Penguicon 2027

Penguicon is a weekend-long, volunteer-run convention for people who like to think, make, argue, build, and occasionally stay up too late doing all of the above. It’s where open source software, science fiction and fantasy, gaming, anime, maker culture, and a bunch of overlapping communities keep running into each other.

What makes Penguicon unusual is that it never decided it had to be only one thing. You can attend a technical talk about Linux, databases, or security. Wander into a panel about writing science fiction or worldbuilding. Learn to solder, knit, or repair a costume. Play board games or roleplaying games. Watch anime or cult movies. Argue about text editors and debate the philosophy of Star Trek at the same time. Take part in rituals that started as jokes and somehow became traditions.

You know how the best part of a conference is often the conversation in the hallway afterward? We have a complimentary hospitality suite (the “Consuite”) where that conversation can continue over free snacks!

Penguicon runs on participation. That means yours. A lot of events involve doing the thing, arguing about the thing, or trying something that might not entirely work. A huge number of our speakers are from our attendees. Ask questions. Challenge the premise. Sometimes the audience ends up helping build the thing under discussion. If you learn by taking things apart, asking awkward questions, or trying it yourself, you’ll fit right in.

Penguicon has always been pretty good at making fun of itself. Panels may be serious, but they rarely take themselves too seriously. Coffee and chocolate rituals, late-night anime, geek music, and improvised nonsense share the schedule with the serious talks. The result feels nothing like a trade show. It’s more like a temporary village built by curious people, with questionable sleep schedules and unusually strong opinions.

There is no correct build of Penguicon and no required way to run it. Come for Linux, fiction, games, costumes, solder fumes, arguments, or the people you met in a hallway at 2:00 a.m. The schedule has traditionally contained far more Penguicon than can physically fit into one person’s weekend. We consider this a feature. Just make sure you get some sleep.

If you like making things, thinking too hard about things, and meeting people who will happily help you do both, come spend the weekend with us.