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What to Expect at HellmouthCon
Your Guide to Fan Experiences, Photo Ops & More
Spend the weekend on the real Sunnydale High campus, exploring panels, fan experiences, and a community that makes the Buffyverse feel real.
🏫 Step Into Sunnydale
Welcome
Most attendees spend their weekend:
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Exploring the real Sunnydale High campus
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Attending panels and programming (included)
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Visiting the vendor hall (“Sunnydale Mall”)
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Choosing a few optional experiences like photo ops or meet & greets
👉 You don’t need to plan everything in advance. Many attendees decide as they go.
Your Weekend At a Glance
HellmouthCon is designed as a full weekend experience on the real Sunnydale High campus. Throughout the day, attendees move between panels, fan experiences, photo ops, autograph sessions, cosplay meetups, the Sunnydale Mall vendor hall, and spontaneous moments with fellow Scoobies across campus.
A typical day may include:
• Exploring the Sunnydale Mall Vendor Hall & Autograph Row
• Attending panels, workshops, and interactive programming
• Participating in Fan Experiences and specialty events
• Taking photo ops with guests and themed sets
• Meeting fellow fans throughout the campus courtyards and gathering spaces
• Enjoying food trucks, concessions, and outdoor hangout areas
Some experiences run at scheduled times, while others are designed to let you wander, explore, and discover things throughout the day, just like a real day in Sunnydale.
No two attendees experience HellmouthCon exactly the same way, and that’s part of the fun.
👉 A detailed schedule will be available closer to the event.
More Than Just a Convention
HellmouthCon is designed to feel less like a giant convention center event and more like stepping into a living Buffyverse community for the weekend.
Throughout the campus, you’ll find fans sharing theories, admiring cosplay, quoting episodes in passing, making new friends in line, and reconnecting with fellow Scoobies they may only see once a year. Some attendees arrive with groups, while many come on their own, but one of the things we hear most often is how welcoming and easy the community feels once you arrive.
Whether you spend your weekend racing between programming rooms, relaxing in the courtyards, hunting for collectibles in the Sunnydale Mall, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of the real Sunnydale High campus, HellmouthCon is built around fandom connection as much as fandom celebration.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about watching Buffy. It’s about the people who found each other because of it.
The Real Sunnydale High Campus
HellmouthCon takes place on the actual filming location used as Sunnydale High.
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Walk the same campus seen on screen
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Move between indoor and outdoor spaces for panels, shopping, and activities
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Experience the setting as part of the event
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The layout is walkable and easy to navigate
👉 This isn’t a convention center, it’s the real location.
First-Time Attendees
You don’t need to cosplay.
You don’t need to know anyone.
Many attendees come solo-explore at their own pace, connect naturally throughout the weekend.
👉 This is a welcoming, community-focused event.
Cosplay & Trivia Contests
Think you’ve got the look of a Big Bad or the brains of a Watcher? Step into the spotlight (or the library) and show off your Buffyverse brilliance and costume creativity! Whether you’re channeling your inner Slayer, vampire, or demon-of-the-week, our cosplay contest is your chance to strut your stuff. And if you’ve memorized every line from Once More, with Feeling—the trivia contest is calling your name. Wit, wisdom, and wardrobe—all are welcome. Points for style, accuracy, and knowing exactly how many times Buffy died.
Sunnydale Mall (Vendor Hall)
Just like the actual Sunnydale Mall, but with fewer hellhounds and way more fandom flair.
The Main Gym transforms into the heart of HellmouthCon, filled with fandom-friendly vendors, artists, creators, and the energy of fellow Scoobies gathering under one roof. Browse collectibles, pop culture art, handmade creations, apparel, jewelry, accessories, and treasures worthy of any Slayer, Watcher, or reluctant vampire with a soul.
This is also where you’ll find Autograph Row, where many of our guests meet fans throughout the weekend for autographs, selfies, and conversations.
Whether you’re hunting for rare finds, supporting independent creators, or finally picking up that piece of Buffyverse merch your inner teenager always wanted, Sunnydale Mall is one of the central gathering places of the convention.
👉 Because in Sunnydale… shopping is a full-contact sport.
Panels & Programming
Included with your pass:
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Guest panels and Q&As
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Fan programming and discussions
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Contests and interactive sessions
We offer two panel rooms that are open to all badge-holders and runs throughout the day:
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Main Room: Big-name guests and spotlight sessions
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Smaller Room: Intimate discussions, workshops, and fandom panels
👉 Seating is first-come, first-served unless otherwise noted.
