Spa-Con Infinity: Pop Culture & Comic Convention | Hot Springs National Park Arkansas

Seth Gilliam

The Walking Dead star, Seth Gilliam is coming to Spa-Con Infinity, September 20 - 22 in Hot Springs, Arkansas! Tickets on sale NOW at spa-con.org.

Seth Gilliam, known for his role as Father Gabriel Stokes in the “Walking Dead” TV series, is our first celebrity guest announcement for Spa-Con Infinity, the eighth annual edition of the Comic and Pop Culture Convention in Hot Springs, Arkansas!

Seth Gilliam is best known for playing Ellis Carver on “The Wire,” Clayton Hughes on “Oz,” and Dr. Alan Deaton on “Teen Wolf,” as well as his portrayal of Father Gabriel Stokes on “The Walking Dead.”

Gilliam also has had roles on “The Cosby Show,” “Law & Order,” “CSI Miami,” “The Good Wife,” “Homeland,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Criminal Minds” and “Elementary.” His movie roles have included “Starship Troopers,” “Courage Under Fire,” “Tar,” Punks,” “Did You Hear About the Morgans?,” “Still Alice” and “Police State.”

Tohoru Masamune

Japanese-American actor Tohoru Masamune’s breakthrough role came in 2014 when he portrayed the iconic character Shredder in the film “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” His portrayal of Shredder showcased his ability to portray complex and formidable characters with intensity and physicality.

He also appeared in the film “Inception.” His television parts include “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” the animated series on FOX "American Dad", “Kung Fu Panda - Legends of Awesomeness,” and “24.” In Mindy Kaling's current Netflix show, "Never Have I Ever," he plays Kevin Hall-Yoshida (Paxton's dad).

Masamune is also an accomplished martial artist, specializing in samurai sword training (kenjitsu, Shinkedo, and laido). He was a sword choreographer consultant on the Sony PS4 video game "Ghosts of Tsushima" as well as a voice actor for the video game.

Minae Noji

Minae Noji is an accomplished actor who has starred in numerous films and television shows, including a memorable performance as the ninja fighting baddie Karai, second-in-command to Shredder, in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."

She had an 11-year run on the iconic daytime drama "General Hospital,” playing Dr. Kelly Lee. In addition to her live-action roles, Noji is also an accomplished voice-over artist, lending her talents to numerous video games, animated TV shows and anime such as “Star vs. the Forces of Nature,” “BoJack Horseman,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Robot Chicken,” “Miraculous Ladybug,” "Rainbow Six: Siege," “Call of Duty,” “Ghost of Tsushima,” “Tales of Xillia,” “Lupin the 3rd,” “Marvel Heroes,” “Fire Emblem Heroes” and “Pokemon Masters.”

Erin Macdonald

Erin Macdonald, the astrophysicist who is the science adviser for all the “Star Trek” franchises, will be there to host a panel discussion about the science of the shows and interact with fans all three days.

Macdonald, who holds a doctorate in astrophysics, is a writer, speaker, producer and science adviser best known for her current work as the official science adviser for the entire “Star Trek” franchise.

She will be present all three days of Spa-Con, Hot Springs’ annual pop culture and comics convention. She will host a Spacetime in Star Trek Panel Saturday, September 21, at 3 p.m., followed by a free photo-opportunity session. She will meet fans at a VIP meet-and-greet session immediately before the panel discussion. On Sunday, September 22, Macdonald with have a Q&A at 12 p.m.

In addition to her adviser role, Macdonald has voiced her fictional counterpart in the “Star Trek” universe: Lt. Cmdr. Erin Macdonald in Star Trek: Prodigy and the video game Star Trek Online. Through her company, Spacetime Productions, she produces award winning sci-fi films by LGBTQIA+ creators.

She has appeared on NPR's “Science Friday” and “Short Wave” podcasts, provided commentary for numerous documentary series and wrote and hosted the award-winning "Science of Star Trek" promotional videos for Paramount+. She received her PhD at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and conducted research with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) Scientific Collaboration but left shortly before their 2017 Nobel Prize-winning discovery of gravitational waves.

Rodger Bumpass

Rodger Bumpass aka the voice of Squidward Tentacles returns to Spa-Con! In addition to playing the voice of Squidward, Emmy-nominated voice actor Rodger Bumpass also in “Invader Zim,” “Teen Titans” and “Heave Metal.” He has also had his voice featured in many Disney and Pixar animation movies such as “A Bug’s Life,” “Monsters Inc.,” “Cars,” “Finding Nemo,” “Treasure Planet,” “Emperor’s New Groove” and “Monsters University.”

