Event lures fans of ‘Walking Dead,’ horror and sci-fi

Ever since TV phenomenon “The Walking Dead” premiered four years ago, zombies have taken quite the bite out of the Big Peach.

Set in Atlanta, AMC’s ever-popular horror series broke a new finale record in the spring when 15.7 million viewers watched its Season 4 closer. Now with Season 5 freshly shuffling its feet out of the box, fans of the series — call them undeadheads — continue craving more.

Like a famished zombie noshing on a brain, thousands of locals get a serious fix this weekend as Walker Stalker Con Atlanta, a three-day zombie, horror and sci-fi fan gathering heavy on “The Walking Dead,” rises again. Thank the still-active brains of convention masterminds James Frazier and Eric Nordhoff of Thompson’s Station, Tenn.

After creating the popular “Walker Stalker” podcast dedicated to “The Walking Dead,” featuring interviews with the cast and creators, the pair debuted the Kickstarter-funded Walker Stalker Con in Atlanta last year. Similar to an infectious zombie plague, their unexpected business venture continues multiplying. A total of seven Walker Stalker Cons will take place across the nation now through summer 2015.

Yet since the show sets its glazed-over gaze on Atlanta, it’s only fitting the fan rampage lands here this weekend, with organizers estimating around 25,000 people will attend. However, like many genre fan conventions, you can easily find yourself stumbling around like a clueless zombie trying to figure out what to sink your teeth into next. Consider this a menu of undead highlights.

Autographs

A who’s-who of cast members from “The Walking Dead” and other horror and sci-fi shows and films set up shop to meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photo ops. Approximately 60 celebrity guests make up the roster. The biggies include some of the higher profile actors from “The Walking Dead.” Andrew Lincoln, who plays Rick Grimes, appears on Saturday; Norman Reedus (Daryl Dixon) will be there Saturday and Sunday; and Michael Rooker (Merle Dixon) attends all three days. Jeffrey DeMunn (Dale) also will attend all three days, and he’ll pose for photo ops with fans next to an RV that the event’s creators had restored to look just like Dale’s. A horde of other guests tied to “The Walking Dead” run the gamut from co-executive producer, special effects makeup artist, director and actor Greg Nicotero to actress Danai Gurira (Michonne). Non-“Dead” luminaries include Jason Momoa (“Game of Thrones”), Ian Somerhalder (“The Vampire Diaries”) and Mackenzie Lintz (“Under the Dome”). To survive a zombified celebrity shopping spree, stock up on bucks. Most autographs cost between $20 and $30 each. Some guests offer photographs taken with fans, which range from $30 to $100 depending on the celeb. Shots of multiple stars at once run $65 to $155. Photo ops take place at specific times, and can be purchased online in advance or in person. As many as two adults plus as many as four kids ages 10 and younger can pose with the celebs in each photo.

Panel discussions

Rather save cash and simply hear what some of the stars have to say? Several panel discussions drop throughout the weekend, including one with Chandler Riggs (Carl) and Danai Gurira; “The Walking Dead” Greene family members Scott Wilson, Emily Kinney and Lauren Cohan; and Conan himself (as well as the new Aquaman), Jason Momoa. Organizers expect Saturday’s 1 p.m. session with “Dead” stars Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus, dubbed the “Bromance Panel,” to draw big. Guests can line up one hour early, and an overflow ballroom featuring a live simulcast will be available.

Live performances and Zombie Bash

Fans can buy tickets to added attractions featuring “Dead” stars. Actor IronE Singleton (“T-Dog”) takes the stage juggling multiple roles in his one-man show “Blindsided by ‘The Walking Dead,’ ” which chronicles his troubled upbringing in an Atlanta housing project to his success as an actor (8 p.m. Friday, $25-$100). Actress Emily Kinney (Beth), who’s also a recording artist, shows her musical side in concert (9 p.m. Saturday, $25). Adults 18 and older let their inner zombies loose at the Zombie Bash. This late-night dance party features a DJ, performance artists, a costume contest and more (9:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Saturday, Carnegie Room at 200 Peachtree, $20).