Anticipation for the upcoming, stacked and packed Fan Expo: Philadelphia 2024 event is out of this world. Come join the geeky, creepy fun!
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There is just a week left until the FAN EXPO Philadelphia begins, which will take place from May 3rd to 5th at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, a conveniently located pop culture center in the heart of a growing city. Attendees will be a short walk away from enticing local cuisine, including the popular Reading Terminal Market, and exciting attractions such as those found in Old City.
FAN EXPO Philadelphia is one of the ultimate sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming events in the core of Center City, Philadelphia, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans per year. Offering fun, family-friendly attractions, unique events, and featuring world-renowned celebrities, the show is a hot spot to keep up with your favorite shows and artists.
Once called Wizard World Philadelphia back in 2001, FAN EXPO has featured guests of incredible acclaim, such as creators like Stan Lee, Michael J. Fox, Tom Hiddleston, Patrick Stewart, Frank Grillo, and many more headliners of note.
There are so many reasons to attend this packed event — from celebrity Q&A sessions, autographs and photo opportunities, a cosplay competition, and red carpet displays.
Everything your nerdy heart could desire will be on display and celebrated, including comics, anime, animation, and gaming. You can also check out engaging panels, demonstrations, and workshops for specific skills.
Notable celebrity guests that will appear this year include Hayden Christensen (Star Wars), Rosario Dawson (ASHOKA), Chevy Chase (National Lampoon Series), Rainn Wilson (The Office), Marisa Tomei (Spider-Man), Danny Trejo (Machete), Rose McGowan (Scream, Charmed), and much of the cast of the new and successful Netflix series Avatar: The Last Airbender.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Get the complete lineup here. I’m particularly excited about the two voice actors there: Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad) and Grey Delisle (Avatar: The Last Airbender).
Gaming stars from the global sensation HALO, such as Jen Taylor and Steve Downes, will be making appearances, alongside some creepier game contributors such as Neil Newbon (Resident Evil: Village) and Kellen Goff (Five Nights at Freddy’s, My Hero Academia).
Artist Alley will also be an active area for guests who want to see some of the makers behind their favorite comic or fan artwork or commission unique pieces to geek out on.
For us horror, thriller, and sci-fi fans with more macabre leanings, there will be plenty of opportunities to get our fright fix at the event.
Photo credit: jacksonnick
This includes many celebrity guests with serious genre cred, as well as makeup and special effects artists. Unfortunately, horror icon Eli Roth had to cancel at the last minute. That’s a bummer, but there’s still so much to do and so many incredible people to see and meet.
One thing I’m especially excited about is the Haunted Hints Escape Room, a family-friendly attraction for players ages eight and up. Because it’s meant for everyone, it won’t be super scary. But it still sounds like a blast, and I love a good escape room — especially one with a spooky theme.
Along with the Jedis and the many Spider-Men, there will be horror cosplay meetups for the monster in you and all your friends. Share your style and meet up with others who share your passion for the dark side.
Finally, you can “Get Spooked With the HSPPA” (The Horror and SciFi Prop Preservation Association), a non-profit museum of screen-used and production-made costumes, props, and relics that are specifically focused on the Horror and Science Fiction genres with some sub-genre branches into Fantasy, Thriller, and Action.
Horror fans will have plenty to explore, along with the more pop culture-centric attractions at the convention center. Be sure to check the Exhibitor Directory online for retailers or artists that you might be looking for in attendance.
With time running out, be sure to visit FAN EXPO Philadelphia’s website to purchase tickets.
Photo credit: SparkFunElectronics licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Programming will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 3rd, and continue through the weekend, ending on May 5th.
A single-day, full-price ticket begins at $48 for adults, and a three-day pass is $99. All Ultimate Fan Packages and VIP Packages are currently sold out. A single-day pass includes admission to one day of FAN EXPO Philadelphia, access to the Show Floor, access to the Panel Room and Theater, and a souvenir badge for youths and adults. The three-day pass includes all of the previously mentioned benefits while including special access to the “Special Preview” on Friday, May 3rd, at 2 p.m.
Please be sure to visit the FAN EXPO website if you intend to bring the family. There, you can find information about discounts for young children and discounted tickets for younger fans.
The website also has plenty of resources for those traveling to the event, including hotel and transportation options.
One thing I highly encourage you to do is install the FAN EXPO app on your iPhone or Android device. That way, you can begin designing your own schedule by selecting which of your favorite panels, photo opportunities, and workshops you want to see or attend. There’s so much to do that planning ahead will ensure you get to hit the highlights most important to you while reducing stress as you try to navigate the abundance of activities, special programming, and celebrity guests.
For locals, convenient SEPTA routes will allow you to reach the convention without paying for parking. If you plan to drive, the website has parking maps, directions, and tourist information to enjoy during your stay in Philadelphia.
In a busy city with thousands in attendance, the event asks for your attention, patience, and understanding regarding wait times, parking information, and other events that may be occurring within the city. FAN EXPO asks that you please be aware that Philadelphia will be having the Broad Street Run on Sunday morning and that traffic, rail routes, and parking may be affected by this event. Traffic will likely be rerouted, and Broad Street will be closed to traffic from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
With these tips in mind, don’t be deterred from taking at least one day to explore the wonderful world of fandom and rejoice with the most enthusiastic hearts from all genres of entertainment at the wholly unique and certifiably comprehensive celebration of media that is FAN EXPO Philadelphia!
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