There are so many conventions and geeky events going on these days that it’s hard to keep track of them all! Sure, we attend and report on some (click here for our personal calendar of conventions), but there are way more than that going on during any given weekend. So we’ve decided to give you a monthly list of comic, pop culture, fandom, gaming, etc. conventions and events taking place in the Southern California area, since that is where we are based. Read on to find out what geeky conventions and events are going on in So Cal during September 2018!
Gateway
When: August 31-September 3, 2018
Where: Hilton Los Angeles Airport, 5711 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90045
Cost: Full Con Preregistration $55; Full Con Pass $65; One Day Pass (Saturday/Sunday) $35; One Day Pass (Friday/Monday) $20; Children 12 and under with Adult Admission $10; Shoppers Pass FREE
Description: Strategicon brings to you the widest array of family, historical, fantasy, and science fiction board, card, computer, miniatures, and roleplaying games at each and every one of our conventions. We hope that you pay a visit to the various game retailers and manufacturers in the dealer area of the convention, or perhaps attend some of the many seminars, demonstrations, displays, tournaments, and events that make up this convention. Feel free to mingle and ask questions. Gamers, like all people, love to talk about their hobby!
C3 Comic Creator Conference
When: September 7, 2018
Where: Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: $50
Description: MAD Event Management, the organizers of Long Beach Comic Con and Expo introduce C3 (Comic Creator Conference), an event designed to connect professional comics creatives with other high-level industry professionals to empower them with exclusive and personal insight, as well as directly connecting them with decision makers, peers, publishers, and other leaders within the industry.
Long Beach Comic Con
When: September 8-9, 2018
Where: Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Weekend Pass $70; Saturday $50; Sunday $35; Children 10 and under FREE with paid adult (limit of 2 free kids per adult ticket)
Description: Long Beach Comic Con, in its 10th edition this year, is an annual event held at the Long Beach Convention Center each fall. It’s a celebration of comic books and pop culture that showcases the exceptional works of talented writers, artists, illustrators and creators of all types of pop culture. At Long Beach Comic Con, you’ll find exhibitors promoting and selling all types of related products, as well as entertaining and educational programs for all ages, guest signings and meet & greet sessions with celebrities. Also returning this year are the GeekFest Film Festival and the Space Expo! This year’s guests include Kristian Nairn (Hodor from Game of Thrones), the cast of Twin Peaks, Kevin Eastman, and more.
Son of Monsterpalooza
When: September 14-16, 2018
Where: Marriott Burbank Hotel & Convention Center, 2500 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505
Cost: Day Pass $25 ($30 at the door on Saturday); 3-Day Pass $60; Children under 10 FREE with paying adult
Description: Horror convention with celebrity guests, over 150 vendors, presentations, special exhibits, costume contest, and more! Celebrity guests include Kathy Najimy, Fairuza Balk, Mindy Sterling, and more.
Super Dimension Convention
When: September 15, 2018
Where: Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA 90503
Cost: $15; Children 12 and under FREE
Description: Originally “MacrossWorld Convention”, Super Dimension Convention (SDCon) is the largest gathering of Macross fans in North America! Now in its second decade, the annual event celebrates all things “Macross”, from the original 1980s series and film, to its subsequent sequels, video game spin-offs, toys, models, cosplay and more! Attendees will also discover collectibles, merchandise from other mecha and idol anime series, have the opportunity to participate in the “Macross Idol” competition, and attend panels and performances featuring special guests.
Art of Pop
When: September 16, 2018
Where: Claremont Packing House, 532 W. 1st Street, Claremont, CA 91711
Cost: FREE
Description: A sister to the Claremont Packing House Comic Book and Collectibles Show, Art of Pop will feature and celebrate local Artists, Artisans, Writers, Filmmakers, Musicians, and other creators, who are actively producing work in the Pop Culture climate.
San Fernando Valley Comic Book Convention
When: September 16, 2018
Where: Granada Hills Pavilion, 11128 Balboa Blvd, Granada Hills, CA
Cost: $5; Children 12 and under FREE
Description: Free comics and raffle every hour, with special guests Patrick Owlsey, Allen Carter, and Don Glut.
Los Angeles Anime Film Festival
When: September 21-23, 2018
Where: Regal L.A. Live, 1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Cost: Festival Pass $70 (or pay per showing – prices vary)
Description: The Los Angeles Anime Film Festival (LA-AFF) was launched in September 2017 as an annual film festival that showcases only Japanese animation (Anime) films throughout the festival. The three-day event takes place in Downtown Los Angeles. 2017 was the perfect inaugural year for LA-AFF since it also marked the 100th year since the birth of Anime in Japan. LA-AFF is excited to bring anime fans of all ages recently popular titles to classic masterpieces to a cinema featuring state-of-the-art equipment, high quality images, and high-performance sound to deliver anime films in their full splendor.
