JERSEY SHORE This weekend, Star Trek fans from New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and beyond will travel to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for the 45th annual Shore Leave convention, which will include performers from other science fiction sagas in addition to Star Trek.
At least five members of the Jersey Shore Chapter of STARFLEET: The International Star Trek Fan Association, as well as the USS Challenger, will be traveling to this event. Every month on the first Sunday, the club gathers in the Seaside Heights Community Center at 1 p.m. The center is situated in the borough at 1000 Bay Boulevard.
This year marks a significant milestone for Shore Leave, the longest-running fan-run science fiction media convention. The Wyndham Lancaster Resort and Convention Center will host the event on July 11, 2025. Shore Leave, a weekend event hosted by the STAT Club of Maryland, features talks, workshops, celebrity appearances, and exclusive fan experiences.
This year’s celebrity guests include actors from a number of well-known science fiction series:
- Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Walking Dead, The Suicide Squad)
- Michael Ironside (Top Gun, Total Recall, Starship Troopers)
- Adrianne Palicki (The Orville, Agents of SHIELD, Friday Night Lights)
- J. Lee (The Orville, American Dad, Family Guy)
- James Frain (Star Trek: Discovery, True Blood, Tron Legacy)
- Melissa Navia (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Billions, Dietland)
- Casper Van Dien and Dina Meyer (Starship Troopers)
- Seth Gilliam and Cooper Andrews (The Walking Dead)
- Tracee Cocco and Stephanie Czajkowski (Multiple Star Trek Series)
- Kathy Coleman and Wesley Eure (Land of the Lost)
In addition to the Fest With Our Guests dinner event, which offers an Italian buffet and the chance to eat with a few celebrities, attendees can take part in photo ops and signing sessions. The Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital are supported by the event’s proceeds.
A wide variety of events are available during the fan-run conference, including panels discussing Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, and many other topics. Additionally, organizations such as the Space Telescope Science Institute and NASA will discuss scientific findings.
Additionally, more than 40 writers will participate in discussions, readings, and signing sessions. Professional authors conduct writing workshops. Friday and Saturday nights are always popular for stargazing.
In addition to gaming rooms, cosplay activities, and the Ten Forward all-ages dance party, the festival features a 15,000 square foot vendor hall with unusual items and a display of sci-fi and fantasy artwork.
For $140, weekend memberships can be purchased at the door. There are also single-day passes and special prices for children and teenagers. Military members on active service are eligible for a $10 discount.
Several hotels in the area, such as the Cartoon Network Hotel and Fairfield Inn & Suites, provide discounted hotel rates. Check out visitshore-leave.com for additional details.
Read more about the USS Challenger at www.usschallenger.org or send an email to [email protected].
