I’ve been writing at the Suffolk News-Herald for more than two years, and I’ve already turned some annual events into fixtures on my calendar. But this weekend is IconiCon, my favorite of them all.

IconiCon is the biggest, free event in the area for fans of all things sci-fi, fantasy, anime, comic books and other genres. The all-ages convention is held annually by the Suffolk Public Library and returns once again to the North Suffolk Library this Saturday.

I’m a nerd and I’ve got the shows, books, comics and games in my house to show for it. So, when I was first assigned to cover this convention in its second year — when I had just been at the News-Herald for a few months — I was excited. It exceeded my expectations and then a second time the following year.

The schedule for this year’s convention is even more stacked than last year. There are still favorite aspects from previous IconiCons, starting with the slew of vendors’ tables and delicious food by the likes of One Girl Desserts and others.

Cosplayers will show off their impressive costumes, and they will compete in the contest at the end of the day to see who’s got the best outfit. One of the crazier additions this year will be the speed-dating session that will require participants to stay both in-costume and in-character through all the questions.

Parents will enjoy all of the available activities for their kids, including the return of the “Super Smash Bros.” tournament that will give some potent nostalgia to some of the adults. This year will add a Mario-themed Sphero Circuit robotics course for the younger kids, as well.

The 501st Legion of “Star Wars” cosplayers will return to patrols the halls and pose for pictures, plus the Rebel Legion. Detailed Daleks straight out of “Doctor Who” will be operated by Old Dominion Daleks. Fans of the Doctor will also love the jumbo-sized TARDIS that will be provided by the Tidewater Cosplay Association.

I love all the cosplay and vendor selections and full-sized Daleks, and I especially love how this convention has been getting bigger each year.

Regardless of what you’re a fan of, IconiCon is becoming a Suffolk staple that’s helping to diversify the city’s events for the season and bring more excitement to the city, especially for the fans.

Visit suffolkpubliclibrary.com/IconiCon for the full event schedule.