Photo via Instagram/fanexpocanada
If you've been watching the coverage of last weekend's San Diego Comic-Con and kicking yourself for not attending, nothing can replace the biggest convention of them all, but there are few taking place in the coming months that come close.
Fan Expo Canada
Toronto, ON
Sept. 1-4, 2016
Fan Expo Canada is one of my favorite pop culture gatherings because it is usually less crowded than SDCC or New York Comic Con, but it still brings a solid roster of A-listers. This year John Cusack, Mark Hamill, William Shatner, Gillian Anderson, Kevin Smith, Kate Mulgrew and Morena Baccarin are just a few of the stars who will be participating in panels, autograph signings and photo sessions with fans. They also have some unique events that you can't find at most cons, like a Geekfest Film Fest and Fan Expo Speed Dating! Ticket prices range from $10 for the kick-off and after parties to $549 for a VIP package.
Star Trek Mission New York
New York, NY
Sept. 2-4, 2016
With this year marking the 50th Anniversary of the original series, organizers around the country are looking to cash in by planning with their own "Star Trek" themed festivals, conventions, concerts and cruises. Among the best of these fests is Star Trek Mission New York. There will be a good mix of old and new "Star Trek" stars there, including William Shatner from the original series and Karl Urban from the new films, as well as dozens of vendors selling "Star Trek" collectibles. The USPS will even be on hand with a number of new, limited edition "Star Trek" stamps. Ticket prices start at $55. Get all the details at startrekmissions.com.
Fan Fest Orlando
Orlando, FL
Sept. 17, 2016
This is one convention that lets fans do good while geeking out with the stars of their favorite TV shows. All profits from Fan Fest Orlando will go to the OneOrlando Fund, which aids families and victims impacted by the Pulse nightclub shooting. Most of the cast of "The Walking Dead", including Lauren Cohan, Chandler Riggs, Josh McDermitt, Michael Cudlitz, Alanna Masteron, Christian Serratos and Sonequa Green have already signed on to attend, along with "Arrow" stars Stephen Amell and David Ramsey. All of these celebs will be taking part in autograph sessions and panel discussions, among other events. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at fanfest.com/orlando/.
Dragon Con
Atlanta, GA
Sept. 2-5,2016
With so many of today's hit TV shows, like "The Vampire Diaries" and "The Walking Dead" filming in Atlanta, it only seems fitting that the city has its own major pop culture convention, too. This year's TV-centric Dragon Con guest roster includes the stars of "iZombie", "Daredevil", "Gotham," "Dr. Who" and other fan favorite shows. In addition to the usual comic book fare and celebrity sightings, DragonCon also has acting, writing and special effects workshops for those interested in entering the industry. All passes are on sale now at dragoncon.org.
Bruce Campbell's Horror Film Festival Presented by Starz
Rosemont, IL
Aug. 18 - 21, 2016
If you're looking for something with a little more edge, Bruce Campbell's Horror Film Festival has grown from a cult gathering to a must-attend event - with a corporate sponsorship - for horror fans. The opening night film, "Don't Breathe," is a highly anticipated shocker from "Evil Dead" director-producer-writer Fede Alvarez. That event will be followed up by the "Groovy as Hell" award ceremony honoring writer/director Fred Dekker and a 30th anniversary screening of "Night of The Creeps". Comedian Doug Benson will also present his "Doug Benson Movie Interruption" of "Army of Darkness," with guest interrupter Bruce Campbell. To cap things off, there will be a screening of "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey" with director Peter Hewitt. Tickets start at are on sale now at WizardWorld.com.
If you'd still rather hold out for SDCC 2017, head over to the event's website now to secure your member ID, you can't buy a badge without one. You'll also need a little good luck since Comic-Con tickets go fast when they are finally released but, most fans will agree nothing can really replace the experience of San Diego Comic-Con.
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