Joey Lauren Adams

Joey Lauren Adams is an acclaimed actress renowned for her roles in independent cinema. From her breakthrough performance in "Chasing Amy," for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination, to her memorable characters in films like "Big Daddy" and "Dazed and Confused," Adams has captivated audiences with her raw talent and versatility. With a career spanning decades, she continues to be a beloved figure in Hollywood.

MC Lars Concert at Spa-Con

Calling all con goers! The ultimate nerdcore rapper, MC Lars, is dropping beats at Spa-Con Infinity: Pop Culture & Comic Convention in Hot Springs, Arkansas on September 20th, 2024!

Get ready to level up your Spa-Con experience with MC Lars' infectious rhymes that blend hip-hop with your favorite video games, sci-fi franchises, and all things nerdy. *Concert included in the purchase of a Spa-Con Weekend or VIP Pass. Purchase a pass now at spa-con.org.

Opening Ceremonies will begin at 6PM, followed by MC Lars at 6:30PM.

MC Lars has performed at Carnegie Hall, South by Southwest, San Diego Comic-Con, Slam Dunk, Truck Festival, and as part of the VANS Warped Tour. He has also performed with numerous artists including Bowling for Soup, MC Frontalot, Wheatus, Say Anything, Gym Class Heroes, Simple Plan, T-Pain, Snoop Dogg, Nas, and Koo Koo Kanga Roo.

MC Lars has collabed with a wide range of musicians including, "Weird Al" Yankovic, KRS-One, Sage Francis, Watsky, Mega Ran, Jaret Reddick of Bowling for Soup, Wheatus, the Matches, Kool Keith, Spose, MC Frontalot, YT Cracker, Schaffer the Dark Lord, Beefy and K.Flay. He has been featured on CNN, NPR, and MTV and has been profiled in Rolling Stone, SPIN, and Alternative Press.

John Lucas

John Lucas is a renowned comic book artist known for working on characters like Wolverine, Deadpool, Spider-Man, X-Men, Batman, Superman, and so many more! Don't miss his panel "Breaking into Comics" on Saturday, September 21 at 4 PM.

Kelly Williams

Kelly Williams is an artist out of Blytheville, AR. Some of his comics include Skeeters, The Dead and the Damned, Bountiful Garden, A Letter to Jo, The Dark, and more! He will be hosting a panel on Saturday, September 21 at 11 AM titled "Horror and Humor in Comics."

Gustav Carlson

Gustav Carlson is an illustrator and comic creator out of the Arkansas Ozarks. His comics include Touris Unknown, Eve of the Ozarks, and Backwood Folk. Gustav is also the artist behind Spa-Con Infinity's galactic poster! He will be holding his panel "These Ghost Towns are Full: Drawing the Haints and Monsters of Arkansas" on Sunday, September 22 at 1 PM.

'Back to the Future' Delorean

Calling all flux capacitor fanatics and DeLorean dreamers! Spa-Con Infinity in Hot Springs, Arkansas is rewriting the future (or perhaps the past?) with a legendary guest: the iconic 1981 DMC DeLorean featured in the blockbuster movie trilogy, Back to the Future! Mark your calendars for September 20-22, 2024 and get ready to experience a piece of cinematic history.

This is your chance to see the legendary time machine up close! Snap photos with this pop culture phenomenon, reminisce about your favorite movie moments, and imagine yourself hurtling through time at 88 mph.

'Fast and the Furious' Pontiac Fiero

Calling all gearheads, movie buffs, and fans of high-octane action! Get ready for a blast from the past – and into outer space! Spa-Con Infinity in Hot Springs, Arkansas (September 20-22, 2024) is thrilled to welcome the one and only 1985 Pontiac Fiero used in the blockbuster film, The Fast and the Furious 9!

The 1985 Pontiac Fiero used in “The Fast and The Furious 9 (Fast Saga)” has rocket engines attached, giving it the ability to fly. The car was designed by the character Sean Boswell (Lucas Black) and driven by the character Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson). The car was used by Roman and Tej Parker (Ludacris) to travel to outer space and destroy a satellite.

Cosplay Artists at Spa-Con

The cosplay scene is better than ever! We have new and returning cosplayers this year. Akakioga, who hasn't been to Spa-Con since 2019, will return. Steven K. Smith, also known as SKS Props, has made a huge impact in cosplay craftsmanship with his EVA foam product made specifically for cosplaying and will be doing a demonstration on Saturday, September 21. Casey Renee, like a lot of our previous cosplay guests, has written a book specifically about building cosplays. Casey Renee, Akakioga and Eric Woods will be judging our Cosplay Contest Sponsored by Hot Springs Beauty College on Saturday.

Judging for the cosplay contest will begin at 4 p.m. winners will be announced at Cosplay Club in Horner Hall at 8 p.m. Cosplay Club opens at 7 p.m.

