10 Things to Know About Gem Shows in Tucson

Large mineral at the UArizona Alfie Norville Gem + Mineral Museum. — Mineral on display at the Alfie Norville Gem + Mineral Museum.

1. The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show® (TGMS) is the original.

When the Tucson Gem + Mineral Society held their inaugural show in the 1970s, it was the first of its kind, welcoming both professionals and the public. It continues to be the largest gem and mineral show in the world!

2. TGMS takes place annually in mid-February.

The 2024 show is scheduled for February 8-11.
Show hours are typically 10am-6pm, except for the final day (Sunday), when it closes at 4pm.
It takes place at the Tucson Convention Center in Downtown Tucson.

Ticket sales for the 2024 show will start January 11, 2024. Purchase through the TCC Box Office (520-791-4101) or Ticketmaster.

3. Regular TGMS admission is $13, but there are discounts!

Single-Day Admission Prices

$13 for adults and teens (ages 15+).
Free entry for youth (ages 14 and under) with a paid adult admission.

Where to find TGMS Discounts…

Coupon: Your best bet is to watch the TGMS page closer to the event date for a flyer that includes a $3 off coupon.
2-day pass: If you’ll be spending a couple days at the show, buying a 2-day pass ($22) will save you $4.
Military + Senior Citizens: There’s a discount day during the show when anyone who is over 62 years old and/or active or retired military receives $3 off admission. (In 2023, it was the Friday of the show.)

These discounts are an either/or situation. They can’t be combined.

On a tight budget? Don’t forget to factor in parking costs! See #9 below to learn about the lowest-cost options and transit alternatives.

4. A single show has sprouted several weeks of shows!

The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show may be the original, but it’s far from the only show in town! Over the years, more and more shows have sprung up around it, creating an entire gem and mineral show season. In fact, there are dozens that take place from about late January to mid February.

Some shows might specialize in a specific type of gem or minerals imported from a certain part of the world.

Booths in the African Village marketplace at the Tucson Gem Show — Phillip walks through the African Art Village.

To avoid confusion with the original Tucson Gem & Mineral Show [registered trademark], these other shows are collectively known as the Tucson Gem, Mineral + Fossil Showcase or simply the “Gem Show.” Most of them are free, open to the public, and take place about late January to mid February.

5. An entire African art marketplace pops up during the Gem Show!

One very special show is the African Art Village, which happens on the Mercado District Festival Grounds.

Jewelry designer Aissatou Bamba Kemoko — Jewelry designer Aïssatou Bamba Kemoko.

It’s an outdoor marketplace with many different vendors selling artisan products imported from Nigeria, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Morocco, and across the African continent.

Abstract artwork. — Abstract paintings by artist Harouna Ouédraogo.

While some of the items would fit under the “gem and mineral” heading, there is much more variety than that.

Abstract artist Caszi B. with his paintings. — Abstract artist Casimir Bationo (“Caszi”) and some of his work.

You can find beautifully carved wooden furniture and figurines, jars of shea butter and black soap, baskets, bags, traditional masks, textiles, oversized necklaces, djembe drums, and even contemporary art!

6. There’s a lot to see in the Mineral District, where it tends to be less hectic.

As you head north of Speedway on Granada/Main/Oracle, you’ll start to see some gem shops and warehouses. This is where you’ll find the 1801 Oracle / Mineral Village Show, Rock Yard Show, and Mineral City Show, which boasts over 100 mineral vendors in one location. Even with all that, these shows tend to be a bit less crowded and easier for more casual shoppers to just pop in and out of.

7. Gem Shows set up in some unusual locations around Tucson.

You can find them outside warehouses, taking over hotel parking lots, crammed into a jewelry store or lobby, on festival grounds, and inside ginormous tent-like structures that are assembled solely for this purpose.

Visit Tucson creates a full list each year of show dates and locations and which ones are wholesalers-only.

8. Hotel rooms fill up fast.

If you’re coming in from out of town, make sure you have a place to stay well in advance. Hotel rooms, Airbnbs, and all types of lodging get more difficult to find and more expensive as you approach the gem show dates.

In fact, February is the most expensive month to stay in Tucson, according to Google Hotels “When to Visit!”

Apparently, you can call Visit Tucson Visitor Information Services at 1-800-638-8350, if you have trouble finding accommodations.

9. You’ve got a wide range of options for getting around.

Sun Link Street Car:

Currently free to ride – and will be through at least June 30, 2023.
Easily get to the 22nd Street Shows and African Art Village by riding to the western end of the line in the Mercado District.
Also convenient gem show stops at the Tucson Convention Center (where TGMS happens), 4th Avenue, and Main Gate Square.

