Hal-Con 2025: A Guide to Halifax’s Sci-Fi and Gaming Convention
Step into the captivating realms of science fiction and fantasy at Hal-Con Halifax, the premier sci-fi and fantasy convention in Atlantic Canada and the largest gathering of its kind east of Montreal. Immerse yourself in a weekend tailored for enthusiasts from around the world as Hal-Con beckons you to delve into diverse themes of the genre through an array of exciting activities.
Whether you’re a seasoned convention-goer or a newcomer, this guide equips you with everything you need to fully embrace the enchantment and wonder that Hal-Con 2025 has in store.
Hal-Con 2025: General Information
The Hal-Con Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Comic Convention, known simply as Hal-Con for short, is Atlantic Canada's largest sci-fi and gaming convention, bringing a variety of celebrity guests, cosplayers, and vendors to Halifax, Nova Scotia each year.
Initially started in the late 1970s, Hal-Con was a popular convention throughout most of the 80s. However, after ten years of attracting comic book enthusiasts and lovers of the sci-fi and fantasy genres, the conventions ceased their annual celebrations following the 1987 event.
Two decades later, a group of individuals within the Halifax Regional Municipality breathed new life into the convention, with 2010 representing the official return of Hal-Con. Over the past decade, the new Hal-Con Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Comic Convention has come to be known as the geekiest sci-fi convention in Atlantic Canada, attracting cosplayers and fans of the celebrated genres from all over the world.
When is Hal-Con 2025?
Hal-Con is traditionally held each fall. This year, the Hal-Con Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Comic Convention is scheduled for November 7–9, 2025.
Convention Hours
- Friday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Vendor Hall Hours
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where is Hal-Con 2025 Held?
Hal-Con 2025 will once again take place at the Halifax Convention Centre, where it has been hosted since the venue’s construction in 2017.
Address: 1650 Argyle St, Halifax, NS
Hal-Con 2025 Ticket Info
- Friday Day Pass: $47.00
- Child Passes: $7.07–$18.70 (ages 6–12, 5 and under free)
- Weekend, Saturday, and Sunday adult passes: Sold Out
- Premium passes (Impulse, Warp Speed): Sold Out
- Autographs and photo ops sold separately
Special Events (Separate Tickets):
- Discovery Gala (Nov 8): $72.00 at the Discovery Centre, ages 19+
- Geekbounding: Cosplay & Cocktails (Nov 7): $30–40 at Pacifico Dance Club, ages 19+
Events and Things to Do at Hal-Con 2025
From meeting celebrity guests to partaking in a series of workshops, gaming centres, and costume contests, Hal-Con promises a full weekend packed with fun and exciting things to do. These are just some of the top activities guests can expect from Halifax's biggest sci-fi and fantasy convention.
1. Panels & Q&A Sessions
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes to create your favorite sci-fi shows, films, or comics? At Hal-Con, you’ll find out through panels and Q&As with professionals in the field.
Featured guests in 2025 include actors Sean Astin, Alan Tudyk, Chad Michael Murray, Harvey Guillén, Wallace Shawn, David Godfrey, and Morgan Kohan, along with authors Chuck Wendig, Mary Robinette Kowal, Diana McCallum, Kevin Hearne, and Waubgeshig Rice. Comic creators and cosplayers will also be on hand, including Paris Alleyne, Dan Parent, Emilia Strilchuk, Andrew Thomas, Dino Caruso, and Sarcasm Hime Cosplay.
Fans can also meet their favorite celebrities at autograph and photo booths located throughout the venue.
2. Cosplay & Costume Contests
What would a sci-fi and fantasy convention be without some incredible cosplay of your favourite characters? While not mandatory, Hal-Con encourages guests to dress up as their heroes, villains, or other characters, with prizes awarded in categories such as best video game character, best group costume, and best look-alike.
Hal-Con encourages creativity but maintains a family-friendly clothing policy. Costumes must not include nudity, promote offensive ideologies, or pose safety risks.
3. Workshops and Demonstrations
Get a hands-on look at the creative process behind sci-fi and fantasy content through workshops and live demonstrations. Past sessions have included comic book-making practices, cosplay tips and tricks, and even swordplay demonstrations.
4. Vendor Marketplace
Hal-Con’s vendor marketplace fills the ballroom floor of the Halifax Convention Centre with a wide range of sci-fi and fantasy merchandise. Visitors can browse comic books, model replicas, posters, board games, fan art, and more. It’s the perfect place to find souvenirs and one-of-a-kind collectibles.
5. Gaming Centres
With a floor dedicated to gaming, Hal-Con is home to the largest gaming convention east of Montreal. The gaming area offers over 100 tables across 15,000 square feet, featuring everything from miniature wargames to classic board games and collectible card games.
Alongside tabletop gaming, Hal-Con also hosts a large catalogue of video games. Attendees can play on the latest consoles, dive into retro classics, or enjoy arcade-style machines.
New for 2025:
- A Treasure Trove arcade prize booth, letting attendees redeem earned tickets for fun prizes.
- The Canadian National Carcassonne Championship Qualifier Series culminating at Hal-Con.
- The Weekend Warrior Challenge, where participating in events each day earns exclusive rewards.
The Best Hotel in Halifax for Attending Hal Con 2025
Located just a 3-minute walk from the venue, Cameo Suites offers comfortable and affordable accommodation near the Hal Con. With a selection of studio and multi-bedroom suites, we are a fantastic base for immersing in the sci-fi and fantasy atmosphere of the convention, whether you are visiting by yourself or with a group.
Be sure to book your room in advance, as units tend to fill up fast as we approach the event's dates.