Welcome to the exhilarating universe of comic conventions! If you’re preparing to step into this dazzling world of fandoms, creativity, and culture, our comprehensive guide is here to ensure your adventure is nothing short of epic. Whether you’re a die-hard enthusiast or a curious newcomer, you’ll find a community and experience that can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Dive into this all-encompassing guide, designed to help you navigate, enjoy, and make the most out of every comic con you attend.

What is a Comic Con?

Comic Cons, short for comic conventions, are festivals that celebrate not just comic books but the entire spectrum of pop culture, including movies, TV series, gaming, anime, manga, and more. They are events where fans can meet creators, experts, and celebrities, attend panels, participate in workshops, and revel in the company of others who share their passions. It’s a place where fantasy comes to life, where you can dress as your favorite character (cosplay), and immerse yourself in a community that embraces your interests.

Comic Conventions USA

Fan Expo New Orleans 2024

Date: January 5-7, 2024

Location: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Center, New Orleans, LA

Details: A premier event for pop culture enthusiasts, featuring exhibitions, guest appearances, and cosplay contests.

FT-LauderdaleCon 2024

Date: January 7, 2024

Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Details: A day-long celebration of comics, featuring local artists and a marketplace for comics and collectibles.

Fan Expo Portland 2024

Date: January 12-14, 2024

Location: Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR

Details: A gathering for comic book and science fiction fans, with panels, autograph sessions, and exclusive merchandise.

Charlie’s Comic Con 2024

Date: January 13, 2024

Location: Riverside Community Center, Fort Myers, FL

Details: An intimate venue for comic enthusiasts, focusing on comic books, creators, and fan interactions.

Wild Con 2024

Date: January 13, 2024

Location: Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood, NJ

Details: A regional convention celebrating comics and pop culture with a focus on fan experiences and guest speakers.

Middle Georgia Comic Convention 2024

Date: January 13-14, 2024

Location: Edgar H. Wilson Convention Center, Macon, GA

Details: A weekend event packed with comic book dealers, artists, and cosplay activities.

TriCityComicCon 2024

Date: January 13-14, 2024

Location: Polk County Commerce Center, Livingston, TX

Details: A multi-genre entertainment and comic convention, highlighting local talent and vendors.

NorthernKyCon 2024

Date: January 14, 2024

Location: Marriott Cincinnati Airport, Hebron, KY

Details: A one-day extravaganza featuring a mix of comics, toys, games, and a chance to meet creators and celebrities.

Eckman’s Card, Comic & Toy Show 2024

Date: January 20, 2024

Location: San Antonio Shrine Auditorium, San Antonio, TX

Details: A collector’s haven with a variety of vendors selling comics, cards, toys, and other collectibles.

Panama City Mini Con 2024

Date: January 20, 2024

Location: Bay County Fairgrounds, Panama City, FL

Details: A community-focused event bringing together comic fans, with panels, vendors, and entertainment.

QuadCon Brookfield 2024

Date: January 20-21, 2024

Location: Brookfield Square Mall, Brookfield, WI

Details: A two-day event promoting comics, gaming, and modern pop culture with various interactive events.

Original Arts Expo 2024

Date: January 26-28, 2024

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando, Orlando, FL

Details: A blend of comic convention and art expo, this event showcases original work alongside traditional comic fare.

FrankfortCon – Winter 2024

Date: January 27, 2024

Location: Capital Plaza Hotel, Frankfort, KY

Details: A winter gathering for comic and pop culture fans featuring a wide array of vendors and guest appearances.

QuadCon Columbia 2024

Date: January 27-28, 2024

Location: Columbia Mall, Columbia, MO

Details: A regional pop culture convention, emphasizing comic books, artwork, and collectibles.

Virginia Beach Sports Card, Comic Book, Pokemon & Collectibles Expo 2024

Date: January 27-28, 2024

Location: Virginia Beach Fieldhouse, Virginia Beach, VA

Details: A comprehensive expo with an extensive range of sports memorabilia, comics, cards, and Pokemon collectibles.

MegaCon Orlando 2024

Date: February 1-4, 2024

Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL

Details: One of the largest conventions in the southeast, providing an immersive fan experience with celebrity guests, artists, and exclusive content.

