Conventions are no longer just for diehard fans, they’ve become mainstream and wildly popular. Each one is unique and offers an experience you won’t soon forget. For those of you who’ve never been, check out this list to get a glimpse of what you can expect to experience
VIDCON
The YouTube personality craze has been steadily rising since the site launched in 2005 and the popularity of this convention proves it. Droves of people show up to snap a selfie with their favorite bloggers and many inexplicably bust into tears afterwards. It has everything a fan could want, Q & A’s, merchandise, and even a YouTube Prom. The convention also offers conferences on branding and workshops for those hoping to break into the world of YouTube stardom.
Dates: June 23-25 Anaheim
Price: $150 Standard Pass/$200 Creator Pass/$750 Industry Pass
Attendance: 20,000
CANNABIS CUP
This is so much more than just a stoner fest. The Cannabis World cup has been around since 1988 and has made a name for itself as a trade show, educational seminar, and festival. Samples are given out at most booths by small scale growers and there’s even a “medical consumption area” for cardholders to try out the free samples. Highlights of the Cannabis cup include musical performers, games, lectures on growing and a competition for the best strain.
Dates: April 15-17 San Bernardino/ April 19 Colorado
Price: $55 day pass/$150 weekend pass
Attendance: 50,000
LEAKYCON
Those of you looking to bask in the glory that is the Harry Potter fandom need not look further. This is the event for potterheads. LeakyCon is chalk full of whimsical cosplay, hand crafted wands for sale, and even Potter themed yoga. The event boasts a wide variety of activities ranging from musical performances and skits to group discussions picking apart the rich world created by JK Rowling.
Dates: October 19-23 Los Angeles
Price: $250 General Pass/$500 Marauder Pass
Attendance: 5,000
ADULTCON
This one is for all the porn enthusiast out there. Twice a year the biggest names in adult entertainment gather in one place to meet fans, put on live performances and sell their wares. Think of it as a giant porn superstore where you can buy DVDs, sex toys and lingerie all the while trying to chat up your favorite adult stars.
Dates: May 14-15 Los Angeles/ November 4-5 Las Vegas
Price: $40 day pass/$60 Weekend Pass
Attendance: Unknown
COMICCON
This is the mecca of all conventions. It’s known for its rich cosplay, exclusive announcements, wild parties and celebrity panels. ComicCon started as little more than a group of teenagers getting together in 70s to nerd out over their favorite comic characters, since then its grown into a convention that hosts thousands of people bonding over a love for graphic novels and kick ass homemade costumes. Stan Lee, the godfather of Marvel Comics, is known to make an appearance every year and people rightfully react as though he is he pope himself.
Dates: July 21-24 San Diego
Price: $55 Day Pass/$165 Three Day Pass
Attendance: 130,000
GAMESCON
GamesCon is the world’s largest video game trade show and convention. It started in 2009 in Cologne, Germany and has taken place there every year since. Tickets are tough to come by given it’s wild popularity, but if you’re lucky enough to snag one you can count on getting the scoop on upcoming games, getting a peek at the newest consoles and being among the first to try out gameplay from video games that have yet to be released. If you get bored of being in gamer’s paradise, there’s plenty of cosplay to keep you entertained as well!
Dates: August 17-21 Cologne
Price: $20 Day Ticket/$100 Five Day Ticket
Attendance: 345,000
D23 EXPO
The D23 Expo is among the most coveted conventions in the world. It’s a magical place where Disney announces future projects, never seen before footage is released, and future theme park rides are showcased. You don’t have to be a Disney but to appreciate how creative and innovate the entire convention is. There are set pieces straight out of your favorite Disney films, concept art lines the halls and the general joy that our favorite cartoon mouse spreads is abundant. The expo only happens once every two years and it fills up fast, so we recommend getting your ticket as soon as they go on sale.
Dates: TBD
Price: TBD
Attendance:
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