BayCon is one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s longest-running fan-organized speculative fiction conventions, focusing on science fiction, fantasy and fandom culture since 1982. The 2026 edition — BayCon 42, themed “The Answer” — also hosts Westercon 78 and features panels, artist alley, gaming, screenings, writer workshops, masquerade, anime, charity events, variety shows, and more community-driven programming that brings together fans, creators, authors, and hobbyists from across the world.