LumaCon 2024

Date: February 3, 2024

Location: Petaluma Community Center, Petaluma, CA

Details: A comic convention dedicated to literacy and the arts, encouraging young readers and writers to engage with the comic book medium.

TulsaPopCon 2024

Date: February 3, 2024

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tulsa – Warren Place, Tulsa, OK

Details: A local pop culture convention featuring comic books, games, and cosplay in a family-friendly atmosphere.

East Bay Comic-Con 2024

Date: February 4, 2024

Location: Concord Hotel – Walnut Creek, Concord, CA

Details: A one-day event

QuadCon St Charles 2024

Date: March 17, 2024
Location: Steel Shop Athletics & Events, St Charles, MO
Details: A local convention that highlights comics, various toys, and collectibles, along with gaming tournaments for enthusiasts.

Zenkaikon 2024

Date: March 22-24, 2024
Location: Lancaster County Convention Center, Lancaster, PA
Details: A celebration of anime, comics, and sci-fi with a variety of cosplay events, panels, and special industry guests.

One Day Comic Book Expo 2024

Date: March 24, 2024
Location: Holiday Inn Philadelphia-Cherry Hill, Cherry Hill, NJ
Details: A dedicated day for comic book aficionados featuring a vast selection of comics, interactions with artists, and exclusive collectibles.

WonderCon 2024

Date: March 29-31, 2024
Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA
Details: A major event in the comic convention circuit, offering an extensive exhibit hall, panels, and guests from the comic and entertainment sectors.

RodCon 2024

Date: April 6, 2024
Location: University of Northern Iowa, Rod Library, Cedar Falls, IA
Details: Focuses on comic culture with an academic twist, including educational panels, workshops, and activities for all ages.

Fan Expo Cleveland 2024

Date: April 12-14, 2024
Location: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
Details: Part of the renowned Fan Expo series, this event brings together fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming.

Peli Con 2024

Date: April 13, 2024
Location: William H. Scott Civic Center, New Roads, LA
Details: Local convention celebrating fandom with a focus on community involvement, showcasing local artists and creators.

QuadCon St. Cloud 2024

Date: April 13-14, 2024
Location: Crossroads Center, St. Cloud, MN
Details: A mix of comics, games, and pop culture, with a vendor’s market and interactive gaming sessions.

Yellow City Comic Convention 2024

Date: April 19-21, 2024
Location: Amarillo Civic Center Complex, Amarillo, TX
Details: The premier convention in the Texas Panhandle for comics and pop culture, with a blend of vendors, panels, and special celebrity guests.

Mid Valley Comic Art Expo 2024

Date: April 20-21, 2024
Location: Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center, Columbia Hall, Salem, OR
Details: An event dedicated to comic art and illustration with a spotlight on regional talent, offering workshops and live art demos.

HCLS Fan Fest 2024

Date: April 21, 2024
Location: Bay St Louis Community Hall, Bay St Louis, MS
Details: A fan festival that combines the love for books, comics, and broader cultural themes into a day filled with diverse activities and author meet-and-greets.

Lvl Up Expo 2024

Date: April 26-28, 2024
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Details: An expo that blends video games, technology, comics, and anime with interactive exhibits and competitive gaming arenas.

Four State Comic-Con 2024

Date: April 27-28, 2024
Location: Hagerstown Community College ARCC, Hagerstown, MD
Details: This convention features a mix of pop culture elements, including comics, cosplay, celebrity guests, artists, and a diverse vendor hall.

Fan Expo Philadelphia 2024

Date: May 3-5, 2024
Location: Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
Details: An extension of the renowned Fan Expo brand, this convention offers a robust lineup of exhibits, panels, workshops, and celebrity encounters.

Metrotham Con 2024

Date: May 17-19, 2024
Location: Chattanooga Convention Center, Chattanooga, TN
Details: A con that caters to a variety of geek culture aspects with a strong focus on community and inclusivity.

Eckman’s Card, Comic & Toy Show 2024

Date: May 18, 2024
Location: San Antonio Shrine Auditorium, San Antonio, TX
Details: A collector’s haven for comics, cards, and toys featuring an extensive array of vendors and a friendly atmosphere for families.

