What Are Star Trek Conventions?
Star Trek conventions are gatherings where fans can celebrate all things Trek, from classic TOS series to new shows like Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks. Fans get a chance to meet and greet actors of their favorite characters as well as attend discussions on a range of topics that interest all Star Trek fans. People regularly cosplay as Starfleet crew members and beyond, places rife with photo opportunities of a lifetime, as well as rare chances to get rare Trek merchandise and exclusive items.
Star Trek Conventions
Trekonderoga
- Dates: Late June to mid August (Next one is August 15-17, 2025)
- Location: 112 Montcalm St, Ticonderoga, NY 12883
- Why Attend: In addition to a year-around tour of their meticulously constructed Star Trek sets, Trekonderoga is an annual event where attendees can meet a few of their favorite Trek actors from a multitude of series’. What makes this Star Trek convention unique is definitely the amount of detail in their set recreations that were done by the actual Star Trek set blueprints.
ST-LV: Trek to Vegas
- Dates: Early August to mid August (Next is August 6-10, 2025)
- Location: Rio Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
- Why Attend: Most likely the largest and well-acclaimed is the Las Vegas Star Trek convention, which is part of the Creation Entertainment Star Trek convention tour. Usually boasting 100+ special guests each year, it was once recognized as the official upcoming Star Trek convention every year. Recently, they still have the largest and lauded convention each and every year.
ST-SF: Trek to San Francisco
- Dates: Late January (last event, January 24-26, 2025)
- Location: Hyatt Regency SFO, Burlingame, CA
- Why Attend: Kicking off the 2025 Trek Tour, this convention offers a cozy atmosphere with activities like trivia, cosplay, and celebrity meet-and-greets. Though it’s not as large as the first two, what it lacks in size it makes up for in a more personalized, intimate experience that is great for both first-timers and people who enjoy a smaller atmosphere in a Star Trek convention.
ST-ORL: Trek to Orlando
- Dates: August 22-24, 2025
- Location: Doubletree by Hilton Universal Orlando
- Why Attend: A medium-sized event with a fair amount of guest appearances, autographs, and panels. Great for fans on the East Coast looking to immerse themselves in Star Trek convention experience.
Regional Star Trek Conventions
Regional conventions are an excellent opportunity for fans to experience Trek without traveling to massive cities like Las Vegas or New York. These smaller events offer intimate settings to connect with actors and fellow fans and some can also be found within local ComiCons.
Trek Long Island
- Dates: Mid June
- Location: Huapagge, NY
- Why Attend: Smaller and a low-key experience for a first time Star Trek convention or a more family-orientated affair. It has something for everyone, even activities for the kids. Definitely a homegrown, grassroots vibe.
ST-CLT: Trek to Charlotte
- Dates: October 24-26, 2025
- Location: Embassy Suites Concord-Charlotte
- Why Attend: For people who are in the area, this would be a good way to experience a Star Trek convention without having to pay for traveling to more major cities.
ST-CHI: Trek to Chicago
- Dates: November 22-23, 2025
- Location: Westin O’Hare Hotel
- Why Attend: Offers a fantastic opportunity for fans in the Midwest to participate in Star Trek-themed events, cosplay, and panels. In Rosemont, this medium sided convention sports the
International and Maritime Star Trek Conventions
These global conventions bring the Star Trek experience to fans outside of the U.S., offering diverse programming, special guests, and unique cultural experiences.
Star Trek: The Cruise (Atlantic Ocean)
- Dates: Late February to Early March (Next one February 20-27, 2026)
- Location: Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, departing from Miami, FL
- Why Attend: Fans of this one-of-a-kind experience note that beyond the games and panels, guests spend time everywhere about the cruiseliner. So the opportunity to run into your favorite Trek actor is a common experience, sometimes even breaking bread or having a drink with your fav captain or crewmember.
