BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Walk through the doors of the Sheraton Birmingham hotel this weekend, and you might feel as if you've stepped into a comic book.

Or a sci-fi film. Or a fantastical TV series. Or an imaginative video game.

The Alabama Phoenix Festival, a three-day convention, is sure to attract a creative slew of folks with big dreams, common interests and a taste for the theatrical.

On May 30-June 1, they'll boldly invade the Sheraton's convention center, bringing their fantasy worlds to life. "Star Wars" buffs, "Ghostbusters" fans, Trekkers, anime admirers, steampunk fashionistas, Lego lovers, "Dr. Who" fanatics … you name it.

The Alabama Phoenix Festival will unite all comers, providing opportunities to share information, trade expertise, buy themed merchandise and simply have a good time.

Newbie ready to dive in? Veteran in need of the 2014 basics? Curious but casual spectator? We've got you covered.

What: Alabama Phoenix Festival, the Birmingham-area version of Dragon Con, PhilCon, MileHiCon, Balticon or Comic-Con International: San Diego. These events might be larger and more prestigious, but Phoenix Fest is homegrown, independent and proud, founded in 2012.

Mission: "To illustrate how science fiction, fantasy, and other genres across the multi-media of today lead to the new ideas and advancements of tomorrow, while entertaining and inspiring at the same time," according to the festival website.

Not to be confused with: OmegaCon and ImagiCon, produced here 2008-2010. Alabama Phoenix Festival is the brainchild of Helena engineers Tim Stacks and Steve Charleson.

When: Friday, May 30, 2 p.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, June 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration starts at 1 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Where: Sheraton Birmingham hotel, 2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North. Attendees will gather in the convention center meeting rooms, expo hall and theater.

Topics: Science fiction, fantasy, comics, paranormal, horror, alternate history, costuming, "Star Trek," "Star Wars," "My Little Pony," science and engineering, Lego, anime, manga and more.

Check it out: Full-scale model of the Millennium Falcon cockpit, on view in the Birmingham Ballroom.

Field trip: Ghost hunt at Oak Hill Cemetery with Expedition Unknown, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

If looks could kill: Masquerade and costume contest on Saturday, 7-8 p.m. Weekend sessions on armor construction, chainmail, millinery, leatherwork, steampunk garb, zombie makeup, mask making, life casting.

Music and movies: "Fat Chance," presented by Deviant Pictures, will be screened at 10 p.m. Saturday. Rock band Radio Cult, featured in the soundtrack, will perform at 9 p.m.

TV time: Panel discussions on "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." (7 p.m. Friday), "Firefly" (11:30 a.m. Saturday), "Game of Thrones' (9 p.m. Saturday), "Orphan Black" (1 p.m. Sunday).

Who you gonna call?: Celebrate the 30th anniversary of "Ghostbusters" with a screening at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, presented by Alabama Ghostbusters. Mass Hysteria panel discussion at 2:30 p.m.

Cult hit: Daniel Emery Taylor chats about his role in 1989's "The Return of the Swamp Thing," 9 p.m. Saturday. Hosted by Joe Crowe.

Twisted: Party favors by Darrell Osborn, also known as the "Balloon Doctor."

Plus: Talk with fellow enthusiasts about giant robots, "The Walking Dead," Harry Potter, "The Hobbit," Saturday morning TV shows, Young Adult fiction, clones, vampires, Sherlock Holmes, Spock, Batman, "Battlestar Gallactica" and Super Mario Bros.

Guests: Authors, illustrators, costumers, designers, artists, musicians, actors, editors, paranormal researchers. Full list here.

Schedule: Download it here. With tracks, time grids, maps, vendors, program details.

Tickets: A 2014 membership for Alabama Phoenix Festival is required for admission. Advance registration is closed; on-site registration for adults (ages 15 and older) is $65 for the weekend, $25 Friday or Sunday, $35 on Saturday. For kids ages 8-14, it's $35 for the weekend, $15 Friday or Sunday, $25 on Saturday. Kids age 7 and younger attend for free when accompanied by an adult.

Guidelines: The festival is peaceful and family-friendly. Badges must be worn at all times. Non-working prop weapons are allowed; specific safety rules apply. Sexually explicit content cannot be displayed. Ultra-revealing costume play ("cosplay") is frowned upon. No fighting, heckling, harassment or disruptive behavior.

More info: Alabama Phoenix Festival website, Facebook page, Twitter feed.