Although we are based in Southern California, we started going to Phoenix Comic Fest (formerly known as Phoenix Comicon) back in 2014 — and liked it so much that we keep returning year after year! Unfortunately, we won’t be able to make it this year, but that shouldn’t stop you from going! Just under a 6 hour drive away from So Cal, Phoenix Comic Fest has a lot to offer this Memorial Day weekend. Read on for Phoenix Comic Fest 2018 highlights and for more information about the con.
When:
Thursday, May 24 – Sunday, May 27, 2018
Where:
Phoenix Convention Center
100 N 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Price:
VIP Membership $350 ($400 as of May 24) (Dedicated security line, express celebrity autograph and photo op lines, express lines into select celebrity panels, exclusive VIP lounge access, exclusive VIP merch)
Full Event $110 ($120 as of May 24)
Thursday $30 ($35 as of May 24)
Friday $35 ($40 as of May 24)
Saturday $55 ($60 as of May 24)
Sunday $40 ($45 as of May 24)
Sidekick (Ages 3-12) $10 (Good for all 4 days)
Children 2 and Under FREE
Click here to buy tickets for Phoenix Comic Fest 2018
Things to See and Do at Phoenix Comic Fest:
- Celebrity Guest Panels with your favorite film and TV stars
- Sean Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy)
- Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Stand by Me)
- Graham McTavish (Outlander, The Hobbit)
- Ming-Na Wen (Agents of SHIELD)
- Sean Maher (Firefly)
- William Shatner (Star Trek)
- Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Walking Dead)
- Dan Fogler (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
- Sean Patrick Flanery (The Boondock Saints)
- A Disney Princesses panel with Irene Bedard, Linda Larkin, and Paige O’Hara (the voices of Pocahontas, Jasmine, and Belle)
- …and many more! Check out the Celebrity Panels category on the Full Event Schedule
- Autographs and Photo Ops (for an additional fee)
- Hundreds of fan panels
- E-Gaming
- Tabletop Gaming
- Author panels + signings
- Diana Gabaldon (Outlander)
- Christopher Paolini (Eragon)
- Aaron Mahnke (Lore)
- Star Wars books panel with Rae Carson, Delilah Dawson, Alan Dean Foster, Jason Fry, Daniel Jose Older, and Chuck Wendig
- V. E. Schwab (Vicious, Shades of Magic series)
- Sam Maggs (The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy)
- …and many more!
- Comic creators
- Lower Level and 3rd Floor Exhibit Halls with numerous vendors, an Artist Alley, and Cobra Arcade Bar Lounge with classic arcade games
- Hall of Heroes, which features costuming groups
- Masquerade Costume Contest
- Party on the Outer Rim (outdoor event on 3rd Street)
- Clue Murder Mystery
- Donate Blood
- Kids Need to Read Charity Poker Tournament (18+) ($20 donation)
- Escape Rooms (for an additional fee)
- Various parties (for an additional fee)
- Writing Workshops (for an additional fee)
- Drinks with Authors and Creators (for an additional fee)
- …and much more!
Things to Know About Phoenix Comic Fest:
- Phoenix Comic Fest takes place in the North Hall and West Hall of the Phoenix Convention Center, which is located in downtown Phoenix
- Due to the unfortunate events that happened last year, Phoenix Comic Fest has security checkpoints that you must go through before you may enter, which include metal detectors and bag checks.
- Will you be cosplaying? If so, click here for the props and costume policies. If you have props, they must be checked at the Prop Check desk before going through security.
- Below is a map of security checkpoints and prop checkpoints
- As mentioned above, there are two Exhibit Hall/Artist Alley areas, both in the North Hall. One is on the Lower Level and the other is on the 3rd Floor. Click here for the list of Exhibitors/Artists and click here for a map of each area
- Yes, it will be hot outside, but it may be cool inside the panel rooms and exhibit areas, so plan accordingly
- If you’ll need parking for the con, be sure to buy pre-paid parking through Phoenix Comic Fest’s website. Otherwise, you may ending up paying as much as $70 for parking, which we saw one lot charging last year! We like to park at the parking garage at 3rd and Jefferson (available through ParkWhiz), since it is only a block away, and a less expensive option — $14/day if you use discount code PHXCF18.
- The Phoenix Convention Center is accessible via light rail, which runs about every 12-15 minutes. Click here to plan your trip
- Phoenix Comic Fest has an app available in iTunes and Google Play! Download it for the programming schedule and other useful info
- Also check out our friend Legion of Sand’s Ultimate Phoenix Comic Fest 2018 Guide, and be sure to follow him on Twitter @LegionofSand for coverage all weekend!
As you can see, there’s quite a lot going on at Phoenix Comic Fest 2018! Still on the fence? Take a look at our past coverage of Phoenix Comic Fest to get a feel for it. Also, head over to the Phoenix Comic Fest website for more info and to buy tickets!
