Want to boldly go and celebrate 60 years of Star Trek in Las Vegas next year? It’ll cost you!
Next September marks the 60th anniversary of creator Gene Roddenberry’s beloved science fiction universe, and Star Trek’s three most iconic actors will all be on hand at the 2026 STLV Trek to Las Vegas convention. Yes, Trekkies will be delighted to know that Captain Kirk (William Shatner), Mr. Sulu (George Takei), and Mr. Chekov (Walter Koenig) are all appearing in Sin City for the fun, fellowship, and festivities. However, if you want to get a photo and/or autograph from the aforementioned big three, it is going to cost you.
Taking a picture with the beloved captain of the USS Enterprise will run Trekkies $165 according to the STLV website. So, what does $165 get you? For that price, a single photo-op ticket includes an 8×10 glossy full color photo with Captain James T. Kirk, and a total of two fans can be photographed along with the Star Trek icon for that price. But wait, there’s more. Would you like Shatner’s autograph, too? It will set you back an additional $145! Please note, that Mr. Shatner will be signing autographs in the theater, and he will only be appearing publicly at the 2026 STVL on Sunday, August 9, which is the final day of the convention.
Meanwhile, Takei and Koenig will attend on Friday, August 7. If Trekkies want to have their photograph taken with Hikaru Sulu, it isn’t quite as expensive as getting a photo op with Kirk. The price is only $120 for one with Takei, while it’s more affordable to have one taken with Koenig's Pavel Chekov at $90. Fans can also get a photo taken with both Takei and Koenig, but for full price ($210) — no group discount.
Again, autographs cost extra at $120 for Takei’s signature and $80 for Koenig's. By the way, each photo op and autograph also includes FEES. So, your chance to make memories with Trek’s big three are even more expensive. For instance, be prepared to pay a total of $187.28 for a picture with Bill Shatner, not just $165.
Fans also need to know that they can’t even purchase photo ops or signatures without paying the price of admission to attend STLV first, and the cost of entry is even more expensive than the photo ops and autographs combined. So, pull out your smartphones and get your calculators ready. Who knew this much math would be required when setting course for STLV?
The STLV website clearly states, “You must have an admission ticket for the day of your photo op and/or autograph.” So, just how much will it cost Trekkies to get into the convention?
The Captain’s Chair Admission Package will run you $769. Unfortunately, while this option does include reserved seating for the “the entire five-day convention,” NO autographs or photo ops are included. As it turns out, only the sold-out Gold Passes included those perks.
The cheapest way to attend all five days of STLV 2026 is via the General Admission Full Convention Package. Price: $349. Here’s what’s included per the website:
"The General Admission Full Convention Package is the most cost-effective way to attend all five days of the convention! You get to see all the guests and daytime programming in the main theatre from a non-reserved guaranteed seat in the rear or sides. You can also attend free events, such as our Karaoke Parties, as well as gain access to the large vendors room and the secondary theatre (pending seating availability)."
It continues to read as follows:
"As a GA Full Convention pass holder, you can also participate in the pre-registration process (after Gold, Captain’s Chair and Copper patrons). It’s not mandatory but a great way to jump-start the weekend and get early dibs merch in the vendors room. NOTE: This option DOES NOT include the Saturday Night Gala, autographs or photo ops, which can be purchased separately."
Admission passes are NOT refundable. Now, at the time of this writing, Trekkies can still purchase autograph and photo op tickets in advance on the STLV website for Shatner, Takei, and Koenig — none have sold out yet.
You can also add Purchase Protection to your autograph and/or photo op tix. Prices vary, but this means your money can be refunded under certain circumstances. Check the official site for details.
I understand that modern-day celebrity is a business, particularly where the convention circuit is concerned, and Star Trek icons like Shatner, Takei, and Koenig have every right to charge for photos and autographs. However, not all personalities make their fans pay steep prices in order to create lasting memories with them.
So, what would the actors who play Kirk, Sulu, and Chekov do in Las Vegas next year if a young kid new to the fandom bumped into their favorite star and asked for their autograph and/or a selfie? Well, Shatner’s relationship with the fans is well-documented, which sadly means he wouldn't make an exception. So, parents you better prepare your kids.
Surely, Shatner wouldn't really say no to a young Trekkie, right?
The STLV celebrating Star Trek's 60th anniversary takes place from Wednesday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026. The convention will once again be held at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Oh, I almost forgot… don’t forget to book your rooms and make travel arrangements, Trekkies. None of that is included in the price of admission either.
Share your thoughts and comments about the cost of attending the STLV convention in 2026, and tell us what you think about the prices for autographs and photo ops on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
Live long and prosper Trekkies!