Alpha Omega Con
When: September 22, 2018
Where: First Baptist Church of Downey, 8348 3rd St, Downey, CA 90241
Cost: Preregistration $5; At Con Registration $10; Children 12 and under FREE with adult ticket
Description: A Christian comic arts and pop culture convention where Christian, faith based, and family friendly creators and fans can meet, fellowship, and network.
Baggins Birthday Bash
When: September 22, 2018
Where: Mineral Wells Picnic Area, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Cost: FREE
Description: Southern California Tolkien fans are invited to join in the merriment of TORN’s Annual Baggins Birthday Bash, which will take place on Saturday, Sept 22, 2018 starting at noon in Griffith Park in the Mineral Wells area. Costumes are encouraged, and we may have a prize or two for the most beautifully or most creatively attired lads and ladies. There will also be fun and games and plenty of food. The picnic is potluck so bring something to share.
Fangaea Con
When: September 22-23, 2018
Where: Town & Country Resort, 500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA 92108.
Cost: 1-Day General Admission $20 ($25 at the door); 2-Day General Admission $40; 1-Day Children’s ticket (12 and under) $10; 2-Day Children’s ticket $20; 1-Day Saturday ticket + Fan Gala $30; 2-Day General Admission + Fan Gala $50; Fan Gala only $15; VIP ticket $75
Description: Fangaea (fan-JEE-uh) is a multi-faceted, action-packed, fandom event that will feature Table Top and Video Games, Anime, Steam Punk, Cosplay, Technology, Fun Panels, Model Building and so much more! Fangaea is Where Fandoms Join Forces for Fun! Guests of honor include Derek Stephen Prince and Chris Patton.
NerdBot-Con
When: September 22, 2018
Where: Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
Cost: General Admission $18; General Admission Convention Day $22; Children 12 and under FREE with paid adult (limit of 2 per adult ticket)
Description: Our mission is to bring the very best photographers, videographers, vendors and awesome Nerds to the beautiful Pasadena Convention Center. It’s going to be an amazing day of interactive contests, panels, cosplay contests and photoshoots. In 2018 we are going to go bigger and better with more activities, more vendors, more music, more guests, more games and awesome panels.
Union Station’s Retrocade Experience
When: September 22-23, 2018
Where: Union Station Los Angeles, 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Cost: FREE
Description: This two-day Free Play event is a throwback to the golden age of gaming and will transport guests back in time for the ultimate arcade rewind. Union Station’s Retrocade Experience will feature over 40 cabinet games from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Held in the historic Ticket Concourse, the Retrocade Experience will allow visitors to enjoy an eclectic collection of classic arcade games and specialty pinball cabinets including fan favorites Pac Man, Donkey Kong and Street Fighter.
San Diego Game Jam
When: September 28-30, 2018
Where: Art Institute of California San Diego, 7650 Mission Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92108
Cost: General Admission $40; Student Admission $30; At the Door Admission $45
Description: The San Diego Game Jam is a 48 hour competition where teams of game developers create brand new game based on a challenging theme. The team that creates the best game wins!
Tim Burton/LAIKA Tribute Gallery
When: September 29, 2018
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Stanton, 11050 Cedar St, Stanton, CA 90680
Cost: FREE
Description: Mark your calendars and come get a head start celebrating the spooky season with us! We’ll have 40 or more vendors selling a wide variety of art and products. We will also have a gallery of over 60 artists showcasing their love for the Pumpkin King himself, Tim Burton, and the incredibly talented LAIKA production company.
Claremont Packing House Comic Book & Collectibles Show
When: September 30, 2018
Where: Claremont Packing House, 532 W 1st St, Claremont, CA 91711
Cost: FREE
Description: Comic Book Art Demonstrations – See how the magic of Comic Book Art goes from imagination to reality! Comic Books, Collectibles and Art Dealers from around Southern California, with New and Vintage Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Original Art, Prints, Action Figures, Games, and Collectibles. Bargains galore! Private Collectors – selling their unique collections of vintage and rare collectibles. Comic Book Publishers – with Comics, Graphic Novels and Creator Signings. Professional Comic Book and Fantasy Artists and Writers.
Santa Clarita Comic & Toy Expo
When: September 30, 2018
Where: College of the Canyon (EPEK Building), 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Cost: Pre-sale tickets $5; $10 at the door; Children 10 and under FREE
Description:The Santa Clarita Comic & Toy Expo was created to provide a space where all comic and toy fans can interact with celebrities and professionals, up and coming artists, as well as fans of comic book culture. Special guests include Jamie Sullivan, Patrick Owsley, Buzz Dixon, Shannon Denton, Elliot Maggin, and Gus Vasquez.
