Calling all Star Trek fans!
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 60 years since Star Trek first invited television audiences to boldly go where no one had gone before. Six decades, countless strange new worlds and one enormous pop-culture legacy later, the It Came From Texas Film Festival is celebrating that milestone with a very special day devoted to all things Star Trek.
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Garland Cultural Arts and the It Came From Texas Film Festival will present Boldly Going to Garland: Celebrating 60 Years of Star Trek, an all-day celebration taking place at two locations in Downtown Garland, Texas: the historic Plaza Theatre and the Garland Central Library.
At the heart of the celebration are the films and television episodes themselves, with big-screen screenings at the Plaza Theatre, plus Captain’s Conversations, trivia, costume contests, and more.
And just a short walk away, the Garland Central Library will offer its own full slate of Star Trek activities — all free and open to the public. From exhibits and collectibles to fan films, workshops — including Klingon 101 and Make Your Own Tribble — and other interactive activities, the Library will give fans even more ways to explore the Star Trek universe throughout the day.
At the Plaza Theatre: Star Trek on the Big Screen
One of the day’s highlights will give fans the opportunity to experience the story of one of Star Trek‘s most memorable villains as one continuous adventure.
The Plaza will screen the classic 1967 Star Trek: The Original Series episode “Space Seed,” which introduced Khan Noonien Singh, followed by its legendary cinematic sequel, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982).
Dr. Christopher González, Professor and Chair of English at Southern Methodist University, will join the festival for Captain’s Log: Diversity in the Federation. González will discuss Star Trek‘s groundbreaking commitment to diversity beginning with the original 1966 series and explore how representation has continued to evolve across the franchise. His discussion will provide context for “Space Seed” and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
Also screening at the Plaza Theatre will be J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek (2009) — with special guest Academy Award-winning makeup artist Barney Burman.
During Captain’s Log: Creating New Worlds, Burman will take audiences behind the scenes of the film and into the creation of its unforgettable aliens and characters. His work on Star Trek earned him the Academy Award for Best Makeup — the first, and to date only, Oscar won by the Star Trek franchise.
Burman’s own history with Star Trek began much earlier. A third-generation makeup artist, he started his career working in his father’s makeup effects lab on Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984). He even had a small role in the film as a bar alien, although the scene was cut down in the final edit. He went on to work on films and television series including The X-Files, Galaxy Quest, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Pirates of the Caribbean, Planet of the Apes, Big Fish, The Ring, Mission: Impossible III and Tropic Thunder.
Both Captain’s Conversations will be moderated by Nancy Churnin, former Dallas Morning News theater critic, acclaimed children’s author and lifelong Star Trek fan.
At the Garland Central Library — FREE and Open to the Public
The Garland Central Library will expand the day’s Star Trek celebration with its own lineup of activities — all free and open to the public.
From 10 AM to 6 PM, fans can explore exhibits, art and collectibles, browse vendors, enjoy music, watch fan films and blooper reels, and participate in workshops and hands-on activities.
Want to make your own Captain’s Log? Paint a Combadge? Create your own Tribble to take home? Brush up on your Klingon? Those are among the activities planned for the Library throughout the day.
A Texas Connection to the Final Frontier
And, appropriately enough for the It Came From Texas Film Festival, Star Trek has had a Lone Star connection from the very beginning.
Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry was born in El Paso, Texas — and Garland even has its very own Star Trek Lane.
As Festival Director Kelly Kitchens explains:
“I love that the final frontier and the Lone Star State have always shared the same flight plan—and giving the It Came From Texas Film Festival every reason to make this galactic celebration its own in Garland.”
Boldly Going to Garland: The Details
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Plaza Theatre
521 W. State Street
Garland, Texas
10 AM – 10 PM
The Plaza Theatre will feature the Star Trek screenings, Captain’s Conversations, trivia, costume contests and more.
Day Pass: $55 plus fees. Availability is limited.
Garland Central Library
625 Austin Street
Garland, Texas
10 AM – 6 PM
The Library will feature exhibits, art and collectibles, vendors, music, fan films, blooper reels, workshops and interactive activities.
Library events are FREE and open to the public.
The festival notes that the full schedule is still being finalized, with additional details to come.
For the latest festival schedule and information, visit GarlandArts.com.
Tickets for the Plaza Theatre are available now through Prekindle.
So dust off your Starfleet uniform, polish your communicator and set a course for Garland, Texas…
It’s time to boldly go!
–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub
