Attending FAN EXPO Chicago, the region’s longest-running comic and pop culture convention, may seem overwhelming for the first-time guest. With so much to see and do over the four-day Expo, here a few of the top highlights to help fans plan their visit to this year’s show, running August 10 – 13, 2023 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.
Meet Your Favorite Celebrities
During the SAG-AFTRA strike, celebrity guests are still able to attend conventions, meet fans, and participate in autograph sessions and photo ops – and there’s no better place to meet your favorite stars than at FAN EXPO Chicago. This year’s all-star roster includes some of the biggest pop culture icons, including Susan Sarandon’s first-ever appearance at a convention; Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson and Tom Wilson; Christie Brinkley, Beverly D’Angelo, and Chevy Chase. See the full list of celebrity guests and schedules and plan your visit. Note that during the strike, if you want a photo from a specific film or TV show autographed, plan to bring it with you – celebrities will only be providing their headshots in the autograph sessions.
Get Inked
Looking for the ultimate, one-of-a-kind tattoo? Want an amazing story of how you got it? Wear your fandom on your sleeve (literally) and check out Tattoo Alley, powered by Ink Fusion Empire. 16 talented, licensed artists will be inking up fans all weekend, immortalizing fandoms forever. Book your appointment with an artist now, and start thinking about your design!
From Haunted Graveyards to Improv Shows
FAN EXPO Chicago panels provide chills, thrills, and skills throughout the four-day event. Explore Chicago’s historic and haunted graveyards, hosted by paranormal podcasters Patrick Harrington and Rebecca Rivers (Ghostly Podcast) and Scott Larson (Visitations); learn how to create the most epic cosplay ever with sewing classes, body positivity seminars, and sword fighting lessons; and see a special one-night-only performance of improvised Star Trek parody STARSHIP EDSEL from Chicago’s Otherworld Theatre Company.
FAN EXPO Chicago runs August 10 – 13, 2023 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Show hours are Thursday 4 – 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. More information and updates can be found at https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpochicago/.
Photo Credit: Fan Expo
