Best Upcoming Conventions Near Los Angeles
Over the past few decades, conventions have come a long way from boat shows and insurance options. Conventions run the gambit from farming equipment to cookware to fashion and to the ever prevalent pop-culture. Whatever your interest, cons are a great way to get together with other like-minded people and have an experience that only a con can deliver. Whether it's on a grand scale or something on the smaller, more casual side, there are lots of cons coming to the LA area over the next few months that are worth checking out. Here are just a few of some cool upcoming cons.
Campbell Con
1 W. Campbell Ave.
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 571-8013
www.campbellcon.com
Date: October 29, 2016 at 10am
Commercialism has turned a lot of pop culture conventions into expensive and unfulfilling herding events where more times than not fans are left disappointed and broke. But Campbell Con is a one-day, more intimate con where fans can actually have quality time with meet-and-greets and not feel rushed around the venue. Described as "your neighborhood pop culture convention," this show features celebrity guests, artists, cosplay, comic books, toys, games, collectibles, and much more. Ticket sales not available at the door, and only available online.
Sac Gamers Expo
6151 H St.
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 452-5881
www.sacgamersexpo.com
Date: December 11, 2016
If you think playing video games is more of a lifestyle than a hobby, then you'll definitely want to check out the Sacramento Gamers Expo. Special guests include Russell Barba (video game designer, computer artist, game animator); Brian Linville (Stigma Games founder); Scott Zillner, a professional paint artist; Sean Long (maker of funny YouTube video game reviews and parodies); Dena Cyborcat Natali; and Richard M. Alvarez among others. Teaming up with Sac-Anime, the Sac Gamers Expo will feature panels, vendors, food trucks, displays, video gaming and a lot more. There will also be a multitude of free gaming tournaments, free play rooms, viewing rooms, panel rooms, and exhibitors as well.
Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 741-1151
www.stanleeslacomiccon.com
Date: October 28, 2016 - October 30, 2016
Stan Lee's L.A. Comic Con is Los Angeles' first multi-media pop culture convention, held annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Lee, who is best known as a comic-book writer, editor, publisher, actor, and former president and chairman of the hugely popular Marvel Comics is the head of this event. The Gamer, cosplay, fanboy, and comic enthusiast is the pinnacle of all things pop culture. This October event brings his Comikaze pop culture convention to Los Angeles for its 6th year. The annual event was first held on November 5–6, 2011 with a total of 35,000 attendees throughout the entire weekend. Since then, 75,000 fans from around the country have come to celebrate geek and pop culture here. Last year's event housed over 700 diverse artists and vendors, each selling exclusive and rare collections of comics, art, toys, and other hard to find merchandise. With unique panels, autograph sessions, photo-ops and more it's great if you're into the scene.
L.A. Auto Show
(310) 444-1850
www.laautoshow.com/">
Date: November 18 - 27, 2016
Nothing can compete with that new car smell. Well, except maybe the reveal of new car models and concepts. The LA Auto Show of 2016 is just around the corner, and word is already out it's going to blow people away. World-class designs and technology will debut for everyday cars as well as top-of-the-line luxury and sports cars. See what's hitting the market next year, as well as the near future. See prototypes as well as futuristic designs that your grandkids might be driving one day. On November 18th, the LA Auto Show will dazzle enthusiasts by showcasing many automobiles of vintage and unique models to honor So Cal's car culture. Tickets ca be purchased here.
LA Cookie Con
(818) 495-5732
www.lacookiecon.com
Date: February 18 & 19, 2017
If there was ever an event where you'd want there to be free samples, it would be at the LA Cookie Con. One of the biggest sweets and pastry conventions in Los Angeles, the LA Cookie Con is a stunning and inspirational display of what can be done with sugar and flour. Whether you're just looking for ways to wow the kids or new recipes and designs for your shop or company, you can find it at the LA Cookie Con. Various competitions and bake offs are scheduled, as well as celebrity guests, demonstrations and lectures. With hundreds of vendors selling accessories, supplies, equipment and things you didn't know you needed until you saw them, the LA Cookie Con is an event for the whole family. Did we mention the free samples?
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