It was supposed to be the "BookTok" event of the century. If you’ve spent any time on the fantasy side of social media lately, you’ve probably seen the aesthetic: sweeping ballgowns, intricate "inner circle" cosplays, and mountains of sprayed-edge books. Once Upon a Con 2025 arrived with a massive promise—to be the nation’s first premier fantasy book convention, bridging the gap between a traditional literary festival and the high-energy vibe of a Ren Faire or Comic-Con.
But things got complicated. Fast.
The event, which took place from August 14 to 17, 2025, moved from its original planned location in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to the massive Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. For many, it was a dream come true. For others, it became a cautionary tale about the growing pains of niche fandom events.
What Actually Happened at Once Upon a Con 2025?
To understand the buzz, you have to look at the scale. We’re talking over 250 vendors and authors. There were TTRPG (Tabletop Role-Playing Game) rooms, cosplay competitions, and the highly anticipated "Starfall Masquerade."
The hype was real.
Honestly, the "War Room" scavenger hunt, inspired by the Fourth Wing series, was one of the most clever ideas I've seen at a con in years. It turned the entire venue into an interactive playground for readers. People weren't just standing in line for autographs; they were living the stories.
However, the road to August was rocky. Months before the doors even opened, a major partner, Second Star Events, pulled out of the convention. They cited leadership disagreements and transparency issues. That’s usually a red flag in the con world, and it sparked a wave of "is this the next Dashcon?" videos on TikTok.
The Good, The Bad, and The "No Food" Tea Party
Let’s be real: pulling off an inaugural event at the Gaylord is an Olympic-level feat. Most first-year conventions start in a hotel basement, not a massive waterfront resort.
The Highlights
The vendor hall was, by most accounts, the absolute star of the show. If you were looking for leather-bound journals, dragon-themed jewelry, or indie authors you’d never heard of, it was paradise.
The community spirit was also top-tier. There is something special about being in a room with thousands of people who also stay up until 3 a.m. crying over fictional characters. Trinket trading—where fans swap small charms or stickers—became the unofficial heart of the weekend.
The Struggles
It wasn't all fairy dust. Reports surfaced of significant logistical failures.
- Staffing Issues: Several staff members and guests reportedly had issues with hotel accommodations not being properly secured or paid for by the organizers.
- The VIP Experience: Some high-tier ticket holders were disappointed. The "VIP banquet" and certain tea party events were criticized for lack of decor and, in some cases, a complete lack of food or drink despite the high cost.
- The Masquerade: While the "Autumn Court" theme from A Court of Thorns and Roses sounds beautiful on paper, the execution was described by some as "a DJ in a mostly empty room" rather than an immersive fantasy experience.
Why This Matters for the Future of Book Cons
Once Upon a Con 2025 is a case study in the "Romantasy" explosion. The demand for these events is skyrocketing, but the infrastructure is still catching up.
Running a con isn't just about having a cool aesthetic on Instagram. It’s about logistics, vendor contracts, and fire codes. When an event brands itself as the "first of its kind," expectations are astronomical. Fans didn't just want a book signing; they wanted to be in Velaris or the Fourth Wing's Basgiath War College.
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We’re seeing a shift. Readers are the new "super-fans." They travel, they cosplay, and they spend. But they also have very high standards for the "vibe."
Moving Forward: Actionable Tips for Con-Goers
If you’re planning to attend a first-year book convention in the future, or if you're looking at whatever "Volume 2" might look like, keep these points in mind:
- Join the Unofficial Groups: Before the con, find the Facebook groups or Discord servers. This is where you’ll hear about hotel changes or "drama" before it hits the mainstream.
- Budget for the Vendor Hall: Often, the best part of these cons isn't the scheduled panels—it's the marketplace. Support the indie authors.
- Manage Expectations: First-year conventions will have hiccups. If you’re paying for a "VIP experience," check the fine print and reviews from previous events hosted by the same organizers.
- Bring Your Own Trinkets: The social aspect of trading is the best way to make friends. It’s low-pressure and high-reward.
The story of Once Upon a Con 2025 isn't just about a weekend in Maryland. It’s about a community that is clearly hungry for more spaces to celebrate their love for fantasy. Whether the organizers can smooth out the "frightening" parts for future volumes remains to be seen, but for now, the bookish community has plenty to talk about.