Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo
Emily Expo shares her tips for this year’s celebration
- Location: Stampede Park 1410 Olympic Way SE
- Price: $10 - $495
Each and every year the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo seems to get better and better. With four days of celebrity guests, creators, cosplay stars, exhibitors, and so much more, there really is something for everyone. In fact, last year saw over 100,000 fans of all stripes join in the fun.
But if you’re unsure where to start, there’s no reason to fret. Lindsay Thomas (AKA Emily Expo) took the time to share her thoughts on this year’s lineup and has a few tips for both newbies and seasoned visitors:
If someone has never been to the Calgary Expo before, why should they give it a chance?
Because we’re all fans of something! Whatever you’re fan of, chances are you’ll find it at Calgary Expo—from old school comics to Game of Thrones to superheroes. There is often one thing that brings people to the Expo (like meeting Jeff Goldblum this year—I can’t be the only one losing their mind in Calgary right now), but the magic of it is that once you’re there you’re exposed to a whole range of fandoms and can usually find something new.
What are you most exited for this year?
My favourite part of every show is Artist Alley. So much of our mainstream pop culture right now comes from the genius creative minds behind these stories and characters—meeting them, seeing them work in person, and discovering new talent is unbeatable.
Do you have any tips for someone to get the best experience out of the Expo?
First: Wear comfortable shoes and hydrate. My best advise is to keep an open mind—let your curiosity take you to a panel, check out the up and coming artists, and talk to our vendors about what you’re into so they can recommend new stuff for you. You’re never going to find a more plugged in group of fellow pop culture lovers, so take advantage and explore!
How about local talent? Are there any Calgary creators taking part?
Always! The Expo is so successful in Calgary because we’re actually one of the most creative cities in North America. There is a local in almost every area—from Steven Ogg (The Walking Dead, Grand Theft Auto) as a celebrity guest to Tyler Jenkins (Grass Kings) as a creator guest; plus tons of local vendors, artists, and cosplayers; not to mention talent in our screenings (like the new web series Evolve: Year Zero) and in panels (wave to Calgary’s CBC star Andrew Phung when you see him moderating throughout the weekend). Calgary talent is the DNA of Calgary Expo.
The all-ages event gives everyone a chance to enjoy a weekend of cosplay, the chance to explore and shop from hundreds of vendors and artists, and opportunities to hear from and meet their favourite stars.
You can even attend workshops and panels featuring iconic stars and artists, grab new art from world-class creators like Jim Lee, and meet your favourite heroes for a photo or an autograph. Guests appearing this year include Elijah Wood, Jeff Goldblum, Jason Momoa, Anthony Daniels, Megan Follows, and many more.
The Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo runs April 26 to 29, 2018 at Stampede Park (1410 Olympic Way SE).
