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Next ‘Fest: June 1-2, 2024 | Crowne Plaza Louisville Hotel

WonderFest 2024, June 1 & 2

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PLAN YOUR WEEKEND

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Tickets

Sold at the door only.
Adults: $33 for 1-day, $48 for 2-days.
Ages 4 to 12: $12 for 1-day, $18 for 2-days
Age 3 and under free.
Ticket booth hours…

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Hotel & Restaurant

Special WonderFest room rate at the Crowne: $142 per night! It’s convenient to stay in our show hotel with an award-winning restaurant
Reserve a room online…

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Louisville Attractions

Bring your family and take extra time to visit exciting tourism sites in and around Louisville. Go exploring the Bourbon Trails and more.
Fun in Louisville…

MEET THE 2024 GUESTS

More announcements to come in early 2024. Keep watching this site!

VANESSA HARRYHAUSEN

VANESSA HARRYHAUSEN

Daughter of Ray Harryhausen: Author, illustrator and Trustee of the Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation

JOE DANTE

JOE DANTE

Director: Gremlins, Piranha, The Howling, Explorers, Innerspace, Small Soldiers, The 'Burbs

BELINDA BALASKI

BELINDA BALASKI

Artist, writer & actress: Piranha, The Howling, Gremlins 1 & 2, Matinee, Food of the Gods

FON DAVIS

FON DAVIS

Production designer, modelmaker: Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline

ROB WIETHOFF

ROB WIETHOFF

Voice actor, producer: Red Dead Redemption 1 & 2

CHERYL SPARKS

CHERYL SPARKS

Huey drone performer in Silent Running

NICK TATE

NICK TATE

Actor: SPACE: 1999, Lost, Pretty Little Liars, The Devil's Playground, The Blacklist

FRANK DIETZ

FRANK DIETZ

Actor, Writer, Animator, Producer, Director: Creepshow, I Hate Kids, Black Roses, Zombie Nightmare

JOHN EAVES

JOHN EAVES

Production Illustrator, Star Trek Picard, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and 3, WandaVision, Loki

DAREN DOCHTERMAN

DAREN DOCHTERMAN

Concept Artist, Visual Effects, Art Direction

RICK STERNBACH

RICK STERNBACH

Designer, Star Trek TMP, Voyager, DS9, Last Starfighter

WILLIAM STOUT

WILLIAM STOUT

Paleo Artist & Production Design, Return of the Living Dead

Stella-sm

THE AMAZING MODEL CONTEST

Greatest in the World for Imaginative Modelers!

The WonderFest “Amazing” Model Contest is focused on all types of science-fiction, horror and comics models. It’s the biggest contest of its type in America, and it’s fun to look at even if you don’t build models yourself!

The contest is sponsored by Amazing Figure Modeler magazine, which is providing a special $300 award for the Most Amazing Figure!

Entry Hours:  Saturday, June 1st, from 8 a.m. ’til Noon

  • $15.00 per first 2 models for adults, up to 8 additional entries free
  • $10.00 per first 2 models for teens, up to 8 add’l entries free (ages 13-19)
  • Free for ages 12 & under

With over 1,049 entries in 2023, it filled an entire ballroom and featured some of the best modeling we’ve ever seen.

MUST-SEE PROGRAMMING

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How-To Demos

All weekend! Learn techniques from other great modelers! Demos last from 30 minutes to an hour. Become a better modeler!
More info…

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Iron Modeler

Teams are given a “base model,” a big pile of parts, and 4 hours to build the craziest model with only what they’ve got. Best model & presentation wins!
More info…

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The Rondo Awards

4pm Saturday! Fandom’s only classic horror awards—decided by fans. Recognize the best in print, film, web, art, media, toys and models!
More info…

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Sunday Wrap Party

Sunday night at 7:30 celebrate the end of the show with exclusive programming! Optional a la carte food and cash bar.
More info…

WonderFest W logo

WHAT IS WONDERFEST?

A weekend of wonder in Louisville!

WonderFest is a weekend of hobby escape that’s held every Summer in Louisville, Kentucky USA!

Now in its 34th year, WonderFest features movie special effects guests, the largest model contest in the U.S. for sci-fi, horror & comics-related subjects, model and toy dealers galore, and seminars to entertain and improve hobbyists of all ages!

It’s always held at our mothership, the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Hotel, 830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

They help make this event possible!

