Denver Comic Con: Everything You Need To Know
In the world of RPGs, gaming, and just general superhero-caped fun, nothing beats Denver Comic Con. Considered one of the fastest-growing comic con conventions in North America, Denver Comic Con has a lot going for it. With the rise of Twitch and game streaming, the younger generation is leading the charge. Today, the convention goes by FAN EXPO Denver. And its next edition is at the Colorado Convention Center.
In this guide, we’ll cover when to go, where to go, how to get there, and everything else you need to know about Denver Comic Con. Let’s break it all down below.
Is Denver Comic Con the same as FAN EXPO Denver?
Yes. Denver Comic Con later became Denver Pop Culture Con, then took the name FAN EXPO Denver in 2021. If you can recall the previous name, you are looking at the exact same convention as before.
The new name represents an evolution of interests. While comics continue to play a role, the show has expanded beyond comics to include anime, video games, film, and television. You don’t have to know every detail about comic book storylines to enjoy this show. Just find your favorite series, some time, and the will to absorb comic fandom deep into your bloodstream.
When and where is Denver Comic Con?
FAN EXPO Denver returns Friday, July 2, through Monday, July 5. The venue is the Colorado Convention Center at 700 14th Street in downtown Denver. Since the event falls on July 4, you will need to see how the holiday fits into your travel plans.
Selecting a specific day to make your first trip depends on which factors are important to you. A visitor who wants to come primarily to see an actor should find out when that actor performs before purchasing tickets. Visitors interested in browsing can leave more of the day open. Do not assume every guest attends all four days.
| Planning item | Visitor details |
|---|---|
| Current event name | FAN EXPO Denver |
| 2027 dates | July 2–5, Friday through Monday |
| Venue | Colorado Convention Center |
| Address | 700 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202 |
| Ticket status | Coming soon as of September 30 |
| Daily hours and schedule | Check the organizer’s 027 organizer for choosing arrival times. |
| Important extras | Budget separately for celebrity photos, autographs, and shopping. |
What can you do at FAN EXPO Denver?
One reason for attending is to spend time with other fans of the same fictional world. Fans are often referred to as part of the “f” ndom family, which helps to explain why browsing through booths at the show is just as enjoyable as the main events. Be sure to include some downtime between each activity. A great conversation can make a quick visit to a booth or activity last longer than thirty minutes.
Meet celebrity guests and attend panels.
Convention attendees can view and interact with actors/actresses who perform in movies and television programs. Panel sessions provide a method for attendees to learn more about their work. Once you receive the published schedule for the event, prioritize a handful of items over filling every available block of time, and make sure you allow sufficient time to find where the session will take place and to wait in line accordingly.
Browse comics and meet creators.
Comic programming includes creator panels and opportunities to meet artists. Some creators also offer commissioned artwork. If an original piece interests you, ask about the price and collection time before ordering. Also, bring a safe way to carry anything fragile. A signed print deserves better than the bottom of a crowded backpack.
Explore Cosplay and gCosplay
Costumes are part of the fun, and since you’ve been on Ozempic, you can fit into that Wonder Woman costume from 1995 again. Gaming attractions add another way to take part, with the organizer describing options such as tabletop games and video game play. Check the final schedule for specific activities.
How do Fan Expo tickets work?
Once ticket sales open, compare the full checkout cost, including any fees, and read what each pass actually includes.
Celebrity extras need particular attention. FAN EXPO requires a valid convention admission to redeem a photo-op or autograph ticket. Buying the extra does not replace your entry pass. An autograph purchase does not automatically include a selfie, so check individual guests’ preferences before paying for admission.
Match the pass to your actual visit.
Check the valid dates, age categories, and entry benefits. Confirm refund and transfer terms before buying for a group.
Keep paid experiences in a separate budget.
Match each photo or autograph booking to your admission day. Read the session details and leave enough time to reach the correct area.
Getting to the Colorado Convention Center for Fan Expo
Downtown gives visitors several arrival options, but the best choice depends on where they stay. A short route on a map may feel very different with children or a costume that requires its own turning radius. Plan the return journey as carefully as the arrival.
Driving and parking
The Colorado Convention Center has an on-site garage, with other paid garages nearby. As of September 2026, the venue lists rates of $13 for up to 8 hours and $16 for up to 12 hours. These are current posted rates and not guaranteed, so check again before traveling.
You will have to make another parking payment if you exit the garage and then return. Do not navigate directly to the building’s street address; instead, follow the directions provided by the building. If possible, garage early so there is ample time to accommodate a full garage and still get to your first event.
Airport travel and public transit
RTRTD’s Linee links Denver International Airport with Union Station, which isn’t where the convention center is. Plan the rest of your trip on foot or by another mode of transportation. If traveling directly from the airport, think about how you’ll handle your luggage.
