Phoenix Comicon is here!
Before you dress up and head downtown, we've got the details on which celebrities are attending, the new activities and games this year, where to eat and, of course, how much it costs to go.
Scroll down for a quick read on what you need to know before you go!
SECURITY UPDATE: Security will be heightened at Phoenix Comicon after an armed man managed to make his way passed security on Thursday. Here is what you need to know:
- No weapons allowed - this includes costume props. You will not be allowed into Phoenix Comicon or the Phoenix Convention Center, per police. Leave them at home or in the car.
- Added security screening - You will have to go through a security screening before you enter the Convention Center. You will want to give yourself some extra time.
- More police on-site - Phoenix police said guests can expect to see more uniformed and non-uniformed law enforcement officers around.
- See something? Say something! - If you see something off or seems out of place, let a police officer know.
Phoenix Comicon released the following statement Thursday evening:
WHEN IS IT?
Phoenix Comicon is Thursday through Sunday, May 25-28, 2017.
WHERE IS IT?
All of the official festivities take place inside the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix. The address is 100 N. Third Street, Phoenix AZ 85004. Some local bars and restaurants may also be hosting Comicon events and parties.
HOW MUCH IS IT?
Single-day passes are $20-$45 depending on the day you go. A "full event" pass gives you access to Comicon for the entire weekend and runs $75. A "sidekick" pass is for children 3-12 and is $10. There is no cost for children younger than two. View pass information.
Photo opportunities and autograph sessions with celebrity guests do cost extra. Those vary between $40 - $70 depending on the celebrity.
WHAT ARE THE HOURS?
Comicon is essentially open all day Thursday through Sunday. We've divided the hours into registration hours (when you can pick up your passes), exhibitor hour ( the area where vendors sell different trinkets) and programming hours (scheduled panels, games, activities).
Passes can be picked up on any day of the convention. The hours are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The exhibitor hall hours are 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Programming (panels, games, activities) is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Check out the "Frequently Asked Questions" page at www.PhoenixComicon.com for more information.
WHO'S COMING TO COMICON?
There are dozens of celebrities scheduled to attend Phoenix Comicon. Some star in your favorite TV shows and movies, while others perhaps wrote your favorite comic or book.
Some will be there all weekend, while others will only be there one day. View the official schedule.
- Dick Van Dyke (Mary Poppins, Dick Van Dyke Show)
- Karen Gillan (Doctor Who, Guardians of the Galaxy)
- Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley in Harry Potter series)
- Sean Maguire (Robin Hood in Once Upon a Time)
- Karen David (Princess Isabella in Galavant)
- Jason David Frank (Power Rangers)
GALLERY: View the rest of the celebrities coming to Phoenix Comicon
NEW EVENTS THIS YEAR:
Kristin Rowan, director of marketing for Phoenix Comicon, let us in on some of the new activities coming to Comicon this year.
ESCAPE ROOMS - Dare to Escape AZ will have two of their escape rooms set up at Phoenix Comicon. The themes are "X-Child" and "The Cell." Up to 10 players can play each game. You have 30 minutes to solve the puzzles and escape the room. The cost is $12 plus a service fee. Reservations can be made here.
ZTAG LEAGUE: ZOMBIE TEAM ELIMINATION - The zombies have been released. You need to create more doctors than the opposing team. The cost is $12. You can buy the laser tag badge online.
ONCE UPON A MURDER: SHERLOCK IN STORYBROOKE - It's a mash-up murder-mystery between Sherlock Holmes and ABC's Once Upon a Time. Holmes has been asked to help solve a murder in Storybrooke. But, who's behind it? Rumpelstiltskin? Moriarty? You'll have to question the suspects and look at the evidence to find the truth. The cost is $10. More information.
CITYSCAPE COMICON BLOCK PARTY - CityScape will host four events throughout the weekend for Comicon fans.
- H2Oasis (May 26) - CityScape will have water slides, a "fish pipe" water slide and mermaids for people to cool off. This event is free and open to the public. It runs 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Quest Fest (May 25-27) - Retailers and restaurants will be offering $2 food and drink samples. Collect five samples and badges to receive a Hero's Prize. The event runs 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
- Comicon on tap at LUSTRE (May 26) - Four Peaks Brewing Co. has developed a pale ale brew, Mom's Basement Brew, specifically for Comicon. Lustre will hold a keg tapping party at 7 p.m. - midnight. This is a 21+ only event.
- Cooling Station in Patriot's Park (May 25 - 28) - Patriot's Park will have a cooling station for people to beat the heat throughout the weekend. There will be a lounge area and misters near the splash pad. There will also be games and charging stations.
WHERE TO EAT:
Because Comicon is all day, you're going to get hungry! Downtown Phoenix is home to several places to eat within walking distance of the Phoenix Convention Center.
Third on Con - This is a free block party between the Phoenix Convention Center buildings. There will be food trucks, BBQ and grilled hot dogs and Italian sausage for sale. Also music, a, car show and vendors. More information.
Restaurants that are close by:
CityScape - Copper Blues, Blue Hound, Chico Malo, Chipotle, Five Guys, Jimmy John's, Tilted Kilt.
Arizona Center - Corner Bakery Cafe, Hooters, Subway, 1130 The Restaurant, Mi Amigos
Collier Center - The Park, Fired Pie, The Whining Pig, Pita Cafe
Others nearby - Hanny's, The Kettle Black, Cornish Pasty Co, Pomo Pizzeria, Pizzeria Bianco
The Phoenix Convention Center has some dining options as well, including Flat Out Pizza, Tortilla's Mexican Grill, Mustache Pretzels, and Starbucks.
WHERE TO PARK:
There are parking garages and meters throughout downtown Phoenix that charge per hour and per day, depending on how long you're planning to stay.
Parking at Phoenix Convention Center is $20 per day, according to its website. The East and West garages have spaces available. The North garage is full from May 26 - 28.
There is also pre-paid parking available at the lot across from Chase Field and Arena Park Place off First Street. You can view availability here.
Another option is to use one of Valley Metro's Park-and-Ride lots where you can park for free and then purchase a $4 fair to take the light rail to one of the stops near the Convention Center. View Park-and-Ride lots.
Check out the "Frequently Asked Questions" page at www.PhoenixComicon.com for more information.
IF YOU GO:
Phoenix Comicon 2017 - May 25-28, 2017
Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third Street, Phoenix AZ 85044
www.PhoenixComicon.com
