Pop-Culturalist.com

Fan conventions have become a staple of pop culture today. Sure, we all know the big ones like San Diego Comic Con and New York Comic-Con, but the likelihood of securing a ticket to one of those events is slim to say the least. Trust us, we know. But with more and more conventions popping up around the world, there are plenty of other opportunities to interact with your favorite stars and create lasting memories with fellow fans. We’ve put together our list of 5 East Coast conventions that should definitely be on your radar!

01. BroadwayCon

Dates: January 24-26
Location: New York City
Official Website

BroadwayCon is a three-day event where fans can come together and revel in the magic that is theater. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite Broadway stars of past, present, and future and experience one-of-a-kind panels and workshops. This year’s BroadwayCon will host stars from shows like Beetlejuice, Jagged Little Pill, Six, Hadestown, and more!

02. ACE Comic Con

Dates: March 20-22
Location: Boston
Official Website

ACE Comic Con is a great option for those not able to travel to SDCC and NYCC. There are ACE cons all over the country and feature some incredible talent. Recently, ACE Midwest featured an inspiring female panel with Brie Larson and Tessa Thompson about their Marvel films. The great thing about ACE panels is that everyone has the ability to hear and see the main stage without having to wait in line overnight like you would have to do at San Diego or New York. The other big draw here is the multitude of opportunities to meet your favorite stars via autograph and photo sessions.

03. Heroes of the Shadow World

Dates: April 3-5
Location: New York City
Official Website

ShadowFam, the first North American Shadowhunters convention, makes it arrival this April in the Big Apple. Celebrating the legacy of the show and its message of inclusivity and representation, the convention reunites the cast and crew who brought the iconic franchise to life. Fans will have the chance to interact with confirmed guests, including Kat McNamara, Matthew Daddario, Dominic Sherwood, Luke Baines, Jade Hassouné, Sydney Meyer, Kimberly-Sue Murray, Todd Slavkin, Darren Swimmer, and more, through panels, autograph sessions, photo ops, unique chats, and demonstrations. Oh, and did we mention, there’s a special once-in-a-lifetime concert that will bring together Fleurie, Ruelle, and SYML—artists who make us feel all the feels with their music?

04. QFX Event

Dates: May 29-31
Location: Tampa
Official Website

Another convention making its debut this year is QFX East. The organization strives to create diverse, inclusive, and accessible events for queer fans to celebrate their favorite LGBTQ+ content, and that’s a mission we can get behind. With what’s sure to be a jam-packed weekend of programming, attendees will enjoy panels from all their favorite shows, including Wynonna Earp, Runaways, Lost Girl, Batwoman, and more.

05. Howler Con Reunion

Dates: June 12-June 14
Location: New Jersey
Official Website

After four successful conventions running from 2014 through 2017, organizers Amy and Betsy sadly announced that their fourth installment would be their last (much to the dismay of fans). But after three LONG years, Howler Con is back! We repeat: Howler Con is back! If you’re a fan of the Teen Wolf franchise or any of its stars, this is an event you can’t miss and arguably one of, if not, the best run Teen Wolf conventions. Quote us on that! Get your ticket today, and hang out with confirmed guests including Tyler Hoechlin, JR Bourne, Melissa Ponzio, Ryan Kelley, Ian Nelson, and Linden Ashby.

Which conventions are you attending this year? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo Credit: Andreas Heimann