1. TICKETS & PASSES

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Are tickets available at the door, or do I need to buy in advance?

We strongly recommend buying in advance. Some premium passes and add-ons may sell out before the event. Door availability will depend on remaining inventory.

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Are tickets refundable or transferable?

Tickets are non-refundable, but they can be transferred to another attendee. Contact us on info@shortcircuit40.com with the order information for assistance.

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Do I need to print my ticket, or is mobile OK?

A mobile ticket on your phone is perfect — no printing required.

 

Can I upgrade my pass later?

Yes, upgrades are allowed as long as the higher-tier pass is not sold out.

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Are any passes close to selling out?

Premium passes (Bozo & Johnny 5) are limited and may sell out quickly. Check our ticketing page for real-time availability.

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Do you provide free tickets for registered carers/essential companions? 

Yes - for most activities but not all - please email us to apply. 

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2. KIDS & FAMILY ATTENDANCE

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Do children under 12 get free access to everything?

Kids under 12 get free entry to the Armory only, all other ticketed activities — panels, exhibitions, add-ons, and special events — require their own ticket. If your child is small enough to sit on your lap in a panel or workshop then you do not need to buy a separate ticket for them. 

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Can Kids attend the Prom?

Yes! The prom is primarily aimed at adults but it is open to all ages. Alcohol will only be sold to those over 21 and ID will be required. 

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Can kids attend the Bar Trivia night? 

Yes! The Pop Culture Trivia event is in a separate function room at Fort George Brewery with access to the bar to purchase food and drink. For those purchasing alcohol, ID may be required. 

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Is the event family-friendly?

Absolutely. All programming is suitable for all ages unless otherwise noted.

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3. PETS & SERVICE ANIMALS

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Are pets allowed at the event?

Only official service animals are permitted. No pets — including leashed dogs — are allowed in indoor venues or activity areas. 

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My hotel won’t let me leave my dog alone. What should I do?

Please plan ahead, as pets cannot enter our venues. Some attendees use doggy-daycare options in town or travel with another person who can stay with the pet outside venues.

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4. CELEBRITY GUESTS & SIGNINGS

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Which guests will be attending?

Guests appear subject to other work/personal commitments. The Guest list can be found here. Guests can be added up to the day of the event so keep an eye on our socials for updates. 

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When will Guests be signing? 

Guests will be at their signing tables when they are not at a panel, workshop or having their lunch. So they will be at their signing tables throughout the day. Some guests are only appearing for one day. Please check the guests banner for this information. 

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Will celebrities sign personal items?

Yes — personal items are welcome unless otherwise noted. Some items (e.g., rare collectibles) may have special pricing.  Autographa dn Photo Pricing will be published on the Guest page soon. 

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Are any Guests signing for free?

Yes! Pricing will be published on the guest page soon, as above. 

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Is there a limit to how many items I can have signed?

We ask that you keep it reasonable and follow each guest’s policies. Autograph sessions typically operate on a per-item pricing basis.

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Can I give gifts to guests?

Small, appropriate gifts are usually fine, but they must be handed to staff first for approval.

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Will there be Q&As or panels?

Yes! Panel schedules can be found on the tickets page.​​​​​

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5. PHOTO OPS & HOUSE EXPERIENCES

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Do I need a ticket for photo ops?

Yes — photo ops are add-on experiences unless included in a premium pass.

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Will there be photos with Ally, Steve, and Johnny 5 on Stephanie’s porch?

Yes, this is included in the Bozo Pass and Johnny 5 Pass. There will also be a small number of these for sale soon to be purchased separately. 

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What is the “Short Circuit Deck Photo”?

The Deck Photo is a separate photo opportunity at the house, but it does not include the cast group photo.

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Can attendees without premium passes visit the house exterior?

Yes, the exterior is a public street — but access may be regulated during scheduled events to ensure safety, privacy, and smooth operations.

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Are professional cameras allowed?

Yes, except in designated photo-op areas where photography rules apply.

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6. JOHNNY 5 APPEARANCES

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Will Johnny 5 be at the event?

Yes — he will mostly be hanging out at the Armory but may also be in photo ops. He will have his own schedule which will be published closer to the event date.  

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Will he be mobile or stationary?

This varies by appearance. Details will be provided in the schedule.

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Can I take personal photos with Johnny 5?

Yes, and it's free to have a picture with just Johnny 5. 

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7. SCHEDULE & LOGISTICS

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When will the full schedule be released?

We will release the full schedule closer to the event, you can find the panel schedule on the tickets page. 

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Are venues within walking distance?

Most locations in Astoria are within a short drive. Some attendees choose to walk between select venues, but please check maps and allow time to get between activities.

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Is parking available?

Yes — the Armory and other venues have nearby parking, though space may be limited during peak times.

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Is the venue accessible?

Yes. All major event spaces have disability access.

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Will there be food and drink?

Yes — food vendors, concessions, and local restaurants will be available nearby.

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Is re-entry allowed?

Yes. Wristbands and/or badges will allow re-entry throughout the day. ​​

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8. LODGING & TRAVEL

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Are there official hotel blocks?

Not at this time. Astoria fills up quickly, so we recommend booking early.

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Where are other attendees staying?

Fans often choose popular riverfront hotels, motels, or vacation rentals/airbnbs close to downtown and the Armory.

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Is there Uber, Lyft, or public transport?

Rideshare coverage can be limited in smaller coastal towns. Taxis and local transit are available but not always frequent — plan accordingly.

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What airport should I fly into?

Portland (PDX) is the nearest major airport, about a 2-hour drive from Astoria.

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9. MERCHANDISE

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When will the limited-edition poster be revealed?

Poster artwork will be revealed closer to the event after final approval.

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Can I bring my own poster or artwork for signatures?

Absolutely. Fans are welcome to bring their own items.

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Will event merch be sold online afterward?

Some items may be available online depending on remaining stock, but limited-edition items may be event-exclusive.

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Do premium passes include exclusive merch?

Yes — details are listed on the ticketing page for each pass tier.

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10. COSPLAY

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Is cosplay allowed?

Yes! We encourage it.

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Are prop weapons allowed?

Only non-functional, clearly safe props are permitted. All props must pass a quick safety check.

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Are there cosplay contests or photoshoots?

Yes - at the Prom! Community meetups and themed photo areas may be scheduled depending on interest. 

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11. CONNECTING WITH OTHER ATTENDEES

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Is there a place to chat with other fans before the event?

Yes! There is currently a community run group on Facebook which has locals and fans alike. Visit group.

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12. VENDORS

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I would like to be a vendor, where do I sign up?

You can apply on our vendors page.

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13. VOLUNTEERS & MISCELLANEOUS

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Can I sign up to be a volunteer? 

Yes - applications open on March 4th. 

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What happens if a guest cancels?

While rare, cancellations sometimes happen. We will announce any changes quickly and adjust programming as needed.

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Will there be a lost & found?

Yes — at the Armory information desk.

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Where can I get help during the event?

Look for staff or volunteers wearing official Thames Con event badges or shirts.

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