×
s

The First-Ever 'Golden Girls' Fan Convention Is Coming To Chicago

Golden Con: Thank You for Being a Fan will take place in April of next year.

Golden Girls

If you're a fan of the beloved sitcom The Golden Girls, then mark your calendars for April 22-24, 2022. You can attend the "first-ever" Golden-Con: Thank You for Being a Fan event. It's been nearly three decades since the NBC show ended its legendary run from 1985 to 1992, but the love for the show continues to live on. The series featuring Dorothy (Bea Arthur), Blanche (Rue McClanahan), Rose (Betty White), and Sophia (Estelle Getty) still have an incredible fanbase to this date. And while the loss of three of its beloved stars—Arthur in 2009, McClanahan in 2010, and Getty in 2008—still pains us, the inaugural convention plans to celebrate the beloved series and its iconic characters. 



 

Many shows have had conventions before, including ones like The Office, Supernatural, and Star Trek that have been doing it for years. Shockingly, a show as popular as The Golden Girls never got one until now. But better late than never! The event is set to take place in Chicago's historically queer Northalstead neighborhood. Event producers Zack Hudson and Brad Balof chose the location because of its LGBTQ legacy. The cast, in particular, were strong supporters of gay rights, so what better area to choose to celebrate the series? "We're creating a space where fans can celebrate all the things they love about the show; friendships, laughter, families of choice, Scandinavian nitwits, sexy Southern belles, stern substitute teachers and Sicilians," Zack Hudson, one of the event's coordinators, told Edge Media Network.



 

"Folks go through enough daily—don't get me started on life in a pandemic—that we need to embrace the things we love. And that's one of the remarkable things about The Golden Girls, it's something that unites people across multiple demographics and age groups," said Brad Balof, the other coordinator. "You walk through an airport with a The Golden Girls shirt on, and you're going to make friends. That's what we want for Golden-Con. We want folks to bring and celebrate the friends they have and make new ones while they're here at the event."  



 

According to the Golden Con website, those who attend the event can expect a "Greatest Gift" vendor's market and live parody shows from the Hell in a Handbag Theater Company. There's also going to be appearances by guest stars and producers on the show along with a "Mother of a Solid Gold Dancer" dance party, a pop-up Rusty Anchor bar, the "Chicago: You've Got Style" costume parade, and the "Grab! That! Trivia! Dough!" contest. Now, if only the organizers could get Betty White to put in some kind of appearance... that would be truly amazing!