Alternate and Historical Fiction

The Alternate and Historical Fiction Track is the destination for all things bygone and never was. It covers everything from fan discussions of period films and tv, speakers on overlooked history and society milestones, to even demos of period costuming techniques.
There is fun for all who fancy festive frolics through factual and fictional former times. The flux capacitor is set to give a peek into the past and future: fan panels on shows like Our Flag Means Death and The Gilded Age; maker panels on recreating vintage hair, makeup, and fashion; historical dives into spiritualism, powerful women, sea shanties, and even the cults of our beloved Dragon Con itself!

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In addition to fan discussions of historical fiction shows and period pieces, panels on overlooked history, and deep dives into genre-specific topics, this year, our etiquette lesson will include dances and flowers, a psychologist’s look at Oppenheimer, and an exploration of the Roman Empire. If you’re looking for a chance to be shouty, 2023’s surprise hit – the Boasting Contest will be back, along with a reformatted Things You Should Have Learned in History Class, and the wildly popular Theatre on the High Seas (Pirate Improv). We’ve been watching Lessons in Chemistry, For All Mankind, Bridgerton, Outlander, Bass Reeves, Masters of Air, and Our Flag Means Death and we are ready to chat about them all. If cosplays are on your to do list – we’ve got tips and tricks to pull together a historical look along with some historical cosplay how-tos and learn a few tricks and tips to pull together a historical look of your own.

We’ve extended our programming beyond the track room to include two brand-new events. The Dragon Con Cotillion is the opportunity to break out your favorite Regency formal wear or fashion-forward Cosplay and compete to be crowned the Dragon of the Con. And we’re introducing the Con to a brand new side of the Splendid Teapot Race – the Demitasse League, a race specially developed for kids with the Robotics and Makers and Kids Track.

2025 Schedule in the Works!

Interested in joining the Alternate & Historical Fiction Track? Email alternatehistory@dragoncon.org. Just want to lend a hand for a few hours? We’d love your help. Please email the track.