Event spotlight: CONvergence

The annual geek-culture extravaganza CONvergence invades the Twin Cities this weekend. For attendees, who'll pay $100 for four days of panel discussions, booze-filled theme rooms and the chance to show off handmade costumes, it's more than tradition -- it's the party of the year. There's something for every geek: steampunkers, lolitas, Trekkies, Star Warriors, cosplayers, LARPers, anime enthusiasts and so on. This year's CON celebrates geek girls and female sci-fi icons, with some of the more colorful panel topics including "How Did the Warrior Princess Change Your Life?," "Honor Harrington Could Kick Captain Kirk's Ass" and "The Women of Harry Potter." The lady-centric guests of honor include English actress Sophie Aldred (best known as Ace from the 1987-89 run of "Dr. Who") and author Bonnie Burton, who writes about everything from "Star Wars" to mean girls. (Thu.-Sun. $30-$100. Double Tree Hotel, 7800 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington. www.convergence-con.org.)