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Showing posts with label Phoenix Fan Fusion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phoenix Fan Fusion. Show all posts
Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025: Arizona’s Ultimate Geek Convention is Back!
Grab your cosplay, charge your lightsabers, and practice your best “Wakanda Forever” pose because Phoenix Fan Fusion is coming back in 2025 — and it's gonna be bigger, bolder, and geekier than ever!
This pop-culture mega-event hits downtown Phoenix from May 23-25, 2025 at the Phoenix Convention Center, and whether you're a hardcore comic nerd, movie buff, anime addict, or just love a good cosplay contest — Fan Fusion has something for everyone.
What is Phoenix Fan Fusion?
Think Comic-Con — but AZ style!
Phoenix Fan Fusion is the Southwest’s biggest celebration of all things geeky, nerdy, and pop culture cool. It's where fandoms unite — whether you're into:
Comics & Graphic Novels
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Star Wars & Marvel
Anime & Manga
Video Games & Tabletop
Cosplay & Creativity
Or just looking for your people!
This 3-day event transforms downtown Phoenix into a nerdy wonderland packed with celebrities, artists, gaming zones, and an absolutely EPIC vendor hall.
When & Where?
Dates: May 23-25, 2025 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Downtown Phoenix, AZ
Photo Ops — Snap pics with your fave celebs or against themed backdrops.
Kid-Friendly Activities — Family cosplay parade, workshops, and fandom fun.
Why You Should Go
Safe, welcoming, and cosplay-friendly space
Huge community of geeks, gamers, creators, and fans
Tons of activities for all ages
Perfect for first-timers & long-time nerds
Downtown Phoenix food & fun just steps away
Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 is the place to let your inner nerd shine bright. Whether you're rocking full armor cosplay or just there to shop for comics and collectibles — everyone fits in here.
Don’t miss out on Arizona’s biggest celebration of fandom, friendship, and full-on geek glory!
Fan Conventions & Pop-Culture Events – Spring 2025
Calling all geeks, gamers, and pop-culture lovers! Arizona’s fan convention scene is thriving in 2025, with events for every fandom. Comic conventions, anime festivals, and fan gatherings are popping up throughout the spring. Cosplay is absolutely welcome – even encouraged – at these events where you can meet celebrity guests, attend panels, shop for collectibles, and geek out with fellow fans. Here are the big upcoming fan conventions in AZ for March, April, and May 2025:
What & Where: An anime and Japanese pop-culture convention held at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa in Glendale, AZ. This is Anime Arizona’s third year running, and it’s growing fast as a go-to event for anime enthusiasts in the Southwest.
Highlights:Voice Actor Guests from popular anime series will be signing autographs and doing Q&A panels. Expect cosplayers everywhere – from Demon Slayer Hashira to My Hero Academia students – with formal cosplay contests as well as casual meetups. There’s a full slate of programming: anime screenings, art workshops, cosplay chess, and late-night karaoke. The vendor hall will be packed with anime merch, artwork, manga, and imports (bring spending money for that rare figurine or plushie!). Since this con is relatively new, the vibe is super friendly and fan-driven. It’s a perfect place to wear your cosplay all weekend and make new otaku friends.
Anime Arizona proves you don’t have to wait for the big summer cons to celebrate your fandom. Pro tip: If you plan to attend all three days, snag a weekend pass early – last year’s sold out. The hotel venue means you can also find rooms on-site (so convenient for costume changes or dropping off merch hauls). And don’t skip the anime rave dance on Saturday night – it’s a high-energy dance party with DJs spinning J-pop, K-pop, and anime remixes that’s become a highlight of the con. Whether you’re into shounen, shojo, or Studio Ghibli, Anime Arizona is the spring gathering for the anime community.
What & Where: The 13th annual Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention – one of the most unique fan events – taking place at Casino del Sol in Tucson, AZ. This convention celebrates steampunk culture, a blend of Victorian-era aesthetics and sci-fi technology. It’s essentially a giant themed costume party with a retro-futuristic twist!
Highlights: This year’s WWWC will feature immersive Wild West Steampunk activities: think dueling with nerf guns at high noon, parasol dueling contests (yes, that’s a thing), and a Victorian fashion show. Attendees go all out with incredible steampunk outfits – expect goggles, top hats, corsets, and creative gizmos galore. There will be special guest authors and makers in the steampunk genre, plus live entertainment like Tea Dueling ceremonies, dirigible (balloon) races, and a penny-farthing bicycle parade. By night, enjoy the Steampunk masquerade ball with dancing and live period-style music. The con also has workshops on DIY prop-making (learn to build your own ray gun or modify Nerf guns to look old-timey) and a bustling vendor bazaar selling handcrafted steampunk jewelry, costumes, leatherwork, and gadgets.
Set in a resort, this convention creates an atmosphere like you’ve stepped into an alternate 19th century. You can wander an Old West town one moment and an airship pirates’ lounge the next. New to steampunk? No worries – there are newbie workshops and everyone is welcoming. Grab a cup of tea at the High Tea service and mingle with inventors and explorers from an era that never was. Don’t forget your camera – the costumes and contraptions make for amazing photos. Wild Wild West Steampunk Con is a testament to fan creativity and a chance to live in a fantasy world for a weekend.
