Phoenix Fan Fusion – Arizona’s Ultimate Pop Culture Party

May 2024: Phoenix Fan Fusion – Arizona’s Ultimate Pop Culture Party

Grab your capes and lightsabers – Phoenix Fan Fusion 2024 is on its way! Formerly known as Phoenix Comic Con, this is Arizona’s biggest pop culture convention, bringing together fans of comics, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, gaming, and more. May in Phoenix heats up with thousands of cosplayers and enthusiasts flocking downtown for a long weekend of fandom fun. If you’re a comic book collector, movie/TV buff, gamer, or just love a good cosplay, you won’t want to miss this event.

When & Where: Memorial Day Weekend in Downtown Phoenix

When: Phoenix Fan Fusion 2024 is scheduled for May 24–26, 2024 (Friday through Sunday of Memorial Day weekend). It’s three packed days of programming. Typically, doors open in the morning (around 10 a.m.) each day, with events often running into the evening. (In past years, they’ve had special Thursday night events or preview nights – keep an eye on official announcements for any extras.)

Where: The Phoenix Convention Center (100 N. 3rd St, Phoenix) is the hub of all the action, spanning multiple floors of the North and West buildings. The Convention Center is conveniently located in Downtown Phoenix, walking distance from hotels, restaurants, and the light rail. There will be tens of thousands of people, so expect downtown to be buzzing! Parking can fill up – consider taking the light rail or a rideshare to avoid hunting for a spot.

What to Expect: Fandoms Unite!

Phoenix Fan Fusion truly has something for every kind of fan. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

• Celebrity Guests & Panels: Each year, Fan Fusion brings in actors from popular movies and TV shows, voice actors from beloved animations and games, bestselling authors, and comic book artists and writers. You can attend Q&A panels where stars discuss behind-the-scenes stories and answer fan questions. Past guests have included actors from Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, and many more. 2024’s lineup hasn’t been fully announced yet, but you can bet it’ll feature some exciting names. Beyond Q&As, you can purchase autograph and photo-op sessions (for a fee) to meet your favorites one-on-one – a priceless memory for mega-fans.
• Cosplay Galore: Costumes are everywhere! Many attendees come dressed as their favorite characters – from superheroes like Wonder Woman and Spider-Man, to anime characters, horror film icons, video game heroes, and creative mash-ups. You’ll see incredibly detailed professional-level cosplays and plenty of fun, casual ones too. Don’t be shy – dressing up is welcome (just check the rules on prop weapons). There’s usually a cosplay masquerade/contest where top cosplayers compete on stage, showing off mind-blowing costumes that took months to make. Even if you don’t cosplay yourself, the people-watching is amazing. Feel free to politely ask cosplayers for photos – most are happy to pose (it’s part of the fun!).
• Exhibitor Hall & Artist Alley: Bring your shopping list – the exhibitor hall is a geeky shopper’s paradise. Imagine rows of vendors selling comics (new and vintage), graphic novels, collectibles, Funko Pops, costumes, artwork, posters, T-shirts, Japanese snacks, retro games, and so much more. Major retailers and local shops alike set up booths with convention specials. And then there’s Artist Alley, where you can meet hundreds of talented artists and indie creators. It’s a great place to buy unique art prints, handcrafted jewelry, fandom-inspired soap or candles, and custom commissions. Love a specific obscure character? Chances are you can find a sticker or print of them made by an artist here.
• Panels, Workshops & Activities: Beyond celebrity talks, the con hosts hundreds of fan-led panels and workshops. These range from discussions (“The Science of Superheroes” or “Star Wars vs. Star Trek Debate”) to workshops (learning to foam-smith armor, how to get into voice acting) to game shows and trivia contests. There are also dedicated gaming areas: tabletop gaming rooms where you can drop in on a D&D session or play board games, and video game tournaments featuring everything from Super Smash Bros to classic arcade games. Don’t forget the Anime music video screenings, the themed dance party (often there’s an 18+ Friday or Saturday night rave for those who want to dance in cosplay), and kids’ activity zones for young fans. There truly is always something to do.
• Pop Culture Joy Everywhere: The whole atmosphere is one of excitement and inclusion. You’ll see families with kids in matching costumes, groups of friends geeking out over the latest Marvel trailer in the hallway, spontaneous lightsaber duels, and maybe even the Ghostbusters car or the Batmobile parked for photo ops. Make sure to swing by the official Fan Fusion merch booth for a souvenir shirt or pin to commemorate the event. And stay hydrated – late May can be hot, and with the crowds and walking you’ll want your water bottle (there are water fountains to refill).

Tips for First-Timers (and Veterans!)

• Badges (Tickets): Purchase your membership badge online ahead of time. Single-day and full-event passes are offered. Buying early not only saves a bit of money but also helps you skip the long ticket lines on site. Kids 12 and under often get in free with a paying adult (check the policy for 2024). Once you have your badge, wear it visibly at all times – it’s your entry in and out of the con.
• Plan Your Schedule: The sheer amount of programming can be overwhelming (in a good way). As Fan Fusion approaches, they’ll release a schedule on their website or app. Take some time to mark anything you really want to catch – maybe that panel with the cast of your favorite show, or the big cosplay contest, or a workshop you’re interested in. Some popular panels will have lines, so get there early. But also allow for flexibility; sometimes the best experiences are the unexpected ones (like stumbling on a hilarious improv Star Wars reading panel and just sitting down to enjoy).
• Parking & Getting There: Downtown Phoenix will be busy. If you must drive, plan for parking costs (many garages nearby have event rates). Better, use the Valley Metro Light Rail – it stops just a couple blocks from the convention center (Washington/3rd St or Jefferson/3rd St stations) and you won’t have to worry about parking at all. If you’re staying at a hotel, even better – you can walk.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes are a must. You’ll be on your feet and walking a lot. A backpack is handy for carrying your loot, snacks, water, and essentials. Pack portable snacks (granola bars, etc.) to avoid always buying food inside – though do treat yourself to something fun from the vendors or nearby food trucks at least once. Don’t forget external battery pack for your phone; you’ll be taking tons of photos and the last thing you want is a dead phone when you meet that celeb or see an amazing cosplay.
• Costume Comfort: If you cosplay, that’s awesome! Just remember to plan for comfort – wear breathable layers if possible and shoes you can tolerate. There are cosplay repair stations if your costume needs a quick fix. And respect others’ costumes too – always ask before touching or taking detailed photos of someone.
• Stay Hydrated & Rested: Phoenix can be in the 90s°F in late May. Even though you’ll be mostly indoors, the crowds can make it warm. Drink water throughout the day. There are quiet rooms and spots to sit – take a breather if you feel overwhelmed. This event is a marathon, not a sprint, and some attendees try to do all three days (or as much as possible). Pace yourself and listen to your body so you don’t burn out on Day 1.

Phoenix Fan Fusion is the ultimate celebration of creativity and imagination in the Southwest. Whether you’re hunting for that rare comic issue, eager to hear behind-the-scenes stories from your favorite show, or just love people-watching the incredible costumes, this convention promises an unforgettable experience. So suit up, assemble your fan crew, and get ready for a weekend of pure geeky joy. And don’t forget – we’ll be on site snapping pics and sharing live updates on our social media. 

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for con coverage and maybe catch us in costume too. See you there, super-fans!