Comic Con Revolution 2024

Date: May 18-19, 2024
Location: Ontario Convention Center, Ontario, CA
Details: An annual comic con that brings fans a slice of the larger conventions with exhibitors, creators, panels, and cosplayers in a more intimate setting.

Motor City Comic Con 2024

Date: May 17-19, 2024
Location: Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi, MI
Details: Michigan’s largest comic book and pop culture event, featuring a large artist alley, celebrity guests, panels, and a huge vendor area.

MSP Spring Con 2024

Date: May 18-19, 2024
Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St Paul, MN
Details: A fan-friendly event that puts the comic books front and center, with a vast range of comics for sale, artist signings, and panel discussions.

Ocala Comic Con 2024

Date: June 8-9, 2024
Location: World Equestrian Center, Ocala, FL
Details: Central Florida’s premier comic con, featuring comics, games, anime, and technology with a family-friendly atmosphere.

QuadCon Davenport 2024

Date: June 15, 2024
Location: NorthPark Mall, Davenport, IA
Details: Part of the QuadCon series focusing on comics, gaming, and modern pop culture, with a mission to support bullying prevention.

Heroes Convention 2024

Date: June 14-16, 2024
Location: Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC
Details: One of the most notable comic-only conventions in the country, emphasizing the artistry of comics and providing a spotlight for creators.

Greater Austin Comic Con 2024

Date: June 15-16, 2024
Location: H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Cedar Park, TX
Details: A celebration of comics, anime, gaming, and pop culture, featuring family-friendly activities, celebrities, and a cosplay contest.

Comicpalooza 2024

Date: May 24-26, 2024
Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Details: Texas’s largest pop culture festival with a diverse lineup of entertainment across comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming.

Denver Pop Culture Con 2024

Date: May 31 – June 2, 2024
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO
Details: A massive event for pop culture enthusiasts with a strong focus on comics, books, sci-fi, fantasy, and film, featuring panels, workshops, and a huge exhibit floor.

Celebrity Fan Fest 2024

Date: June 13-16, 2024
Location: Freeman Expo Halls & Coliseum, San Antonio, TX
Details: An interactive pop culture fan festival with celebrity appearances, photo ops, and a broad range of entertainment options.

Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con 2024

Date: June 14-16, 2024
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Details: The entertainment capital hosts this high-energy convention featuring the best in comic books, creators, and pop culture elements, with a strong focus on fan interaction.

Fan Expo Dallas 2024

Date: June 7-9, 2024
Location: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, Dallas, TX
Details: A large-scale convention offering experiences in comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, and more with celebrity guests, comic creators, and a variety of vendors.

Mississippi Comic Con 2024

Date: June 22-23, 2024
Location: Mississippi Trademart Center, Jackson, MS
Details: A two-day event celebrating comic books, science fiction, fantasy, gaming, pop culture, and all things geek.

ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition 2024

Date: June 27 – July 2, 2024
Location: TBD
Details: While primarily a library association conference, this event often includes aspects of comic culture, literature, and graphic novels, catering to professionals in the library sector.

Garden State Comic Fest: Morristown Edition 2024

Date: July 6-7, 2024
Location: Mennen Sports Arena, Morristown, NJ
Details: A festive gathering for comic lovers that showcases a variety of comic artists and creators, vendors, and includes cosplay contests.

ConnectiCon XVII 2024

Date: July 11-14, 2024
Location: Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT
Details: A multi-genre convention for fans of all things geek; features a large artist’s alley, gaming competitions, panels, workshops, and a cosplay show.

Atlanta Comic Con 2024

Date: July 12-14, 2024
Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA
Details: A weekend full of stars from comic books and beyond, featuring unique vendors, artists, panels, and cosplay events.

Blerdcon 2024

Date: July 26-28, 2024
Location: Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, Arlington, VA
Details: Celebrating Blerd (black nerd) culture with a comprehensive lineup of anime, comic books, cosplay, gaming, and film.

Raleigh Supercon 2024

Date: July 25-28, 2024
Location: Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, NC
Details: A large convention that embraces the comic book, anime, and fantasy genres, offering panels, celebrity guests, comic book creators, and cosplayer events.

