BlerDCon, an annual convention celebrating Black fandoms of sci-fi, comics, gaming and more, is happening this weekend in Crystal City.
Named for a portmanteau of “Black” and “nerd,” BlerDCon aims to entertain and create an inclusive environment for fans of “nerdy or geeky things.” Celebrity guest Janelle Monae is expected to join this year’s convention, which includes cosplay meetups, speaker panels, games, anime and more.
The convention kicks off this Friday at the Hyatt Regency hotel on 2799 Richmond Highway, and will last throughout the weekend, ending on Sunday.
This year’s BlerDCon theme, “Thrilla,” celebrates the horror genre, taking inspiration from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” The convention’s visuals reference imagery from the iconic 1983 music video.
Other attractions include a “Chocolate Covered Rocky Horror” performance at 7 p.m. on Friday, featuring a Black shadow cast ensemble. Tickets are $30.
The convention will also draw a large all-day crowd of food trucks nearby, with D.C.-area vendors for pizza, barbecue and more.
Badges, passes and a schedule of events are available on the convention’s website.
For convention-goers and drivers’ safety, a section of S. Clark Street between 26th Street S. and 27th Street S. will remain closed from 8 a.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday, according to a release from the Arlington County Police Department.
ACPD encourages motorists to remain mindful of the closure this weekend and be alert to increased foot traffic in Crystal City. More information from an ACPD news release is available, below.
The 2025 Blerdcon Convention will take place from Friday, March 7 to Sunday, March 9, 2025. The Arlington County Police Department will conduct the following closure from approximately 8:00 a.m. on March 7 to 6:00 p.m. on March 9 to accommodate the event:
- S. Clark Street from 26th Street S. to 27th Street S.
Community members should expect to see an increased police presence in the area, and motorists are urged to follow law enforcement direction, be mindful of closures, and remain alert for increased pedestrian traffic. Additional closures not mentioned above may be implemented at police discretion in the interest of public safety.
Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed, please use the online portal to find out the status of your vehicle and where it is located. The online portal is updated in real time. If you cannot locate your vehicle or need additional support using the online portal, call the County non-emergency number at 703-558-2222.