Meetups
From Broody Vamps Anonymous to Witches of the Hellmouth and beyond, our fan-hosted meetups are your chance to find your coven. Meetups happen throughout the weekend and are a perfect way to connect with fellow fans who share your favorite ships, characters, or headcanons.
Whether you’re Team Spuffy, a devoted Scooby, or just looking for fellow demon hunters, there’s a meetup for you. Come for the fandom, stay for the feels!
Volunteering and Day Of Help
Want to be part of the magic behind the Hellmouth? Whether you’ve got Slayer strength, Watcher wisdom, or just a big Scooby heart, we always welcome new helping hands.
If you’re interested in volunteering in advance or getting more involved behind the scenes, check out our volunteer opportunities ahead of time. But even if you decide last minute, you can still make a difference. Just swing by the Info Table near the entrance during the event to sign up as a Day-Of Volunteer. It takes a village to keep the Hellmouth from opening (again), and we’d love to have you on the team.
So Much to Do, So Little Time...
HellmouthCon features multiple programming tracks running simultaneously, including two panel rooms, Photo Ops, Autograph Alley, Fan Experiences, and more. With so much happening at once, it’s simply not possible to experience everything—and that’s by design.
Like all major conventions, we curate a packed schedule to offer a wide variety of experiences for fans with different interests. We know it can be tough to choose between overlapping events, but our goal is to create a weekend filled with opportunities that let you decide what matters most.
Our advice? Prioritize your must-sees, leave room for surprises, and remember: FOMO is real, but so is the magic of finding your own personal path through the Hellmouth.
🎟️ How HellmouthCon Works
Check-In, Wristbands & Access
Will Call opens at 7:30am each day. Your wristband is your access to HellmouthCon throughout the weekend, including panels, programming, and the Sunnydale Mall Vendor Hall. Wristbands also allow attendees to leave and re-enter campus during event hours.
Some Fan Experiences and specialty activities may begin before general campus opening, so attendees with early morning events should plan accordingly.
Every attendee with a valid event wristband has equal access to our guests through:
• Panels & Workshops
• Fan Experiences (FEs)
• Specialty Photo Ops
• Autographs & Table Selfies
• Sunnydale Mall & Autograph Row
HellmouthCon is designed to be an inclusive and accessible fan experience. We do not offer private one-on-one guest access tiers, and we ask attendees to respect guest personal time when they are off the clock and outside scheduled activities.
Tickets and wristbands are non-transferable and may not be shared.
Why Weekend-Only Passes
HellmouthCon is a two-day immersive experience held on the real filming location of Sunnydale High.
Because so much takes place across the entire weekend - from panels and photo ops to concerts and cosplay - and because your ticket helps fund this nonprofit event, we only offer weekend passes which grants you access to all panels, general programming, and activities across both days.
Weekend Flow & Daily Rhythm
Friday Night Kickoff (Optional)
Arriving early? Join fellow attendees Friday evening for a casual off-site mixer before the Hellmouth officially opens.
Enjoy trivia, karaoke, fandom fun, and a relaxed chance to meet fellow Scoobies before the main event begins.
👉 This is an optional, community-driven gathering.
Saturday
• Will Call Opens: 8:00am
• Campus Open: 9:30am – 7pm
• Programming: 10am – 7pm
• Sunnydale Mall: 10am – 6pm
• Fan Experiences may begin as early as 8am
• Evening Gathering: 7pm – 10pm
⚽ Heavy traffic is expected Saturday due to nearby FIFA events. Please allow extra travel time and arrive early whenever possible.
Sunday
• Will Call Opens: 8:00am
• Campus Open: 9:30am – 6pm
• Programming: 10am – 5pm
• Sunnydale Mall: 10am – 6pm
Some experiences begin earlier than general campus opening, while others continue throughout the day across the campus.
👉 Full schedules, programming details, and specialty events will be released closer to the convention.
Fan Experiences are group-based sessions, usually about 45 minutes long, and include fun interactions like Q&As, games, or themed conversations with guests.
IMPORTANT: If the experience is scheduled before the campus opens, you will be emailed instructions how to access the campus earlier.
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Tickets are flat-priced and sold on a first-come, first-served basis—no bidding involved.
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Purchase online through our website in advance. If any tickets remain they can be purchased in person at the designated table inside the Sunnydale Mall (if not sold out).
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Onsite: cash, credit, and Venmo
Note: The only time FE tickets are auctioned is when some donated their tickets to the Martin Katz Memorial Auction for charity.
