Cradle-Con is Long Island’s newest comic, collectible, and pop culture convention — built for fans, by fans — that will take place on Saturday, June 23, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center has been host to many expos, conventions, and special events over the years. But this year, the museum is hosting its own comic convention to address the changing needs and wants of an evolving fandom, making it accessible for all and delivering a genuine fan experience like no other.
Cradle-Con is an opportunity for readers to meet and greet their favorite comic book creators, for collectors on the hunt for those elusive rare books and toys, and for cosplayers to show off some of their best work, providing a spectacular new experience for fans of all ages to gather, socialize, and be passionate about what they love.
The event not only supports local artists, it is also raising much needed funds to support the museum’s Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Education Programs.
Seamus Keane, director of special events for Cradle-Con, says the following about the show: “It’s an innovative community and family-friendly event in response to the fans’ evolving needs and our changing climate. The guest artists, vendors, and panelists have all been carefully curated to deliver an exceptional fan experience that showcases local talent, recognizes the diversity of a changing fan base, and is all about nostalgia and having fun among a community of clever, creative, and collaborative members. Its built entirely around what the fans want.”
The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center’s awe-inspiring space — home to more than 75 planes and spacecraft representing over 100 years of aviation history and Long Island’s only Giant Screen Dome Theater — provides the perfect backdrop for this family-friendly event where cosplayers can take plenty of photos.
Other highlights of the convention include: a live podcast with “Rick & Morty” Co-Creator Dan Harmon; comic artists Billy Tucci (“Shi,” “Heroes for Hire”), Mark Russell (“Flintstones”), Jennifer Hernandez (“Sonic the Hedgehog”), Somos Arte (“Ricanstruction”), Rich Drezen (“Luckyzilla”), and up-and-coming local artists Jay Stuart and Tom Velez; pop culture actors and voice actors Michael Bell (“X-Men,” “GI Joe,” “Call of Duty,” “Star Wars”), Larry Kenney (Lion-O on the “Thundercats”), and Michael Copon (“Power Rangers,” “One Tree Hill”); Jedi training and visits from 501st Legion Star Wars Cosplayers; cosplay costume contests for adults, teens, and children, with prizes including an Apple MacBook Pro and iPad; and a Retro Arcade Game Lounge featuring “Space Invaders,” “Pac Man,” “Star Wars,” and more.
Tickets to Cradle-Con are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 2 to 12, and $30 for a 2-Day Pass (advance sale only).
The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center is located on Museum Row, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., in Garden City.
For more information about the event, call 516-572-4111 or go to www.cradlecon.com or www.cradleofaviation.org.
