Ice and Fire Con 2016: In With the New, But NOT Out With the Old

There are only six weeks until Ice and Fire Con 2016, which takes place April 22nd-24th this year, so I think it’s time for a comprehensive list of what is changing in 2016 – and what will remain the same.

Of course the biggest change is our new location, Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia. While we were sad to leave Ravenwood behind, we’d outgrown the venue – it was seriously limiting the number of attendees we could have. Mountain Lake may not be a castle, but it’s still a beautiful place (both the Lodge itself and the picturesque area where it’s located) and it allows us to nearly double in size. This means that as of right now, we still have tickets and rooms available, whereas in previous years we’ve always ended up with a waiting list months before Ice and Fire Con took place. (Please note that you must purchase a ticket before you can book a room, which is why Mountain Lake’s website has Ice and Fire Con weekend blacked out.)

Another thing the organizers debated on was whether or not to include our usual Saturday night feast, but as having a timed meal like that both raises ticket prices quite a bit and restricts the amount of time everyone has to participate in Ice and Fire Con’s activities, in the end we decided that it was best for meals to be a la carte. This also allowed us to set ticket prices at just $50 each, although they did go up to $60 each on March 1st. (Please also note that there are no on site ticket sales; we will also close ticket sales via the website on Friday April 15th.)

But now for the best stuff – new activities, and some old favorites! First things first, if you’ve met Josh and his traveling Iron Throne, they will both be at Ice and Fire Con 2016. The Throne will be available for pictures throughout the day starting at 3 PM Friday April 22nd and most of the day Saturday the 23rd as well. We may also have it available in the evenings – for instance, during the dance party Saturday night – basically whenever we have volunteers to keep an eye on it and help take the photos.

We also have a couple of events that are still pending but are very likely going to happen, one of which is a bonfire on Friday night (weather permitting) complete with ASOIAF songs and stories! There will be a sign-up for those who wish to perform closer to the convention. And since the season 6 premiere is happening on Sunday the 24th – the last official day of our convention – we are working on making sure that we can combine our powers with those of Mountain Lake and air the premiere live for those who wish to stay through Sunday night, and there is no additional cost for this event unless you choose to book your room for that night as well.

But don’t worry, a lot of our original 2013 activities, as well as those that were new in 2014 and 2015, are returning as well. Our Tournament of Champions promises to be even better this year, as thanks to Mountain Lake we now have an official archery setup (something that we didn’t have available at our previous location)…and of course our costume contest and panels will also be on the schedule. ASOIAF Trivia and the Flea Bottom Fete (our Saturday night dance party) are always well-attended, and there will surely be a few games of the Ice and Fire Con Cards Against Westeros throughout the weekend, whether they’re on the official schedule or not. (Seriously, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve walked into a room to find a large group of people enjoying a pop-up game of Cards Against Westeros.)

Last year we had several new activities that were so popular that we knew they would become Ice and Fire Con staples, including the “Bad Fanfiction Reading” (a.k.a. The Not a Fanfic…Panel) and Improv of Ice and Fire. So plan on busting out your comedic skills, for sure!

Above all, though, it’s important to note that one of the very best things about Ice and Fire Con won’t change – that being the fact that more than anything, it’s basically a weekend camp for Song of Ice & Fire/Game of Thrones fans. Because the best thing about being a Song of Ice & Fire/Game of Thrones fan is having other fans recognize you as such…all of that and more happens at Ice and Fire Con!

Ice and Fire Con 2016 is being held April 22nd-24th, 2016, at Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia. Please visit the official website for more information and the online store to purchase tickets.

Author: Tara Lynne

Tara Lynne is an author, fandom and geek culture expert, and public speaker. She founded Ice & Fire Con, the first ever Game of Thrones convention in the US, and now runs its parent company Saga Event Planning.

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