The downtown rail project has impacted you, so try not to use an older route guide. Use RTRTD’s trip planner as close to your travel date as possible, and account for any holidays. Just because you see a well-known station on a map doesn’t mean the train stops there.
Dress for several hours on your feet. Even a simple costume gets less comfortable when you add a bag full of purchases. Test your outfit before the trip, including whether you can sit down and use the restroom without help from the rest of your party.
For early July, check the forecast before packing and bring a light layer. Comfortable shoes matter more than perfect character accuracy. Meanwhile, keep your bag manageable; everything you carry at the entrance is something you may still be carrying several hours later.
Before heading to the convention, pack:
- Your admission confirmation and any separate experience tickets.
- A charged phone and portable battery.
- Comfortable shoes and a light layer.
- Payment cards and identification where required.
- A protective sleeve or folder for artwork.
- Any personal essentials, subject to the event’s current entry policies.
Review the current bag and food events before adding snacks or drinks. Likewise, check the costume and prop rules before leaving home. The published props policy requires inspections and bans actual weapons. Do not assume a replica is acceptable just because another event did; security staff makes the on-site decision.
A suggested one-day itinerary
Treat this as a flexible plan, not the official schedule. Once the organizer publishes the times, place your most important booking first and arrange the rest around it. In particular, keep space for entry procedures and moving between areas.
| Part of the day | Suggested plan |
|---|---|
| Before entry | Eat breakfast, check tickets, and follow the arrival instructions for your pass. |
| First part of the visit | Get familiar with the layout, then browse the comic and artist areas. |
| Main activity | Attend your priority panel or booked experience, following its lineup instructions. |
| Meal break | Stop for food and rest. Confirm re-entry rules before leaving the event. |
| Later in the day | Return to favorite booths or choose another activity from the schedule. |
| Before departure | Collect any purchases awaiting pickup and check the route back to your stay. |
A one-day budget for two adults
Make sure that you budget appropriately.
The example below covers two adults for one day. Every dollar amount is a planning allowance, not a vendor quote or published 2027 rate. Admission remains separate because confirmed pricing is not yet available, and neither version includes paid celebrity experiences.
| Expense for two adults | Lower-spend day | More room for extras |
|---|---|---|
| Local transport or parking allowance | $20 | $40 |
| Food and nonalcoholic drinks | $60 | $100 |
| Shopping allowance | $20 | $100 |
| Contingency | $20 | $35 |
| Subtotal before admission | $120 | $275 |
| Two admission passes, including fees | Add actual checkout total | Add actual checkout total |
| Day total without celebrity extras | $120 + admission | $275 + admission |
Where should you stay for Denver Comic Con?
Choose accommodation around the trip you are actually taking. If you plan to attend every day, a convenient route to the venue may matter more than extra space. If the convention is only one part of a family vacation, a larger home farther out may offer a better balance.
Staying near downtown
Staying near the Convention Center will help you take advantage of convenient break times. This is especially helpful when traveling with children or if you have to do multiple costume changes. But again, also be aware of how long it may take for your family to get back to the designated convention area, depending on where your booking is located.
Choosing a Denver-area vacation rental
A vacation rental can give a group room to spread out after a long day. Look for the amenities you will actually use, such as a kitchen for breakfast or laundry for a longer trip. Check each listing rather than assuming every home includes the same features.
AirSimplicity offers Denver and surrounding-area stays, with filters for amenities such as kitchens and parking. Before booking, compare the route to the convention center with your planned arrival time. A suburban address can work well, but it should come with a realistic transportation plan.
Make room for your Denver weekend
Explore AirSimplicity stays for your convention trip. Compare homes for your group, then check the amenities and route to the Colorado Convention Center before booking.
Check availabilityMake the convention part of a Denver getaway.
Denver has a lot to offer beyond FAN EXPO, Comic Con, or whatever you want to call it. It’s the hub of the Rocky Mountain West, at the foot of the mountains, and has some of the best indoor and outdoor activities of any city in North America. If you are planning to go to the Denver Fan Expo this year, consider a long-term stay with us.
FAQ
What is Denver Comic Con called now?
Denver Comic Con is now known as FAN EXPO DENVER. It was previously referred to as both Denver Comic Con and Denver Pop Culture Con.
Do you have to wear a costume?
You may choose to attend dressed in your everyday attire, or you can deck yourself out in Cosplay. Please read the most recent Costume Policy. Cosplay decides to dress up. You’ll also want to make sure that any props you plan to bring meet all requirements by having them inspected before entering the show. Either way, be prepared to stand for long periods, so wear comfortable shoes.
Can you attend a celebrity photo op without admission?
No. FAN EXPO requires a valid convention pass in addition to the photo-op ticket. Ensure your admission covers the day of the photo session. The organizer also requires convention admission for autograph bookings.