While E3 is the convention we’ll be keeping our eyes on this week, there are plenty of fan conventions going on next weekend that are much easier to attend.
Every week, we’ll round up cons focused on cosplay, gaming or anything we find cool. We’ve linked the con sites, venues, and ticket information below.
EAST
Anime Mid-Atlantic 16 (Chesapeake, Virginia)
This con celebrates Japanese culture and fandom.
When: Friday-Sunday, June 17-19
Where: Marriott Chesapeake and Chesapeake Conference Center
Tickets: Sunday costs $20, Friday and Saturday cost $45 each, and a three-day pass costs $60. Buy your tickets at the door, and look up prices here
MIDWEST
Indy PopCon (Indianapolis, Indiana)
This convention celebrates the creators and fans of games, comics, TV shows, and more. Karen Gillan, Jennifer Hale, Freddie Wong, Tara Strong and many more will be there.
When: Friday-Sunday, June 17-19
Where: Indiana Convention Center
Tickets: One-day tickets start at $35 at the door, and a three-day VIP pass is $100. You’ll get a discount if you buy online
Cosplacon (Jefferson City, Missouri)
Anime, cosplay, sci-fi, and gaming dominate this con, which is in its fifth year.
When: Thursday-Sunday, June 16-19
Where: Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center
Tickets: Pre-registration for a four-day pass is $40. Kids under 9 get in free. Register here
Contamination (St. Louis, Missouri)
Horror is at the heart of this convention, but you’ll find pop culture and sci-fi, too.
When: Friday-Sunday, June 17-19
Where: Stratford Inn
Tickets: For adults, tickets start at $15 and go up to $85. Order will-call here
SOUTH
Florida Fandomania (Fort Pierce, Florida)
If you’re a fan of...well, anything, Fandomania wants you. Comics, gaming, anime, and more are part of this con.
When: Friday-Sunday, June 17-19
Where: Havert L. Fenn Center
Tickets: Sunday or Friday is $20, and Saturday is $25. A three-day pass is $45, but if you want VIP treatment (clothing, meet-ups, autographs), it’ll be $145. Get them here
ComicPalooza (Houston, Texas)
The comic and pop culture con bills itself as Texas’ largest. Cosplay, films, a code fest, gaming, roller derby bouts and more will be part of the three-day event.
When: Friday-Sunday, June 17-19
Where: George R. Brown Convention Center
Tickets: VIP passes are sold out, but a basic three-day will cost you $66. Buy it in advance here
WEST
Wizard World Sacramento (Sacramento, California)
Sebastian Stan, Evan Peters, Hayley Atwell and William Shatner and many others will be at the three-day Wizard World con, which returns to the Sacramento Convention Center for the third time.
When: Friday-Sunday, June 17-19
Where: Sacramento Convention Center
Tickets: A three-day pass is $75.95, and you can order it in advance here
Planning to attend a convention that didn’t make the list? Tell us about it in the comments.