GemRide Shuttle:

The free shuttles that traveled between gem show locations in past years were discontinued during COVID. I’m not sure if/when this will resume.

Driving:

If you do drive, take it slow! Streets near shows can get congested with sudden stops due to bottlenecks at entrances or trucks loading/unloading. In addition, there are more people walking around and wandering across the street where you wouldn’t expect them to.

metal figurines — Metalwork at the African Village in Tucson.

Where to Park…

Gem Show parking isn’t super expensive, but it is something to factor in if you’re on a tight budget. Or if you just don’t like unexpected costs popping up.

TGMS: Parking at the Tucson Convention Center is $10/day. Other parking options in the area will be around $3-10.
22nd Street Mineral, Fossil, Gem + Jewelry Show makes a big deal about their free admission. But it costs $10 to park there. Which is kind of like charging admission for your car.
Parking for the Mercado District (including the African Village) is $5 during the Gem Show.
Shows in the Mineral City area typically have free street parking.
Park Tucson has more information on downtown Gem Show Parking.

empty tent structure — A gem show exhibition space in the process of post-show disassembly – with Downtown Tucson buildings in the background.

10. You can see gems and minerals in Tucson year round!

After Gem Show season, once all the crystals have been crated up and tents taken down, rockhounds can still find some hidden gems!

mineral museum display — Minerals on display at Alfie Norville Gem + Mineral Museum.

Alfie Norville Gem + Mineral Museum

This University of Arizona museum features illuminating displays and hands-on exhibits. The collection began in 1892!

Located: 115 N. Church Ave. in the Old Pima County Courthouse
Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-4pm
Admission: $15/adults, $5/children

crystal — Crystal display at the Alfie Norville Gem + Mineral Museum.

Tucson Fine Mineral Gallery

I haven’t been inside yet, but the newly-opened space has 5 different dealer showrooms, a cafe and bar on site, and promises to be a “perfect setting in which to relax and enjoy a stunning selection of the world’s finest mineral specimens.”

Located: 465 W. Saint Mary’s Rd.
Open: Monday – Friday, 10am-4pm and select weekends (next up: May 12-14, 10am-6pm)

Tucson Geodes + Gems

Large gemstone art wall hangings, floor lamps, and sculptures and other home decor items. We happened to walk by just after they’d moved into La Encantada – even before it was on the mall’s directory!

Located: 2905 E. Skyline Dr., Level 1 of La Encantada Shopping Center (just a couple doors down from Creative Kind)
Mall hours: Monday – Wednesday, 10am-7pm / Thursday – Saturday, 10am-8pm / Sunday 11am-6pm (Store hours may vary.)

Drutopia

A curated selection of crystals, plants, and handmade plant hangers at the Dunbar Pavilion by the sweet and knowledgeable Drew Berryhill. His shop is outdoors year-round, centered under a large ramada.

Located: 325 W. 2nd St. is the Dunbar’s address. However, you’ll find Drutopia closer to the northwest corner of University and 11th Ave.
Open: Thursday – Sunday, 10am-5:30pm

Mineral Artisan

Home goods made from polished stones and geodes. Their display is the first thing you see as you walk into the merchant collective Proper Shops, which just opened at the end of 2022.

Located: 300 E. Congress St., inside Proper Shops, across from Hotel Congress
Open: Thursday – Friday, 3-8pm / Saturday 11am-9pm / Sunday 11am-5pm

Earrings by Little Toro Designs, who made This Is Tucson’s list.

Check out #ThisIsTucson’s list of 9 places to get gems, jewelry, minerals, and meteorites year-round for more recommendations!

Fall Show

Finally, if you just can’t wait a whole year to get your Gem Show on, there is a smaller fall gem show that happens in time for holiday shopping.

The next one is August 31 – September 3, 2023. It’ll include JOGS Gem + Jewelry Show at the Tucson Expo Center (tickets $15 general public, free for wholesalers) and Colors of the Stone with To Bead True Blue + Artisan Workshops at Casino Del Sol (free).

March 7, 2020March 7, 2020

Inside The Alien’s Head: Paul Blake at Tucson Comic-Con

Don’t let the fact that Paul Blake is a sweet and thoughtful 71-year-old Englishman fool you. He is enmeshed in one of the biggest cover ups in sci-fi film history: the question of just who shot first, Han or Greedo.

Paul Blake with moderator Patty Hawkins at Tucson Comic-Con. — Paul Blake (right) with moderator Patty Hawkins at Tucson Comic-Con.

You may remember that in George Lucas’s original 1977 Star Wars film, outlaw Han Solo shoots the bounty hunter Greedo to escape capture. When Lucas decided to alter a later release of the film to show Greedo firing his weapon first, fans protested the edit with an outcry of “Han shot first!” and it has been a point of contention ever since.

