'VillaCon: The Second Edition' is March 25

Registration is now open

For the second consecutive year, Villa Maria College will host “VillaCon,” a one-day convention featuring gaming, cosplay, animation, film, vendors and artists. This year’s con will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 25, on Villa Maria’s campus, located at 240 Pine Ridge Road, Buffalo. Last year’s inaugural event drew more than 500 people from across Western New York, and the college expects this year’s event to attract even more people.

The general public is invited to attend “VillaCon” for $10. Villa students will be admitted free of charge. Doors open for entry at 9 a.m., and the first round of events are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. From 10 a.m. on, the schedule is full of games, panels, cosplay and esports.

Eddie Mas, one of Villa Maria’s esports coaches, said congoers can expect a “Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament” that gives the local community the chance to come together and “settle it in Smash.”

Buffalo Fight Game Community will host a tournament that lasts for the duration of the event, and the GHU Gaming Truck will be set up in the afternoon for tournaments and open play.

Local vendors and artists will set up shop on the second floor of the college’s main building; they will be open for business until 6 p.m. Villa Maria’s animation club will host a pop-up shop, and animation and filmmaking students will showcase their work throughout the day.

This year’s special guest is Addison Henderson, an award-winning actor, director, producer and writer from Buffalo. Henderson worked closely with famed actor Chadwick Boseman on some of the highest-grossing films of all time, including “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Endgame.” Henderson also wrote, directed and starred in “G.O.D. (Givers of Death),” which was filmed entirely in Western New York and premiered at the North Park Theatre in 2022. Henderson will host a one-hour Q&A-style panel, followed by a 30-minute meet-and-greet.

Food will be available for purchase from House of Munch, the Cheesy Chick, Dirty Bird Chicken and Waffles, and Metz Dining Service.

For more of the details about “VillaCon,” or to register, visit www.villa.edu/villacon.