FedCon (Germany)
- Dates: Late May to June (Next one in May 22-24, 2026)
- Location: Maritim Hotel, Bonn, Germany
- Why Attend: While it may not be a Star Trek convention, FedCon is Europe’s largest sci-fi convention. Let’s be honest, if you like Star Trek, chances are you also have a liking for Battlestar Galactica, Stargate and various other Sci-Fi classics and contemporary mainstays.
Destination Star Trek (Various)
- Dates: Various
- Location: Various European Locations
- Why Attend: The current official Star Trek convention, it moves from place to place, sometimes skips years around Europe and sports a litany of special guests. While it’s not every year, when one does happen, it’s usually an event for the ages. Because it happens sporadically, you’d need to keep a notification on when this becomes an upcoming Star Trek convention.
Destination: The Unofficial Star Trek Fan Convention (UK)
- Dates: Late August (Upcoming August 29-31, 2025)
- Location: Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool, UK
- Why Attend: Not to be confused with the previous entry, Destination is an unofficial Star Trek fan convention in the UK, offering panels, autographs, and games. It focuses on community engagement as even though it is a smaller Star Trek convention, it has a very high fan engagement.
What to Expect at a Star Trek Convention:
- Panels and Activities: These often feature discussions with cast members, creators, and showrunners, providing behind-the-scenes insights and sneak peeks at upcoming series. In addition to Trek focused events, there are also many activities to do on a first come basis. Examples of a few are Trekkers teaching Rubix cubes, button making, etc.
- Cosplay: A highlight for many, fans dress up as their favorite Star Trek characters and participate in cosplay contests. Expect amazing costumes and even some actors reprising their character with their costumes for amazing photo ops.
- Autographs & Photo Ops: Fans have the chance to meet their favorite actors and get autographs or take pictures during scheduled sessions. Make sure to visit the Star Trek convention website to see if you need to purchase spots to get these done ahead of time.
- Merchandise and Vendors: Not only official Star Trek collectibles, including toys, games, autographs are often for sale at these events but also exclusive memorabilia that cannot be found at any other event or Star Trek convention.
Tips for Attending Star Trek Conventions:
- Plan Ahead: Pre-register or purchase tickets early, which includes booking accommodations near the venue as soon as possible. Review the convention schedule to prioritize your personal most wanted panels and events.
- Bring the Essentials (check if some are allowed):
Comfortable shoes are a must as you’ll be on your feet all day.- Backpack to carry merch and snacks if allowed.
- Bring a water bottle if permitted.
- Cash can still be king, but also ApplePay, Venmo, CashApp, Paypal and Zelle have also been crowned. Make sure you’ve got all the currency apps in case a vendor only accepts a specific one.
- Cosplay costumes. Wear them if you got ’em.
- Make sure you’ve got space on your phone or camera. You’ll have ample opportunity for photo and video ops, so best be prepared.
- Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Especially because inside some Star Trek conventions, they might overcharge or leave you nutritionally wanting.
- Maximize the Experience: Arrive early to beat the crowds, and don’t forget to check out fan meet-ups and after-parties for a full Star Trek immersion. Talk to your fellow Trekkers while in line or looking for a specific event, part of the charm of conventions is that you will be among your people.
- Portable batteries: Whether it be taking photos, videos or playing games you want to take charged backup batteries. Playing games like Star Trek Fleet Command, is a good way to have fun between events or waiting for a panel to start.
Join Starfleet!
As you prepare to boldly go where many a fan has gone before at these incredible conventions, don’t forget to extend your Star Trek adventure in-game! One of the best games to play at these Star Trek conventions is Star Trek Fleet Command, a 4X game where you build your fantasy crew, build ships and command your own fleet. Best of all, it’s free to play.
Join in adventures with fellow Trek fans you meet at conventions as you explore strange new worlds, and engage in epic space battles, just like the captains you’ll meet at these conventions.
Live Long And Prosper,
-The Star Trek Fleet Command Team
