The Newsletter of LAcon V
Issue Four: Friday August 28, 2026: PM Edition
The Fuzzy Pink Papers is the daily newsletter of LAcon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention. Edited by Sam Lubell and published throughout the convention. More issues of the Papers can be found here throughout the weekend. Please email submissions to newsletter@lacon.org or drop off written content in the box outside the Hilton, Mezzanine 12 room (third floor).
Join the Juke Jam… TONIGHT!
LAcon V is thrilled to welcome South Side Symphony to Worldcon this year to present their Anime Juke Jam. It all starts tonight at 8:00pm in the Convention Center Arena.
Anime Juke Jam is a celebration of the cultural exchange between Black American and Japanese cultures, specifically in the realms of anime music, hip hop, Japanese jazz, funk, house, and soul.
Led by composer and conductor Dr. Marcus Norris, the program explores the powerful cultural connections between Black American music and Japanese anime—from soulful jazz harmonies and hip hop rhythms to iconic anime sound worlds. Featuring live, soul-fusion orchestra, dynamic dance, and engaging storytelling, Anime Juke Jam transforms beloved anime themes from Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, The Boondocks and more into a high-energy concert experience that feels as more like a live jam session as a symphonic performance.
Perfect for anime fans, hip hop heads, orchestral music lovers, and curious newcomers alike. Whether you’re discovering the music behind your favorite anime or simply looking for a concert experience unlike anything else, Anime Juke Jam is where fandom meets the symphony. JOIN US!
Party of Four (Thousand or So)
LAcon’s parties are all along the Lanai deck on the fifth floor facing a large open courtyard. This enables fans to go from room to room easily while providing a large area outside the parties to socialize. Look for party boards listing the day’s parties. Also look for the #Parties channel on Discord, or just go to the Lanai deck and wander. And if you are throwing a party please email newsletter@lacon.org with the details! Here are the ones on the program for tonight:
- Maya Universe Book Launch. (5-518) at 6:30pm
- “We Interrupt This Party” Randee Dawn and friends have a TV-shaped cake to share. (5-514) at 7:00pm
- Tales from a Space Bar: Launch Party (5-230) at 7:30pm
- Japan Party presented by the HAL-CON Committee (5-510) at 8:00pm
- Queer SFF (5-552) at 8:00pm
- Memorial Party for Guy H. Lillian (5-134) at 8:30pm
- Dublin in 2029 Bid Party (5-124) at 9:00pm
- Fan Funds and Spirit of Corflu Party (5-560) at 9:00pm
The Only Way to Lose is Not To Play
LAcon has lots of fun games for people to play. From traditional board games to strategy games, you can find a game you will like.
Strategicon has a huge library of games and needs people to come and play! Laguna A/B in the Hilton, 9 AM to Midnight. Note: This is different from the Video Games in the ACC North available until 10 PM.
Friday Night Featured Programs
We’d like to highlight a few of the great things happening tonight:
- Pub Quiz. Pacific Ballroom C (Hilton) at 7:30 PM
- South Side Symphony: Anime Juke Jam, with Dr. Marcus Norris, Conducting: ACC Arena, 8:00 PM
- DJ Scalzi Discotheque. Pacific Ballroom A (Hilton) at 10 PM. Support author John Scalzi in his new career as a DJ.
Fans Eat Food Trucks All Up
On Thursday, the food trucks at LAcon V were so busy that they ran out of food! The Barcelona truck ran out of food and stopped taking orders about 6:30pm. Rolling Sushi ran out of rice at 6:45pm. Needless to say, they all returned today (Friday) with extra supplies and have been serving all afternoon!
Sing, Sing a Song
Filk is the music of science fiction fandom. Originally a typo for “folk music” filk has been adopted by science fiction fans who like to play music and sing. Many filk songs take the tunes of folk songs and change the words to reflect the interests of science fiction/fantasy fans, especially books, tv, movies, computers, science, space, and cats. Some fillers write their own music. Many songs are passed around and are sung by people who were not the original authors.
At a convention like this one, filk programming usually takes several forms:
- Concert: A single filler (or an organized group) performs several songs as a set.
- Theme Circle: Anyone who wants to participate joins in a circle and sings songs related to that theme.
- Bardic Circle: Each person in a circle takes a turn to sing a song, request a song, or pass to the next person.
- Chaos Circle: This has no order and a person just calls out “filker up” when they want a turn. Or they can call out “follower” if they have a song connected in some way to what the previous singer just sang.
At LAcon, filk concerts are being held throughout the day in Pacific Ballroom A (Hilton). Open filk is in San Simeon A (Hilton) starting at 11 PM each evening.
Relax and Get Away From It All
Need a break or a place to connect with others who share your experiences? Our Safer Spaces/Affinity Spaces are designed to help you feel safe, supported, and at ease. You can find them on the 3rd floor mezzanine, open from noon to 1 AM every day except Monday (noon to 1 PM).
- BIPOC/AAPINH Safer Space/Affinity Space – A space for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian attendees to gather, relax, and build community.(Room 11)
- LGBTQ+ Safer Space/Affinity Space – A welcoming space for LGBTQ+ attendees to connect, share, and feel affirmed. (Room 10)
- Disability Safer Space/Affinity Space – A comfortable, accessible space designed with a range of needs in mind. (Room 14)
- Interfaith Safer Space/Affinity Space – A quiet place for reflection, conversation, and spiritual connection for people of all faiths. (Room 9)
- Calming Safer Space/Affinity Space – A low-stimulation, quiet environment where you can step away from noise and recharge. (Room 8)
The Oasis is a calm, welcoming place where you can rest and recharge at your own pace. It is open every evening in the Oceanside Room (aka Teen Lounge) from 9 PM to 1 AM. You don’t have to talk to anyone unless you want to. You’ll find simple activities like coloring, short readings, and self-care supplies. If you need something, just ask—we’re here to help.
From the Newsy Tower
Overheard at her celebratory birthday tea party yesterday, Barbara Hambly said, “…And then he said ‘It reads like a real novel.”
Volunteers Needed
Worldcons work thanks to the help of hundreds of volunteers. Your help is urgently needed. Volunteering is one of the best ways to see the convention and make new lifelong friends. There are openings for help with the concert, the art show, the teen lounge, and many more areas. Visit the volunteer desk on the second floor of the Hilton to volunteer to help the convention. Even a couple of hours can make a big difference.
The Fuzzy Pink Papers: Issue Four
Friday August 28, 2026, PM Edition
The Daily Newsletter of LAcon V: The 84th World Science Fiction Convention
Edited by Sam Lubell
Fuzzy illustrations by Teddy Harvia, used with permission
Published by Shaun Lyon
Copyright © 2026, The Southern California Institute for Fan Interests (SCIFI) Inc. All rights reserved.
