By Juliane Kim
If you have a hobby and want to meet like-minded people with similar interests, a themed convention is the place to be. Beyond well-known conventions like Comic-Con, there are tons of events for just about every hobby you can imagine coming to Northern Virginia this summer.
World of Color Expo
July 11-16, times vary
This art convention at the Washington Dulles Hilton Hotel will host local artists, exhibits and a shopping floor with vendors. Interested art students can choose from one of the 100 classes with topics covering oil painting, decorative art and beyond. // Washington Dulles Hilton Hotel: 13869 Park Center Road, Herndon
Historicon 2016
July 14-17, times vary
Historicon—a historical miniatures gaming convention that draws anywhere from 35,000 to 40,000 people each year—comes to Fredericksburg this July. There will be a range of activities available such as gaming tournaments, seminars and classes for hobbyists. // Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg
Gaming and Entertainment Experience Convention (GEXCon)
July 23-24
GEXCon is a video game convention that will cover a wide range of games, including Super Smash Bros., Hearthstone, Magic: The Gathering and League of Legends. There will be competitive and casual tournaments, exhibits, special guests and internet celebrities such as cosplayer Danisaurz and a chance to use the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset. // Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg
Showmasters Gun Shows
July 29-31
This gun show will be at the Dulles Expo Center from July 29-31 and will have various exhibitors available to answer gun-related questions and provide personal consultations. There will be guns available for purchase and safety training courses. The event will have everything from modern guns to antique firearms, knives, ammunition, gun accessories, holsters and swords. // Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly
Free! Eternal Party
July 30, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
The Free! Eternal Party convention is for any and all Free! anime enthusiasts and will include a picnic, a water balloon fight, a water gun fight, photoshoots and other water events. Attendees are encouraged to come in Free! cosplay. // Lake Accotink Park: 5660 Heming Avenue, Springfield
Fredericksburg Bead Show
Aug. 6-9, times vary
This bead show is intended for enthusiasts of all types: crafters, beginners and gift-buyers. It will have more than a dozen vendors selling supplies and beads such as charms, gemstones, pearls and hand-crafted glass beads. There will be an hourly raffle drawing and a variety of different classes available. // Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg
Greenberg’s Great Train and Toy Show
Aug. 27-28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
This train and toy show is a travelling convention that has been touring the country since 1976, and it’s the largest travelling toy and model train show in the U.S. Both young and old enthusiasts of all experience levels are welcome. // Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly
The NOVA Open
Sept. 1-4
This tabletop war-gaming convention is relatively new, launching in 2009 as a gathering of 32 gamers with similar interests. The event grew into a convention, and this year will be its seventh installment with more than 100 player events. The NOVA Open will feature hobby instructors, seminars and workshops. There will also be a raffle for display boards, art and other hobby items with the proceeds benefitting charities such as the Fisher House Foundation, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Doctors Without Borders. // Hyatt Regency Crystal City: 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington
