The heart of Ad Astra is written Canadian speculative fiction and the people that enjoy and create them. Ad Astra is a place where fans can meet their favourite authors and discover emerging Canadian authors. Fans can attend panels hosted by authors and events like book signings, book launches, readings, and the masquerade cosplay contest. They can buy book and fan related items, attend a dance and enjoy astronomy in the parking lot. Special guest attendees from the creative world help inspire our attendees all weekend long.

Why should you attend the event?

Aspiring authors have the chance to connect with book industry professionals like editors, agents, and publishers. Professional authors have a chance to meet their fans as well as other professionals. Fans and professionals alike can attend all the writing panels as well as panels discussing media, science, cosplay as well as purely entertainment events such as concerts and comedy shows. Discussion panels and presentations run all weekend long, covering topics in writing and publishing such as world-building, editing tips, and the self-publishing process. All attendees can attend workshops hosted by professional authors, publicists, and editors.

Ad Astra is a great writing resource. Traditional authors and self-published authors have opportunities to network and strengthen their industry connections. Ad Astra creates a platform where books can shine. Publishers and editors can connect with new and emerging talent in the industry. 

What events take place at Ad Astra?

After panels end for the evening, all attendees are invited to discover new favourite books at book launches, mingle in the con suite, or attend the Saturday night dance party. Guests can attend special events all weekend long like the Charity tea party, hosted by the Toronto Steampunk Society, Our new magical Astrologica event, astronomy in the parking lot, or karaoke. Attendees can take a break from the main event to enjoy the board game lounge, anime room, Con suite, and live music.

Featured at the event is a dealer’s room full of local books, handmade jewelry and collectibles. You can also enjoy the art show where local artists display their work and attendees can buy art or bid for the chance to take that artwork home.

Who organizes the convention?

Ad Astra is a fan-run, non-profit event hosted annually by the Ad Astra Science Fiction Society, a non-profit corporation. The society is comprised of the Board of Directors, elected each year at the AGM (Annual General Meeting), and the membership (badge holders from the annual convention). The board is responsible for arranging the location for the annual convention and choosing the convention chair(s). The Convention Chair(s) then organizes the con, assisted by the Convention Committee. We are all volunteers and fans, and appreciate the support, hard work and commitment of our team, our panelists, our sponsors, and our members!