THINGS TO DO

Each year a wonderful curation of panels is presented at G-FEST. From Q & A sessions by actors and crew from your favorite kaiju films, fan presentations on topics of interest, debates & discussions to spelling bees and G-FEST's very own G-PARDY. There is something for everyone to enjoy!!

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Video game fanatics of all ages will find Godzilla Heaven in the Mecha-G arcade. Not only is there an organized video game tournament, but there’s loads of free play time for both one-on-one and team battles. The arcade boasts an amazing variety of systems for playing different Godzilla games, from the Classic originals to the latest releases.  

 

The Mecha-G arcade welcomes independent game developers in the kaiju community to showcase their latest creations of games to show to the rest of the Fandom! Passion Republic's "GigaBash" will be returning for a third year at the arcade. And for the first time, The team that is working on Godzilla Save the Earth Melee will also be showcasing the game AND also doing a tournament on Sunday.

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There are two great ways interested model builders can get involved in G-FEST events, learning about model building and showcasing their work.

 

Model panels run from Friday to Sunday, with presentations on how to build and paint models.  Professional sculptors and model builders will present panels on sculpting, creating dioramas, and opportunities for model builders. 

 

Bring your imagination and be prepared to ask questions not just about what our panelists suggest, but also about your plans for future projects that you want to discuss and share with the panelists and other modellers. 

We want to keep building the Kaiju modeller community!

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Click "learn more" for details on Model Thread events & contests. Learn More

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Calling Monster Island… It’s an invitation to Minya’s Place! A special place for the youngest G-fans (12 and under, please) to make kaiju-themed crafts to take home along with monster-ific activities.

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Please note that Minya’s Place is not intended to be a “drop-off” daycare or babysitting service. All attending youngsters are expected to be supervised and assisted by the adult that brought them.

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It’s the largest in the history of G-FEST, and also the biggest selection of kaiju-related merchandise ever gathered outside Japan. Prepare to be amazed,

and seriously tempted.

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Check out the G-FEST 2024 Vendors Directory here

Dojo Studios started as an extension of the costume thread, demonstrating Tokusatsu filming methods (Japanese live-action filming with practical effects) that gave us our favorite superheroes like Godzilla, Ultraman, and Kamen Rider. Come see our film set, suit actors, and maybe catch a few scenes from this year’s production, YOKAIJU: THE RETURN OF GFANTIS!

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OPEN WORKSHOP

Costumers are invited to store and finish their suits for the costume parade in the work area of the Dojo Room any time the room is open to the public. There are also plenty of experienced suit-builders on hand to offer help and advice. This room is locked and secure when not attended, but G-FEST volunteers and staff are not responsible for your suits. Please note that certain spray materials and adhesives are not permitted to be used inside the hotel. If you have any questions, please e-mail us at dojoatgfest@gmail.com

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G-FEST’s Film Festival grew out of our amateur video contest. Some creators wanted to produce a more “substantial” product than the contest’s six minute time limit allows. In 2013, the G-FEST Film Festival was created to showcase longer, more complicated amateur films. It’s become an eclectic mix of fan, pro, and semi-pro works. Thanks to the individual creators, SRS Cinema (SRS) and The Asylum (TA).

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G-FEST has a history of bringing to western G-fans films they otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to see on the big screen, including North American theatrical premieres of Gamera 3, Godzilla (‘54), Godzilla vs Destroyah, Son of Godzilla, Rebirth of Mothra 3, Godzilla vs Megaguirus, and many others.

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Movies are shown at the Pickwick Theater, 5 South Prospect, Park Ridge, IL, 60068.

 

Before the convention, on July 11, there’s an afternoon double bill and feature films are shown on Friday & Saturday night. Stay tuned for this years line up!

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Tabletop gaming is once again taking place in the Paris Room this year. Formal instruction will be offered in two different games, Kaiju Assault and Godzilla Risk. 

 

In addition, a variety of other kaiju and Godzilla-related games (Godzilla Monopoly, Godzilla Jenga, Kaiju Memory Game, etc.) will be available for play by self-organized groups.

 

The gaming room will be open all day every day of G-FEST for casual play, even during the scheduled instructional sessions. 

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What better than a souvenir that lasts a life time?!

Stay tuned for this years line up of artists.