Tampa Bay Comic Convention 2024

Date: August 2-4, 2024
Location: Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, FL
Details: A comic book convention that caters to a wide array of interests including comic books, magazines, toys, games, anime, manga, cosplay, artwork, sketches, and apparel.

Bell County Comic Con 2024

Date: August 3-4, 2024
Location: Bell County Expo Center, Belton, TX
Details: A family-oriented comic con that brings together a diverse list of guests, vendors, artists, and fan groups in an affordable, fun, and family-friendly environment.

New York Comic Con 2024

Date: October 3-6, 2024
Location: Javits Center, New York City, NY
Details: NYCC is the East Coast’s biggest pop culture convention that hosts the latest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television.

LA Comic Con 2024

Date: October 11-13, 2024
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA
Details: This event is LA’s largest pop culture convention, featuring comics, video games, sci-fi, fantasy, horror and all things pop culture.

Dallas Fan Festival 2024

Date: October 25-27, 2024
Location: Irving Convention Center, Dallas, TX
Details: A smaller, more intimate fan experience in the Dallas area, offering meet and greets with celebrities, panels, and a variety of pop culture memorabilia.

Rhode Island Comic Con 2024

Date: November 1-3, 2024
Location: Rhode Island Convention Center & Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence, RI
Details: Dubbed “The Biggest Show in the Smallest State,” this convention provides fans access to industry insiders, artist panels, and a market for comic paraphernalia.

Tucson Comic-Con 2024

Date: November 1-3, 2024
Location: Tucson Convention Center, Tucson, AZ
Details: A community-focused convention with an emphasis on comics and the creative arts, featuring local artists, vendors, and also guest appearances by industry professionals.

Please note that the dates and locations are projected and should be verified closer to the events as changes can occur.

Comic Conventions UK

Liverpool Anime & Gaming Con 2024

Date: February 3-4, 2024
Location: Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
Details: Immerse yourself in anime and gaming culture at the celebrated Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool for a dynamic two-day event.

Birmingham Anime & Gaming Con 2024

Date: February 10-11, 2024
Location: Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham
Details: Join fellow anime and gaming enthusiasts at Birmingham’s Edgbaston Stadium for an engaging weekend of entertainment and community.

London Anime & Gaming Con 2024

Date: February 16-18, 2024
Location: Novotel London West, London
Details: London’s Novotel West hosts a multi-day celebration of anime and gaming, featuring a wide array of activities and guest appearances.

MinamiCon 2024

Date: March 8-10, 2024
Location: Novotel Southampton, Southampton
Details: Engage with the anime community at the longstanding MinamiCon in Southampton, promising a rich program over three days.

Bristol Anime & Gaming Con 2024

Date: March 9-10, 2024
Location: Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, Bristol
Details: Bristol’s premier anime and gaming event offers a weekend filled with interactive sessions and gaming tournaments at the Grand Hotel.

Manchester Anime & Gaming Con 2024

Date: April 6-7, 2024
Location: Sugden Sports Centre, Manchester
Details: Experience the thrill of anime and gaming culture in Manchester’s Sugden Sports Centre with fans from across the country.

Cardiff Anime & Gaming Con 2024

Date: April 13-14, 2024
Location: Cardiff Students’ Union, Cardiff
Details: Cardiff’s hub for anime and gaming aficionados, held at the Students’ Union, featuring cosplay, competitions, and more.

Portsmouth Anime & Gaming Con 2024

Date: April 20-21, 2024
Location: Portsmouth Marriott Hotel, Portsmouth
Details: A maritime city’s take on anime and gaming culture, this convention offers an intimate setting for fans and creators at the Marriott Hotel.

Exeter Anime & Gaming Con 2024

Date: May 11-12, 2024
Location: Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel, Exeter
Details: Dive into a world of anime and gaming in the historic city of Exeter for a weekend that promises excitement and community.

MCM London Comic Con

Date: May 24-26, 2024

Location: ExCeL London

This event is a celebration of all things pop culture, featuring opportunities to meet stars from anime, TV, and film, as well as art from independent creators. It’s known for being one of the UK’s largest pop culture events

ConFuzzled 2024

Date: May 24-28, 2024
Location: Hilton Birmingham Metropole, Birmingham
Details: ConFuzzled brings a unique blend of fun and creativity to Birmingham, inviting enthusiasts for an extended weekend of furry-themed enjoyment.

