Just Do It

FaerieCon

by Greg Niedt

Fri., Oct. 10, 1-6 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m; Sun., Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $22.50-$27.50, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., 215-418-4700, faeriecon.com

After a wildly successful inception last October, when thousands descended on 12th and Arch in a frenzy of homemade wings, FaerieCon's second year in Philly should be quite the spectacle.

The whimsical convention caters to all sorts, from postmodernist fantasy mavens to those who just dig Tinkerbell. If you're curious about the culture and haven't really gotten your feet wet, fear not. The lineup of guests and speakers reads like a Who's Who in the mainstream fantasy world: Brian Froud, creator of films such as Labyrinth; Alan Lee, whose art informed the Lord of the Rings film trilogy; and Holly Black, author of the children's series The Spiderwick Chronicles. Other attractions include fashion shows, masquerade balls, concerts and costume contests.

Unlike an anime convention, where specific characters rule the day, FaerieCon encourages a DIY approach — each individual brings their own interpretation of what "faerie" means to him or her. The message, according to organizer Robert Gould, is to "soothe the heart and inspire the soul. As we saw at FaerieCon last year, transformation happens when we come together: Discoveries are revealed, lives are touched and friends are made."