Just Do It

FaerieCon

by Aly Semigran

Fri., Oct. 12, 1-6 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., Oct 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $20-$24, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., 215-418-4700, www.faeriecon.com

What started as an outdoor festival in Oregon and California has flown its way eastward, bringing along its affinity for mythical creatures, homemade costumes and David Bowie circa Labyrinth. FaerieCon is taking over Philly with artists, authors and fans (an estimated 10,000-12,000 people are expected to be in attendance) of the fantasy realm.

With workshops, discussion panels, storytelling, arts, crafts and fashion shows on the roster, faerie hearts should be fluttering. Artist and convention organizer Robert Gould chose Philly for its welcoming arts and music scene. "We knew they would feel right at home here," he says of the artists, performers and attendees. In addition to the main events at the Convention Center, the Troc will host the "Good Faeries Masquerade Ball" and its alter ego, the "Bad Faeries Masquerade Ball." Both parties will feature live music, light shows and faerie movies.

With artists Brian Froud (Dark Crystal, Labyrinth) and Wendy Froud (Yoda builder for The Empire Strikes Back) on hand as guests of honor, it's easy to lump FaerieCon in with the well-established ComicCon. Gould argues otherwise. "Though ComicCon has done a wonderful job of bringing art into the limelight, it's turned into more of a trade show than a celebration of that art," he says. "FaerieCon is intimate and inspirational. We're here to celebrate the magic in the world."