Escape Velocity 23 days away!
Our inaugural science fiction and comic con meets futuristic world’s fair is almost here! We have amazing guests, discussion panels, technology demonstrations, workshops, costumes, parties, concerts… all we’re missing is you!
Get your tickets now and look at our full program guide.
Silent Auction
Put your bids in early! We are excited to announce the Escape Velocity Silent Auction with several one of a kind or special items donated to our event. Original art, signed prints, signed books and scripts plus lunch with some of the stars are just a few items you can bid on at the science fiction silent auction. This is an exciting opportunity to own a unique item and help support the cause. We will be posting a listing of all items as we get closer to the event on our website and in future emails. If you have an item you want to donate, please email rachel.frederick@museumofsciencefiction.org
FPV Drone Racing
Race a drone at Escape Velocity! Drone Racing could be the Next Big Thing™ in the world of sports, and you’ll get a chance to see it up close and personal at Escape Velocity.
Visit the Museum Gallery
The costume design team at UNC is finishing the Stillsuit and Maker Hook from Dune for display at Escape Velocity’s Museum Gallery Exhibit. Check out their recent TV news coverage on WRAL: UNC students replicate famous Sci-Fi movie costumes
We will have the coolest sneak peak you’ve ever seen with dozens of objects on display!
Meet an Astronaut
Shake hands with Dr. Don Thomas, veteran of four NASA missions. Don is one our esteemed guests who will be there talking with fans, answering questions, and showing off real mission-flown spacesuits. Don appears courtesy of the Heinlein Prize Trust and will also have his book available for autographs, Orbit of Discovery.
Microsoft at Escape Velocity!
Play in the Kodu Game Lab courtesy of VGU. Create rich and exciting games with Kodu Game Lab in this workshop, beginner-level camp for kids ages 8 to 11. Attendees will work on Kodu games like Boku’s Amazing Race, Flashy Fishbots, and Air Delivery. In the process, they learn how interesting and powerful games can be created with simple building blocks and techniques. It is recommended that kids bring their own laptops and headphones for this workshops
Gala Dinner
One of the highlights of the weekend will be our gala on Saturday night. Come mingle with our special guests and enjoy a fun filled evening capped by our keynote speaker, Rod Roddenberry. Gala tickets can be ordered here: http://escapevelocity.events/registration-tickets Seating is limited and first come, first served.
Tom Spina brings a collection to Escape Velocity
From authentic Star Wars creature costumes for commercials and videos, to the infamously viral Han Solo in Carbonite Desk, and even the restoration of priceless movie treasures like the original “Man Ape” costume from 2001: A Space Odyssey, Tom Spina and his studio (www.TomSpinaDesigns.com) have a hand in some of the most awesome sci-fi projects around!
Local Motors Opens a New Showroom
Here’s your chance to see a 3D-printed car by Local Motors! Local motors will also show their new autonomous vehicle – stay tuned, more to come!
Don’t miss the Local Motors Sci Fi Trivia Contest on Friday Night – dozens of prizes for the winning teams!
After Trivia, head upstairs to the Space Party at Pose, the rooftop lounge with a stunning view of the marina at National Harbor.
Maryland License Plate Program
Get a new license plate! As long as we’re talking about vehicles from the future, Maryland drivers can preregister to get Museum of Science Fiction license plates. send an email to: dmv-md@museumofsciencefiction.org
Maryland DMV registration forms will be available at Escape Velocity. Virginia and DC drivers, stay tuned!
Android Available!
Get the App! The new Escape Velocity mobile app is now on Android – Check it out! All the show information is there with all the program updates. The iOS version is due to be released soon.
Journal of Science Fiction
Download the second issue of the Journal of Science Fiction, available here. The articles in this issue examine a broad range of topics from young adult afrofuturism to Soviet science fiction films during the time of Stalin.
Starship Horizons
Command a starship! BridgeSimulators.com will be presenting the Starship Horizons Bridge Experience!
Starship Horizons is a multiplayer bridge simulation experience allowing 2-6 players to work together as the ship’s Bridge Officers. The core gameplay experience is designed around players commanding their own Starship as the bridge officers in the roles of Captain, Flight, Tactical, Science, Engineering and Operations.
Missions will run throughout the convention. Register here in advance to play at or sign up at the convention.
To learn more about the game checkout http://www.starshiphorizons.com and http://www.facebook.com/starshiphorizons.
Museum Ground Crew members get a 50% discount on Escape Velocity tickets and 20% merchandise discount at the Escape Velocity store. Join here.
Minecraft at Escape Velocity
Play Minecraft on the Museum’s server! The objective of this puzzle game consists of several different areas and/or “experiment rooms” using a portal gun mod from the very popular video game Portal made by Valve Corporation, but in Minecraft form. It’s a great way for kids of all ages to think and solve obstacles with the use of physics to help make it to the end of each level.
Educator Workshop
There is still space in our free teacher development workshop on July 3 for any K-12 educators who are interested in learning new approaches for incorporating science fiction into their classrooms. Learn more about the workshop, register here.
TechShop Anniversary Week of Making
Visit TechShop DC-Arlington for its 2nd Anniversary Week with a kickoff celebration at their shop in Crystal City. To celebrate, they will be hosting and participating in a week-long series of events throughout the DC metropolitan area. TechShop General Manager, Gadsden Merrill, will issue the TechShop State of the Union and welcome current members’ friends and families to check out both the shop and all of the cool projects their members have been working on. This event is open to everyone.