Spa-Con Showdown: Smash Bros. Ultimate

The Spa-Con Showdown is BACK! Competitors from across the region will go head to head in Super Smash Bros in the Spa-Con Showdown sponsored by National Park College on Saturday, September 21 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

Click here for tournament information, rules, and to register.

The Spa-Con Showdown entry fee is $25, plus a $10 pot bonus, and the prizes will be a $1,000 pot bonus split between the top eight competitors.

Registration for the Spa-Con Showdown includes; access to the opening night concert with MC Lars, access to the Expo Hall, workshops and panels, Cosplay Club on Saturday night, and Closing Ceremonies on Sunday. Showdown competitors will also receive a Spa-Con bag and a Spa-Con Weekend T-shirt - while supplies last!

Cosplay Club

Get in extraterrestrial beings, we're going to Cosplay Club! Hit the dancefloor in your best cosplay and dance the night away at Spa-Con, September 21 at 7PM!

Entry to the Cosplay Club is included with a VIP pass, weekend pass, and Saturday day pass. Tickets are available at spa-con.org!

Cosplay Club also features the Final Rounds of our Cosplay Contest, presented by Hot Springs Beauty College! Cosplay Contest will be judged by our cosplay guests Akakioga, Casey Renee, and Eric Wood of WAYUP Creations. Click here to view the cosplay contest rules.

Prizes will be given to the following divisions:

Best Overall Adult 18+ (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Best Overall Teen 13 - 17 (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Best Overall Kid 12 and under (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Best Make-up & Hair

Don't miss MC Lars at Spa-Con Infinity - Friday, September 20!

Spa-Con like a Pro with the VIP Pass!

What does the VIP Pass include?

Extra swag in your bag plus exclusive access and events!

Swag - VIP T-shirt, Spa-Con Bag, Laminate, Socks, and Enamel pin

Access - Access to VIP Lounge and advanced access to all panels, workshops, and photo ops

Events - 2 VIP Meet & Greets and 3 VIP After Parties

(Only 150 VIP Passes available)

EARLY BIRD PRICING $125 | Price will increase to $150 on May 4th

Take on a Weekend of Fun!

What does the Weekend Pass Pack include?

Swag - Spa-Con T-shirt, Spa-Con Bag, and Laminate

Access - Access to expo halls, Q&As, Workshops and Panels on Saturday and Sunday

Events - Opening Ceremonies, Cosplay Club & Contest, and SpAcademy Awards

(Only 500 Pass Packages available)

EARLY BIRD PRICING $25 | Price will increase to $35 on May 4th

Spa-Con Infinity Schedule

Friday, September 20

5:00 PM - Registration Opens
6:00 PM - Role-playing Games
6:00 PM - Opening Ceremonies
6:30 PM - MC Lars Concert
(Expo Hall Open Saturday & Sunday)

Saturday, September 21

9:00 AM - Registration Opens
9:00 AM - Yoda Yoga
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Expo Hall Open
10:00 AM - Spa-Con Showdown
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM - Role-playing Games
10:30 AM - Kids Cosplay Showcase
11:00 AM - Distressing Foam to look like Bone Demonstration with SKS Props
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Joey Lauren Adams in Expo Hall
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Laser Tag
12:00 PM - Q & A with Seth Gilliam
1:00 PM - Free Photo Op with Seth Gilliam
2:00 PM - Free Professional Photo Session
2:00 PM - VIP Meet & Greet
2:00 PM - Cosplay 101 Presentation with Akakioga
3:00 PM - Spacetime in Star Trek Panel with Erin Macdonald
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Seth Gilliam in the Expo Hall
4:00 PM - Free Photo Op with Erin Macdonald
4:00 - 6:00 PM - Cosplay Contest Judging Begins
6:00 PM - Alter Egos Cosplay Docuseries Ep. 1 Screening
7:00 PM - Cosplay Club
8:00 PM - Cosplay Contest Winners Announced

Sunday, September 22

9:00 AM - Yoda Yog
9:30 AM - Registration Opens
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Expo Hall Open
10:00 AM - Hogwarts Sorting Hat
10:00 - 3:00 PM - Role-playing Games
11:00 AM - Introductions to Embellishments with Casey Renee Cosplay
11:00 AM - Q & A with Rodger Bumpass
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Laser Tag
12:00 PM - Q&A with Erin Macdonald
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Seth Gilliam in the Expo Hall
2:00 PM - VIP Meet & Greet
2:00 PM - The Dating Game with Nerd Informants
4:00 PM - SpAcademy Awards

Purchase your Spa-Con Pass here!

Hotel Hot Springs is one of two hotels located next to the Hot Springs Convention Center. Click here to book now!