Why Hartford's 90s Con has sitcom reunions, boy band stars and a real life Mystery Machine
90s Con is back in Hartford with TV reunions, pop stars, DJ Tre and a Scooby Doo Mystery Machine replica. Selma Blair is also expected.
Hartford is turning into a 1990s time capsule again as 90s Con opens at the Connecticut Convention Center on Friday night and runs through Sunday. The event is built around familiar faces from TV and pop music, plus one fan made attraction that could end up stealing plenty of attention.
Hundreds of people are expected over the three day event, which brings together stars tied to some of the decade's most recognizable shows. Scheduled reunions include cast members from Full House, Step by Step, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Melrose Place, giving attendees a chance to see actors from sitcoms and dramas in the same place.
The music side is aimed at the same wave of nostalgia. Nick Carter, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone and Zac Hanson are among the names fans can see during the weekend. DJ Tre is also part of the experience, keeping 1990s songs playing throughout the convention. He has said he shapes his set around the people connected to the event, pulling from television, movies and boy bands to help recreate the feel of the era.
The Scooby Doo van has its own backstory
One of the attractions on the convention floor is a replica of the Mystery Machine from Scooby Doo. Joe Edgerton built it after watching the 2002 live action movie with his son. He now takes the van to conventions across New England, including 90s Con.
Edgerton has said he still sometimes looks at the vehicle in his garage and is surprised that it is his. For him, the payoff is simple. If the van can make somebody smile or brighten their day, he says that makes bringing it out worthwhile.
The event is also leaning into smaller touchstones from the decade. Scrunchies, cassettes, Care Bears and classic television favorites are all part of the throwback mix, with the idea of letting fans revisit old favorites while also making new memories.
Another expected appearance comes with extra attention around it. Selma Blair is still due at 90s Con despite her recent arrest. She was in court this week after police said she assaulted flight attendants aboard a plane headed to John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City and then allegedly attacked a police officer and a nurse afterward, according to law enforcement sources.
What a nostalgia fan convention is
A nostalgia convention is a live event built around familiar TV shows, movies, music acts, toys and pop culture from earlier decades. The appeal is simple: fans get to see performers, hear behind the scenes stories, shop for collectibles and share a themed experience with people who grew up with the same media.
These events often mix cast reunions, concert style appearances, panel discussions, autograph sessions, photo ops, cosplay and display pieces such as famous vehicles or set replicas. A reunion does not always mean a new project is coming. It often means a group is appearing together for fans, anniversaries or promotional events.
How the experience usually works
Most conventions sell a basic admission ticket, then charge separately for extras like autographs, posed photos and premium seating. Schedules can shift, so it is smart to check the event app, website or posted boards more than once during the day.
Panels are usually first come, first served unless a reserved seat is sold. Photo ops tend to move quickly, with staff directing the line. If you want an autograph, bring an item that is easy to sign and check any rules on outside merchandise. For display attractions, ask whether they are screen used pieces, studio replicas or fan built recreations if that matters to you.
Useful tips before you go
Prioritize one or two must do experiences and build the rest of your day around them. Popular reunions can create long lines, and overlapping schedules are common. Comfortable shoes, a portable phone charger, cashless payment and a protective sleeve for signed items are often worth bringing.
If you care most about music acts, look for live performance details, not just appearance listings. If you care most about TV and film casts, check whether the full group is attending or only selected members. The best value usually comes from planning ahead rather than deciding everything on the floor.
