Comic fans are gearing up for this year’s Phoenix Comic Fest, which will return to the Phoenix Convention Center at 100 N. Third St. from May 24 – May 27. The festival will include panels from just about every corner of the comic, sci-fi, and fantasy universe, including Harry Potter, Marvel Universe, Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and more.
And the festival isn’t just for kids. The Phoenix Comic Fest has a vibrant nightlife scene. Some favorite parties are the Guardians of the Galaxy-themed Rocket’s Rad 80’s Party and the Rick and Morty-themed Rick Sanchez House Party. There will also be Drinks with Creators, Talk Nerdy to Me Burlesque, comedic Roasts of Batman and Captain Kirk, along with a Charity Poker Tournament supporting Kids Need to Read.
Celebrities abound at the Comic Fest as well. Val Kilmer from Batman Forever and Willow fame will be there from Fri.-Sun. The original It clown, Tim Curry, will be hanging around Sat. & Sun. Plus everybody’s favorite Star Trek captain, William Shatner.
Though the festival encourages your most creative cosplay, expect to be patted-down on your way in the door, and remember that there are rules for what can and cannot be worn or brought into the Convention Center. Fortunately, the Comic Fest’s website has explicit guidelines. If you don’t have the time to check it out, here are most of the allowed and prohibited items:
ALLOWED ITEMS
Lightsabers, wands, and sonic screwdrivers
Bows that are completely inoperable; un-strung is best, but loosely strung is okay too
Non-removable arrows in a quiver AND/OR arrows with no tip
Foam, plastic, fiberglass, resin or metal shields with no sharp edges
Metal shields are allowed but may slow down the screening process at security
Lightweight plastic bats. Any other accessories to the bat (such as those on Negan’s Lucille or the Demogorgon Killer from Stranger Things) should also be made of foam and incapable of harming others. No real barbed wire or nails, please!
Armor made of plastic, fiberglass, resin, or metal
Metal armor is allowed but will drastically slow down the screening process at security
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Real and replica firearms of any kind
Tasers
Glass and stone props
Slingshot
Brass Knuckles
Mace and Pepper Spray
Bullets
Simulated Bomb Vests
Metal or wood swords
Airhorns, Bullhorns, and Whistles
Tickets are on sale now and run from $30 (Thursday Membership) to $350 (VIP four-day Membership). Kids ages 3-12 get in for $10 and if you child is under 2 they get in for free. So bring the whole family, or just your swankiest Darth Vader costume.