AFM logo
CultTVman logo
Round 2 logo
Black Heart logo
Starship Modeler logo
Monarch Models logo
FineScale Modeler logo
Iwata logo
Badger Airbrush logo
Squadron logo
X-Plus logo
Aztec Dummy Productions logo
Jimmy Flintstone Studio
ParaGraphix logo

WONDERFEST LATEST NEWS

From our Facebook feed...

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5 days ago
WonderFest USA

AFM has announced their Friday Model Boot Camp for WonderFest 2024. It'll be on May 31st, on Friday before the show officially starts on June 1st!Hey Modelers, are you ready to get small this year? As in small scale micro-modeling? Well, we are, and we’re proud to announce AFM’s all-new Mummy Diorama Class! The Mummy Lives, and you could be the one to bring him to life! Small scale modeling requires specialized techniques and this comprehensive class will teach an impressive array of modeling challenges unlike any training seminar before it! Heading up this innovative class is AFM’s very own Dave Prosser, an award-winning modeler with over 40 years of modeling excellence in creating life-like scale figures, vignettes, and dioramas. For this unique class, Mr. Prosser (AKA The Professor) has personally organized a timed out schedule that’ll maximize your micro skills throughout the day with the following approach and applications to build and paint a complete mini-model diorama!Techniques covered will include:

•Working with Metallic Waxes to define metallic surfaces.
•Wet-on-wet painting techniques: mixing and blending colors
on the model.
• ”Painting” with pastel shade sticks.•
• Using alcohol to create surface textures and weathering
• Plug n’ play lighting kit to create a flickering fire effect in a fire pit custom-made just for this class.

Now, pair all of that along with Black Heart’s Mini Mummy Diorama and you have the perfect class for an awesome day to start your weekend at WonderFest 2024! AFM’s all-day “Model Boot Camp” will be held on Friday, May 31st; between the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Louisville, KY! If you’re familiar with AFM’s past “Modeling Boot Camps,” then you know how successful our programs are. Previous class attendees have achieved greater confidence in their skills and a growing number have even won awards-with their class-modeled efforts, and there’s no reason why you can’t either! Class tuition fee is only $310 per student, offered on a limited seating capacity, and it’s open to modelers of all skill levels. Apply now to reserve your seat for this AMAZING opportunity now by contacting AFM online at: www.amazingfiguremodeler.com. For individual inquiries or phone orders, contact class coordinator Terry J. Webb online or by phone:
[email protected] PH:614-882-2125.
Please read AFM’s Boot Camp cancellation policy at our website.
Please feel free to share!

* Kit is approximately 4-inches tall (90mm). 5x4x4 diorama base. Sculpted by Mike Berglund.
... See MoreSee Less

AFM has announced their Friday Model Boot Camp for WonderFest 2024. Itll be on May 31st, on Friday before the show officially starts on June 1st!
1 week ago
WonderFest USA

NEW GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT: Vanessa Harryhausen

Only VANESSA HARRYHAUSEN got to play with Gwangi the Allosaurus in her stroller as a toddler. That's because her dad was legendary stop-motion animator, Ray Harryhausen!

We're so honored to have Vanessa as a guest! Long-time attendees will recall that her parents were WonderFest guests in 1996 and 2003. Today, Vanessa is a Trustee of the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation and is passionate about the preservation and promotion of her father’s legacy, including the cataloging of his archive material and restoration of his creature collection.

Vanessa's first book, entitled "Ray Harryhausen: Titan of Cinema," was published in 2020. It contains previously unseen images from the Harryhausen family archive and celebrates Ray's wonderful contribution to cinema.

Vanessa Harryhausen’s appearance is sponsored by CultTVman, along with Squadron, Aztek Dummy, Monarch Models, Jimmy Flintstone Studio, and ParaGrafix.

Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
#wonderfest2024 #RayHarryhausen #wonderfesthobbyexpo
... See MoreSee Less

NEW GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT: Vanessa Harryhausen 

Only VANESSA HARRYHAUSEN got to play with Gwangi the Allosaurus in her stroller as a toddler. Thats because her dad was legendary stop-motion animator, Ray Harryhausen! 

Were so honored to have Vanessa as a guest! Long-time  attendees will recall that her parents were WonderFest guests in 1996 and 2003. Today, Vanessa is a Trustee of the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation and is passionate about the preservation and promotion of her father’s legacy, including the cataloging of his archive material and restoration of his creature collection.  

Vanessas first book, entitled Ray Harryhausen: Titan of Cinema, was published in 2020. It contains previously unseen images from the Harryhausen family archive and celebrates Rays wonderful contribution to cinema.