What & Where: A multi-genre gaming convention at the Phoenix Convention Center, celebrating video games, tabletop games, and pop culture. Game On Expo is now in its 11th year and has become the Southwest’s premier gaming event.
Game On Expo is basically gamer heaven for a weekend – a place to bond with fellow players and revisit the nostalgia of games you grew up with. Try out the newest VR experiences one minute, then enter a high-score contest on Pac-Man the next. The energy is electric: you’ll hear 8-bit music, arcade sound effects, cheers from a fighting game tourney, and maybe a life-size Pikachu wandering by. Insider tip: Sign up early for any limited-seating tournaments or D&D sessions via their website, as spots fill fast. And if you’re chasing retro games, hit the vendor hall early for the best selection (and bring your old games to trade or sell!). Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a casual fan, Game On Expo is an inclusive celebration of all things gaming and geek.
Arizona’s biggest pop-culture convention actually takes place in early June, but we’d be remiss not to mention it so you can plan ahead.Phoenix Fan Fusion (formerly Phoenix Comic Con) will return to the Phoenix Convention Center on June 6–8, 2025. This is the Comic Con mega-event of the year in Arizona – a giant convergence of comics, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and pop culture across all genres.
Why Mention It Now: Tickets go on sale early and hotels book up fast, so spring is the time to start planning if you want to attend. Phoenix Fan Fusion draws tens of thousands of attendees and major celebrity guests from movies, TV, comics, and literature. Past years have featured stars from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, popular TV series, voice actors, best-selling authors, and more.
What to Expect: Imagine a massive exhibit hall packed with geeky vendors and artists, plus over a dozen programming tracks of panels, workshops, signings, photo ops, and cosplay showcases. You can attend a Q&A with your favorite actor, get a comic signed by its artist, learn how to build cosplay armor, and debate sci-fi theories on fan panels all in one day. The cosplay presence is huge – you’ll see amazingly crafted costumes everywhere (don’t be shy to dress up!). There are also evening events like a masquerade costume contest, dance parties, and after-hours fandom meetups. It’s an all-ages affair by day (lots of families and kids in cosplay), with some 18+ content in the late hours.
Consider Fan Fusion the Comic-Con of Arizona – it’s on par with some of the big national cons in terms of scope and guest lineup. In fact, 2025 marks the con’s 24th year, so they know how to put on a great show. Keep an eye on their official announcements for guest reveals; rumor has it some first-time guests to Arizona will be appearing (perhaps a few big-name superheroes or sci-fi icons). If you love anything pop culture, you’ll find your community here – whether it’s the Star Wars fan club doing lightsaber training, the Browncoats (Firefly fans) singing shanties, or the Disneybounding meet-up group snapping photos. Start preparing your cosplays and savings now – early June will be here before you know it, and Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 is poised to be epic.
Other Fan Events & Pop-Culture Highlights:
Horror & Monster Conventions: Horror fans, take note – while the big HORROR FEST in Arizona isn’t until October, there are smaller gatherings in summer like Mad Monster Party Arizona (usually July in the Phoenix area) and Days of the Dead horror con (July 11–13, 2025 in Phoenix). These events bring horror movie celebs, FX artists, and spooky merch vendors. If you love all things creepy, keep an eye out for these after spring. They’re a great place to celebrate Halloween vibes year-round with fellow horror aficionados.
King-Con (May 24–25, 2025 in Kingman, AZ): A newer pop culture convention serving fans in northern AZ. King-Con is a smaller, community-driven con held at the Mohave County Fairgrounds. It features a bit of everything – comics, sci-fi, anime – with local artists, panel discussions, and cosplay contests. It’s wonderful to see fan culture spreading to all corners of Arizona, not just the big cities. Road trip to Kingman over Memorial Day weekend and support a growing fan event; you might meet some indie comic creators or snag vintage collectibles in a more intimate setting.
Detonation – Wastelanders Weekend (May 5–11, 2025): One of the most offbeat fan gatherings, Detonation is an immersive post-apocalyptic festival in the Arizona desert. Held at a remote area called Uranium Springs (east of Holbrook), it’s like stepping into a Mad Max film. Attendees create a temporary post-apocalyptic town complete with themed camps, costuming, and role-play. There are barter markets (no money, just trade goods), Thunderdome-style combat games, and nightly parties around bonfires with cars rigged out like war machines. It’s 18+ and not for the timid, but if the idea of a weekend LARP in a Fallout-esque wasteland excites you, Detonation is the ultimate escape from reality. Pack your goggles and spiked shoulder pads, and get ready to get dusty!
Arizona’s fan convention scene truly offers something for every flavor of geekdom. Cosplay your heart out, be respectful to fellow fans, and most importantly, have fun and embrace the welcoming community at these events. Whether it’s hunting autographs, discovering a new indie comic, or dancing with fellow nerds at a con rave, you’ll make unforgettable memories. As they say in the con world: keep calm and cosplay on! And don’t forget to pre-register when you can – these events often offer early-bird discounts and insider newsletters so you won’t miss a thing.
May 2024: Phoenix Fan Fusion – Arizona’s Ultimate Pop Culture Party
Grab your capes and lightsabers – Phoenix Fan Fusion 2024is 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!
