PopCultHQ

Fan Expo Chicago is finally here! Thursday was the chance to really check out the lay of the land. We didn’t expect a lot of people and we figured some of the artists wouldn’t be there yet, as Thursday can be an awkward day to get to a convention.

This was the first official Fan Expo Chicago event since taking over for Wizard World. There were a lot of differences. The main one being that the event was now confined to one of the meeting halls, instead of Wizard World’s normal two. The other big differences were that the cosplay red carpet was moved out of the hall and into the conference area and there was also no panel stage – all panels are moved to conference rooms.

The layout is confusing and a little awkward. Artist Alley seems to be split into two sections and I saw several areas where competing vendors were next to each other. Most of the aisles are narrow. This was a Thursday and some areas were already feeling crowded. I can only imagine what Saturday will bring.

Our own Reptile (aka Laird of Cosplay) was on-site with his Mind Flayer and it was a great hit. I think he was well-fed.

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There was also a lot of other cosplay, and I got some good pictures. I also managed to snag a group photo of some of the volunteer crew. I heartily applaud them and the staff regulars for everything they do to keep this event running.

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FAN EXPO Chicago is the ultimate go-to event for sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Chicago that attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

FAN EXPO Chicago offers exciting family-friendly attractions, events, and world-renowned Celebrities! The show, which started as Chicago Comic Con in 1972 and became Wizard World Chicago in 1998, has featured celebrities and creators like Stan Lee, Michael J. Fox, John Travolta, Carrie Fisher, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, WWE® Superstar John Cena®, David Boreanaz and many more headliners.

Everyone is a fan of something, and FAN EXPO Chicago is a place to celebrate all things pop culture. Get an autograph or a photo with your favorite guest then get the inside scoop about your favorite movies and TV shows at our celebrity panels! Watch professional comic artists battle it out in our popular Sketch Duels, learn from our “How To” workshops, and take photos with your favorite costumed characters! It’s also a great place to buy a unique gift (or treat yourself!) with a huge show floor for shopping madness.

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Join tens of thousands of fans who are just like you and experience the ultimate playground for comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming.

Four days of citywide events, family-friendly attractions and world-renowned celebrities await.

Show Hours:
Thursday: 4 PM – 9 PM
Friday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Location:
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018, United States
(847) 692-2220

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FAN EXPO Chicago:

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