Calmer Con Boston 2023

Calmer Con is a sensory-friendly comics and pop culture convention designed to accommodate the needs of autistic attendees and those with sensory processing and anxiety concerns. Like a traditional “comic con” there are artists, vendors, and cosplayers, as well as activities like Jedi training, superhero academy, block building, and an art area. We also offer access to professional service organizations to provide information and help special needs families.

For years, Adam Wilson and his family attempted to attend comic book conventions with their autistic son, Logan. They quickly realized that Logan was becoming easily overwhelmed by the noise, bright lights, and crowds at these events. After contacting multiple event organizers to inquire about sensory accommodations for guests, and being told that they didn’t exist, Adam started a nonprofit called Calm Passion and put a team together to provide sensory reduced areas, called Calmer Spaces, for free at conventions. Soon, the Calm Passion team decided to hold the first sensory-friendly comic convention, Calmer Con, in 2018 in Central Massachusetts. Subsequent events were held in Massachusetts and Florida in 2019 and 2021.

After a COVID-related hiatus, Calmer Con is back this year! Calmer Con Boston will be produced by the Boston Comic Arts Foundation (BCAF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit chartiable organization. The event will be held in two separate sessions, 10AM to 1PM and 2PM to 5PM on October 21 at Meadowbrook School in Weston, Massachusetts.

BCAF's mission is to celebrate comics through art festivals, artist grants, and educational programming. The money we raise will help provide free admission and creative programming to hundreds of families at an event designed just for them.