Paul Blake saw it all firsthand from inside his green Greedo mask.

We got to hear Blake’s side of the story during his panel at Tucson Comic-Con 2019.

Paul Blake's panel at Tucson Comic-Con. — Paul Blake’s panel at Tucson Comic-Con.

An Actor’s Life

While portraying an alien from the planet Rodia named “Greedo” may be Blake’s claim to fame, he had a long career as a working actor, which he defines as being skilled enough to get steady work in theater and film, but without “the hassle of being a superstar.”

Let’s step back, for a moment, to 1970s England. At the time, Star Wars was in pre-production. Blake worked with future fellow Star Wars actor Anthony Daniels on the BBC children’s show Jackanory. Daniels was the one who gave him the tip to audition for Star Wars.

Blake arrived so early for the audition that there was no one else around. He poked around the impressive set until a crew member showed up. Blake asked if there was anywhere he could get coffee, and the man offered to bring him some. Shortly afterwards, Blake was mortified to realize that the person who had fetched his coffee was, in fact, director George Lucas!

Despite Blake’s misstep, Lucas still cast him in the role of Greedo, who, at that point, was simply known as “The Alien.”

Paul Blake gets into Greedo costume. — Paul Blake being helped into his Greedo costume. Via Nerf Herders Anonymous.

Getting Into Character

Blake’s transition to Greedo began a few weeks later with a “life mask” molding to fit his face and head. He noted, “As in theater, the costume informs your character.”

When he asked for direction on playing Greedo, Lucas simply told Blake, “Play him like an alien in the movies!”

The cantina scene had so many unusual new creatures that inspiration had to come from a wide variety of sources, including (in Greedo’s case) an ad for Birds Eye frozen vegetables with a bouncing green pea.

Despite a stuffy mask that smelled equal part “sweat and chemicals,” Blake was fortunate that the rest of his costume was made of comfortable parachute silk. Shooting his scenes stretched from days to weeks.

Han and Greedo — Han Solo faces off against Greedo in the “cantina scene” in Star Wars: A New Hope. Via StarWars.com

The Cantina Scene

The biggest moment for his character, of course, would be his Solo encounter in a seedy space cantina known for being a “wretched hive of scum and villainy.”

To accomplish the effect of him being shot, the production’s explosive technician detonated a small explosive on a fully-clothed dummy of Greedo. With the costume still smoldering, stage hands disrobed Greedo’s dummy and placed the costume on Blake, so the actor could finish the scene.

Unfortunately, the technician was a bit too aggressive with the explosives in one of the first takes, resulting in a fire on the cantina set. The set had to be rebuilt before filming could continue.

After all that, it would be close to a year until Blake found out whether any of his scenes had even made the final cut.

Greedo and cantina — Greedo via StarWars.com

Star Wars is Born

Blake, like many involved in its production, underestimated how successful Lucas’ film would be. When Star Wars came out in the summer of 1977, he was working in Greece and didn’t make time to see it. To him, Star Wars was just another gig, some “shitty science fiction thing.”

While relaxing on a beach in Greece, he met some Americans and it came up in conversation that he worked on Star Wars. The Americans were star struck that he was involved in the film, so he figured then it was worth seeing.

In the theater, he was gripped from the opening crawl! He still didn’t know whether or not he’d appear in the film or if his scenes had been cut out. So when Greedo did show up on screen, Blake jumped out of his seat in the middle of the theater and exclaimed, “That’s me!!”

Greedo and Greedo cosplayer — Paul Blake answers a question from a fan cosplaying as Greedo at Tucson Comic-Con.

Behind the Mask

One of the fans at the panel said that Blake has a reputation for being generous and caring. I would have loved to learn more about the things he’s done over the past forty years, like performing Shakespeare, working in Hong Kong, and supporting his son, Paul John Blake, who is a Paralympic champion!

Yet I also understood what brought Blake to our corner of this galaxy.

A member of the 501st Legion Mexican Garrison and a young fan from The Galactic Academy Kamino Campus México traveled to the Con from Hermosillo, Sonora specifically to meet him. They presented him with an honorary membership on behalf of The Galactic Academy, an international costuming group for kids.

Sonora trooper with Paul Blake — Fans from Mexico with Paul Blake and the certificate they presented him.

To the world, he’ll forever be known as Greedo. Paul Blake definitely couldn’t have imagined the path that life took would take him on when he put on a stinky mask and a smoldering jumpsuit over forty years ago. With irony and humor, he has embraced the time he spent in a galaxy far away and has enjoyed the ride ever since. So while Han may have shot first in 1977, at Tucson Comic-Con, Greedo brought the house down.

Greedo and phillip in cantina set — Phillip at a Phoenix Comicon Cantina Scene set.

