For the second consecutive year, Villa Maria College will host VillaCon, a one-day convention featuring gaming, cosplay, animation, film, vendors, artists, and more. This year’s Con will take place on Saturday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Villa Maria’s campus, located at 240 Pine Ridge Road in 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, esports, and more. 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, NY. 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 question-and-answer 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, Metz Dining Service, and more.
For more of the details about VillaCon and to register, please visit www.villa.edu/villacon.
