Bozeman Sci-Fi Convention Celebrates Creativity and Imagination

Annual event honors Bozeman's role in Star Trek universe's first contact with aliens.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:18pm

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Bozeman, Montana is hosting its annual sci-fi convention, First Contact, which celebrates the city's significance as the site of first contact with alien life in the Star Trek universe on April 5th, 2063. The convention features virtual reality stations, an adventure playground for kids, a hologram museum, and showcases local authors, artists, and a new Montana-made sci-fi and fantasy publication.

Why it matters

The convention aims to inspire future generations of creators by fostering creativity and imagination through interactive sci-fi experiences and highlighting local talent in the genre. In a world facing many challenges, the organizers believe people could use more 'whimsy and inspiration' that science fiction can provide.

The details

First Contact Convention started four years ago and is being held this weekend at the Best Western Plus off Seventh in Bozeman. The event includes a virtual reality station, an adventure playground for kids, and a hologram museum, in addition to featuring authors, artists, and the new Montana-based sci-fi and fantasy publication Matter Of The Imagination.

  • The convention is held annually on the weekend of April 5th, the date of first contact with alien life in the Star Trek universe.
  • First Contact Convention started four years ago.

The players

Kathy Tyers

An author of Star Wars extended universe books and Matter Of The Imagination, a new Montana-made sci-fi and fantasy publication.

Owen Gibbs

The founder of Matter Of The Imagination, a new Montana-made sci-fi and fantasy publication.

Carl Anderson

The lead organizer of the First Contact Convention.

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What they’re saying

“It's been awesome watching it grow over the past few months and watching it come to life.”

— Owen Gibbs, Founder, Matter Of The Imagination

“Considering all things going on in the world right now, I think everybody could use a little bit more whimsy and inspiration.”

— Carl Anderson, Lead Organizer, First Contact Convention

The takeaway

The First Contact Convention in Bozeman, Montana celebrates the city's significance in the Star Trek universe and aims to inspire future generations of creators by fostering creativity and imagination through interactive sci-fi experiences and highlighting local talent in the genre.