Vanessa Harryhausen’s appearance is sponsored by CultTVman, along with Squadron, Aztek Dummy, Monarch Models, Jimmy Flintstone Studio, and ParaGrafix.

Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
#wonderfest2024 #RayHarryhausen #wonderfesthobbyexpo
3 weeks ago
WonderFest USA

GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT:
JOHN EAVES beams down for another WonderFest visit! His most recent work can be seen in season three of STAR TREK PICARD and Marvel's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 3, SPIDERMAN: NO WAY HOME, WANDAVISION, FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER, LOKI, HAWKEYE, and SHE-HULK. It's only fitting that John was presented with the Art Directors Guild Lifetime Achievement honor because he has a credit list that stretches from here to low earth orbit!

John's book, "Star Trek: The Art of John Eaves," tells a fascinating personal story about his life and work on various STAR TREK projects. A master FX modeler, production and fine artist and pinup photographer(!) as well, John always delivers fascinating behind-the-scenes presentations to attendees and leaves us wanting more.

Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
#wonderfest2024 #johneaves #wonderfesthobbyexpo #StarTrek
... See MoreSee Less

GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT: 
JOHN EAVES beams down for another WonderFest visit! His most recent work can be seen in season three of STAR TREK PICARD and Marvels GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 3, SPIDERMAN: NO WAY HOME, WANDAVISION, FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER, LOKI, HAWKEYE, and SHE-HULK. Its only fitting that John was presented with the Art Directors Guild Lifetime Achievement honor because he has a credit list that stretches from here to low earth orbit! 

Johns book, Star Trek: The Art of John Eaves, tells a fascinating personal story about his life and work on various STAR TREK projects. A master FX modeler, production and fine artist and pinup photographer(!) as well, John always delivers fascinating behind-the-scenes presentations to attendees and leaves us wanting more.

Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
#wonderfest2024 #johneaves #wonderfesthobbyexpo #StarTrek
4 weeks ago
WonderFest USA

GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT:
We're thrilled to welcome back concept artist DAREN DOCHTERMAN! His work is featured on STAR TREK PICARD, WESTWORLD, STAR TREK BEYOND, BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE, TRON: LEGACY, PASSENGERS, and MASTER AND COMMANDER. Daren may be best known for his work as Visual Effects Supervisor for Robert Wise on the Director's Edition of STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE, where was once again part of the team to upgrade the movie to 4K video! Daren's part of the Inglorious Treksperts podcast, as well as the Weirded Beardos podcast with fellow WF guest Kirk Thatcher!

Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
#wonderfest2024 #DarenDochterman #wonderfesthobbyexpo #inglorioustreksperts #weirdedbeardos
... See MoreSee Less

GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT: 
Were thrilled to welcome back concept artist DAREN DOCHTERMAN! His work is featured on STAR TREK PICARD, WESTWORLD, STAR TREK BEYOND, BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE, TRON: LEGACY, PASSENGERS, and MASTER AND COMMANDER. Daren may be best known for his work as Visual Effects Supervisor for Robert Wise on the Directors Edition of STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE, where was once again part of the team to upgrade the movie to 4K video! Darens part of the Inglorious Treksperts podcast, as well as the Weirded Beardos podcast with fellow WF guest Kirk Thatcher!

Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
#wonderfest2024 #DarenDochterman #wonderfesthobbyexpo #inglorioustreksperts #weirdedbeardos
4 weeks ago
WonderFest USA

GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT:

STAR TREK fans won't want to miss returning guest artist RICK STERNBACH. Rick's designs and illustrations have shaped the look of STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE, THE LAST STARFIGHTER, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, DEEP SPACE NINE, VOYAGER, and STAR TREK NEMESIS.

Modelers note: Back in 2004, Rick began Space Model Systems, Inc, providing the space modeler with what many consider the best aftermarket waterslide decals for historical spacecraft and s-f. They’re amazing!

Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
#wonderfest2024 #wonderfesthobbyexpo #StarTrek #TheLastStarfighter
... See MoreSee Less

GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT: 

STAR TREK fans wont want to miss returning guest artist RICK STERNBACH. Ricks designs and illustrations have shaped the look of STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE, THE LAST STARFIGHTER, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, DEEP SPACE NINE, VOYAGER, and STAR TREK NEMESIS. 

Modelers note: Back in 2004, Rick began Space Model Systems, Inc, providing the space modeler with what many consider the best aftermarket waterslide decals for historical spacecraft and s-f. They’re amazing!

Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
#wonderfest2024 #wonderfesthobbyexpo #StarTrek #TheLastStarfighter
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