Leeds Anime & Gaming Con 2024

Date: June 1-2, 2024
Location: Leeds Marriott Hotel, Leeds
Details: Leeds Marriott Hotel welcomes anime and gaming fans to indulge in two days of gaming, cosplay, and exclusive panels.

Norwich Anime & Gaming Con 2024

Date: June 29-30, 2024
Location: University of East Anglia Students Union, Norwich
Details: Norwich’s student union becomes the nexus for anime and gaming culture, offering a packed weekend of interactive experiences.

Glasgow Anime & Gaming Con 2024

Date: July 6-7, 2024
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central, Glasgow
Details: Discover Scotland’s vibrant anime and gaming scene at this Glasgow central venue, complete with a range of activities and special guests.

Birmingham Anime & Gaming Con August 2024

Date: August 3-4, 2024
Location: Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham
Details: Edgbaston Stadium once again opens its doors for a summer edition of the Birmingham Anime & Gaming Con, with even more interactive sessions.

Bristol Anime & Gaming Con August 2024

Date: August 24-25, 2024
Location: Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, Bristol
Details: Returning for a second round in 2024, the Bristol Anime & Gaming Con invites enthusiasts for another memorable weekend.

London Anime & Gaming Con Late 2024

Date: August 31 – September 1, 2024
Location: Novotel London West, London
Details: Cap off your summer with the London Anime & Gaming Con’s late summer event, promising an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Comic Con Northern Ireland 2024

Date: September 7-8, 2024
Location: Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn
Details: Northern Ireland’s premier comic con event at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, featuring a diverse line-up of pop culture experiences, artists, and vendors from across the comic book and entertainment industry.

Sheffield Anime & Gaming Con 2024

Date: September 14-15, 2024
Location: Mercure Sheffield St Paul’s Hotel & Spa, Sheffield
Details: Sheffield’s definitive anime and gaming convention promises a mix of interactive gaming, cosplay contests, and exclusive merchandise.

Newcastle Anime & Gaming Con 2024

Date: October 5-6, 2024
Location: Event Northumbria, Newcastle
Details: Join the lively atmosphere of Newcastle’s anime and gaming gathering, featuring engaging panels, workshops, and gaming competitions.

Brighton Anime & Gaming Con 2024

Date: November 9-10, 2024
Location: The Old Ship Hotel, Brighton
Details: End the year with a trip to the coast for Brighton’s Anime & Gaming Con, with its unique blend of social events, panels, and gaming activities.

Travel and Accommodation Tips

Booking Travel

Plan Early: Flight prices often soar as the event date approaches. Book your flights as soon as you secure your event tickets.

Public Transport: Research public transportation options if they’re available. Many cities offer special passes for event days.

Car Rentals: If you’re driving or renting a car, remember to book a vehicle well in advance and ensure you have parking information.

Finding Accommodation

Proximity: Look for accommodations close to the venue to minimize travel time and transportation costs.

Shared Lodging: Consider shared accommodations or renting an apartment if you’re traveling in a group.

Budget-Friendly Options: Check out hostels or budget hotels if you’re going solo or want to save money.

What to Take to a Comic Con

Essentials

Ticket: Don’t forget your entrance ticket!

ID and Cash: Carry some cash in addition to cards, and keep your ID handy.

Portable Charger: Keep your phone and other gadgets charged.

Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day.

Comfort Items

Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be on your feet a lot. Snacks: Keep energy levels up with some quick, healthy snacks.

Layers: Venues can be unpredictable in temperature.

For the Fans

Merchandise for Signing: If you’re looking to get autographs, bring along items such as comics, posters, or action figures.

Camera: For capturing memories (check event policies on photography first).

Cosplay Repair Kit: If you’re dressing up, bring a small kit for costume repairs.

Safety and Health

Hand Sanitizer: Conventions are high-touch environments.

First Aid Kit: Have a few plasters and pain relievers just in case.

Face Mask: Depending on the health guidelines at the time of the event.

Embrace the excitement, the learning, and the unique experience that is a comic convention. With this guide, you’re ready to explore, meet like-minded individuals, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let the adventure begin!

Frequently Asked Questions About Comic Cons