View Full List
Breakfast / Brunch with Guests & Pricing
In 2025, we hosted two hot buffet breakfasts with fan-favorites, one on Saturday with five Angel guests Stop Calling Me Pastries, and on Sunday I Eat Danger For Breakfast with nine Buffy guests. Breakfasts ranged from $90-$150, and Fan Experiences ranged from $50–$100.
Pricing for 2026 will be announced in May and we always aim to keep events accessible and fun while supporting charity.
IMPORTANT: If the breakfast is scheduled before the campus opens, you will be emailed instructions how to access the campus earlier.
Specialty Photo Ops / Specialty Tableaux
We offer professional photo ops with:
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Individual guests
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Themed combo shots featuring two or more guests
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Purchase in advance on our website (recommended—they often sell out)
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Or buy onsite (if available) at the designated table inside the Sunnydale Mall
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Onsite: Cash, Credit Card, Venmo, PayPal
IMPORTANT: If the photo is scheduled before the campus opens, you will be emailed instructions how to access the campus earlier.
Autographs & Table Selfies
Guests will be signing and taking selfies at their tables inside the Sunnydale Mall throughout the weekend.
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Pay directly at each guest’s table
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All accept cash and credit cards; some may accept Venmo
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Prices vary by guest and are set individually. See the Auto and Photo Ops page for pricing.
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Please note: There is currently no ATM available on campus. Some guests and vendors may accept cash only.
VIP Access
VIP attendees receive enhanced convention perks designed to help streamline the HellmouthCon experience, including early entry opportunities, priority access benefits for select activities, reserved auditorium seating areas, and early purchasing windows for certain add-on experiences.
Detailed VIP instructions, including check-in information, early entry procedures, and autograph/photo line guidance, will be emailed to VIP attendees closer to the convention weekend.
Please note: Autographs, selfies, photo ops, Fan Experiences, and specialty events are sold separately unless otherwise specified.
🧭 Plan Your Weekend
Parking & Transportation
HellmouthCon takes place on an active campus in a residential area, so planning ahead is recommended.
FIFA
Rideshare and carpooling are strongly encouraged
Drop-off and pick-up access is available
👉 Many attendees choose to rideshare for convenience.
👉 View Full Travel & Parking Details
FIFA / Hotel Notes
⚽ Saturday Travel Advisory
A major public FIFA watch event nearby is expected to increase traffic and parking congestion on Saturday.
👉 Arriving early is strongly recommended.
Food Trucks & Breaks
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Food trucks and nearby options available
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You’re free to leave campus for meals and return
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Outdoor areas available to relax and recharge
♿ Accessibility
We want every fan to feel welcome at HellmouthCon.
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Wheelchair-accessible entrances and pathways
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Elevator in the main building to access Little Theater
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Accessible restrooms
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Designated viewing areas (space permitting) for panels
Our team can assist with:
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mobility access
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service animal guidelines
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general accessibility needs
👉 View full accessibility details or contact us at: access@hellmouthevents.org
Costume Prop Policies
All costume props and weapons must be inspected at one of the Weapons/Costume Props Desk on the main will call/registration area.
Firearms, including concealed and unconcealed firearms and weapons are prohibited at all times by any person other than a uniformed law enforcement officer.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about tickets, cosplay, photo ops, Fan Experiences, accessibility, parking, policies, and guest interactions are answered throughout our website and FAQ resources.
As we get closer to the event, additional schedules, maps, operational details, and attendee information will continue to be updated.
🚨 Safety Reminders
• Stay hydrated, especially in heavier cosplay or outdoor areas
• Comfortable shoes are strongly encouraged across campus
• Follow all staff and security instructions during the event
• Keep hallways, entrances, and panel areas clear during busy periods
• Ask before photographing cosplayers or attendees
• Report concerns, emergencies, or suspicious activity to event staff immediately
HellmouthCon is designed to be a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all attendees.
📲 Need Help During the Event?
Questions about check-in, accessibility, schedules, lost items, prop approval, photo op lines, or general event operations can be directed to Registration, Operations staff, or any visible HellmouthCon volunteer throughout the weekend.
Additional updates and announcements may also be shared through our official social media channels during the convention.
Stay in the Loop
We post updates on social media, but the best way to get timely info is to sign up for our newsletter.
Visit our homepage and click the newsletter signup button so you don’t miss important announcements!
❓ Need More Details?
For additional information:
👉 Event policies and guidelines
👉 Ticket and purchase details
👉 Media and press registration
Hope this helps give you a full picture of what HellmouthCon is all about! Feel free to reach out if you have more questions — we're happy to help.