Another day, another pony twirling fire. There’s a lot going on during the July 4th weekend, but you might be busy with barbecues, fireworks, or trying to sleep through fireworks. If so, wait until next weekend and head to one of these cons.
We’ve rounded up cons catering to fans of gaming, anime, cosplay, and other cool things. Check out links to the con sites, venues, and ticket information below.
EAST
BronyCon (Baltimore, Maryland)
Last year’s BronyCon drew more than 10,000 fans, and this year’s schedule is packed with multiple events every half hour. This is the eighth event Bronycon has hosted since it launched in 2011.
When: Friday-Sunday, July 8-10
Where: Baltimore Convention Center
Tickets: All upgraded passes are sold out, but you can get a basic three-day for $80 at the door. A one-day costs $45 for Friday or Saturday and $30 for Sunday. Pre-registered fans can pick up their tickets between 2 and 10 pm on Thursday. Buy tickets in advance here
Pintastic New England (Sturbridge, Massachusetts)
There are more than 200 pinball machines at this expo designed for families.
When: Thursday-Saturday, July 7-9
Where: Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center
Tickets: A three-day adult “super” pass is $85, and the kids’ version is $35. One-day passes go as low as $7 for kids and $15 for adults. Buy them here
Readercon (Quincy, Massachusetts)
As the name suggests, Readercon is for fans of “the written word.” There is no art, no gaming, and no cosplay, but you’ll find guests like Catherynne M. Valente and Tim Powers there.
When: Thursday-Sunday, July 7-10
Where: Quincy Marriott
Tickets: Pre-registration is closed, but you can buy a weekend pass at the door for $75. Thursday night is free to the public.
ConnectiCon (Hartford, Connecticut)
Come for the gaming, stay for four days of all sorts of pop culture, including anime, sci-fi, and more.
When: Thursday-Sunday, July 7-10
Where: Connecticut Convention Center
Tickets: Sign up for a weekend membership to attend, which will cost you $75. Membership is free for kids 10 and younger, and service members will receive a discount. Check out prices and sign up here
Infinity Con (Lake George, New York)
Wrestling, cosplay and cars anchor this two-day con.
When: Saturday-Sunday, July 9-10
Where: Lake George Forum
Tickets: A general admission weekend pass is just $25. Order one or check out one-day passes here
MIDWEST
Anime Midwest (Rosemont, Illinois)
This three-day con is expecting a repeat of last year, when more than 10,000 fans attended. It’s easy to get to Rosemont, which is next to O’Hare International Airport and a half-hour drive from downtown Chicago.
When: Friday-Sunday, July 8-10
Where: Hyatt Regency O’Hare and Stephens Convention Center
Tickets: Register for a three-day pass now, and it’ll cost you $60. Register here
SOUTH
Dice Tower Gaming Con V (Orlando, Florida)
This con is sold out, but you can sign up on the waitlist if you still want to try. Dice Tower is all about tabletop gaming.
When: Wednesday-Sunday, July 6-10
Where: Caribe Royale Resort
Tickets: Head here to add your name to the waitlist
WEST
Leviosa Con (Las Vegas, Nevada)
You may have guessed this, but it’s a gathering for Harry Potter and YA fans. There will be panels, meetups, and workshops during the four-day con.
When: Thursday-Sunday, July 7-10
Where: Green Valley Ranch
Tickets: Tickets start at $60 and go up to $100, with a buffet of add-ons. Check them out here
CombatCon (Las Vegas, Nevada)
This con explores martial arts in pop culture and appeals to fighters, hobbyists, writers, and fans.
When: Friday-Sunday, July 8-10
Where: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Tickets: Tickets start at $25 and go up to $200 for an all-inclusive pass. Check out the offerings of each ticket level here
Modesto-Con (Modesto, California)
This con is two days of pop culture fandom, plus an artists’ alley and costume contest.
When: Saturday-Sunday, July 9-10
Where: Modesto Centre Plaza
Tickets: A one-day pass is only $4 (that’s not a typo), and you can buy it in advance here
Heading to a con that isn’t listed here? Tell us all about it in the comments.