We received media passes from Tucson Comic-Con.

August 29, 2019August 29, 2019

Chicago Sightseeing on a Conference Schedule

Updated last: August 29, 2019.

Originally published June 25, 2014.

This post came from finding ways to squeeze in a little Chicago sightseeing when I was headed to a conference that would be split between the massive McCormick Place convention center and hotels a few miles away, along the Chicago River.

Now that I’m getting ready for another quick trip to Chicago, I’ve updated information and added to it.

Let me know what you like to do in the Windy City!

–Steph

I had been to Chicago O’Hare. But the airport doesn’t count. I had driven by Chicago on the interstate. That doesn’t really count either. The first time I was really in the city of Chicago, it was for a conference. Which just barely counts.

McCormick Place in Chicago — Part of the massive McCormick Place convention center in Chicago.

A conference can be like its own self-contained universe. You can eat, sleep, socialize, work, learn, and be entertained for days without ever leaving its confines. Or ever talking to someone who isn’t wearing a lanyard. Whether you’re there for knowledge or networking, you want to get as much as you can out of the conference itself. But it’s also nice to see some of the area outside the convention center.

As I prepared for the 2013 BlogHer Annual Conference, I also looked into what was near the downtown convention centers and hotels where I would be starting from and how I could see a small slice of Chicago if I found a spare hour or two.

Floor clock — Floor Clock II by Vito Acconci in Ogden Park Plaza.

Make the Most of Museum Visits

Quick trips to museums can be particularly tricky!

They’re often only open 9-to-5-type hours, so it can be hard to fit into a full itinerary.
Admission is typically for a full day – worth it, but it can feel a bit pricey if you’re pressed for time and can’t stay long.

While I couldn’t exactly find any special I’m-here-for-a-conference-and-only-have-an-hour discounts, here are some things to keep in mind to make the most of your museum visits…

Reciprocal memberships: Do you have a membership to a science center or museum where you live? Find out whether it’s part of the ASTC Travel Passport Program (like The Field Museum) or offers other reciprocal privileges (like the Art Institute) that grant you free general admission. Remember to bring along your membership card and photo ID!
Check for special events during the dates you’re in town. You may be able to take advantage of extended hours and/or discounts. However, the monthly or weekly Free Admission Days you’ll often see listed are specifically for Illinois residents.
Find out what you can see for free. A full Soldier Field tour may not fit your schedule, but you can explore the Colonnade level of the stadium at your own pace. If the stars haven’t aligned for a visit to Adler Planetarium, you can scope out the Doane Observatory anytime the doors are open.

Starting from McCormick Place

McCormick Place is the largest conference center in the U.S. It feels isolated from the rest of downtown, but you’re a short cab ride away from all the sights.

Map (PDF)
Hotels on-site: Marriott Marquis Chicago + Hyatt Regency McCormick Place (which is where I stayed – it was really nice!)

Burnham Park

Burnham Park runs along Lake Michigan. Locals hang out, picnic, and enjoy lake views.

It’s just outside of McCormick Place, but it still took me 15 minutes to wind my way through the convention center’s labyrinth of expo halls and walkways out to daylight. It’s that massive of a complex!
Lakefront Trail – Take a walk or run — if you haven’t already gotten enough exercise hoofing it over there. These bike and pedestrian trails go the length of Burnham Park — and beyond it!
Divvy Bike Share – You can purchase a Single Ride pass at Divvy Kiosks. $3 for 30 minutes.

McCormick Bird Sanctuary

To get your wildlife fix, visit this 6-acre grassland preserve created as a habitat for migrating birds.

Many locals don’t seem to know this place exists, including the McCormick information desk staff – even though the bird sanctuary is just south of the conference center and literally built on top of one of their parking garages.
For best results, get directions out to the Lakefront, and then follow the signage and/or Google Maps to get the rest of the way there.
It’s part of the larger Burnham Wildlife Corridor.
PDF map + info

view of downtown Chicago from McCormick Place — View of Museum Campus and Downtown Chicago from McCormick Place.

Museum Campus Sights

If you have a little more time, there’s a lot to see at the nearby Museum Campus!

Adler Planetarium

Planetarium that seeks to connect people through the wonder of space science. Museum entry $19.

Doane Observatory: Large telescope outside of the planetarium with an open-door policy. Open daily 10am – 1pm or whenever conditions permit.
Doane at Dusk: Monthly telescope viewings and discussions with Adler Astronomers after museum hours. Free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis, weather permitting. Upcoming dates: 9/27 at 7:30pm, 11/22 at 7pm, 12/20 at 7pm
Adler After Dark: Evening event for adults (21+) every third Thursday of the month from 6-10pm. Includes full access to museum exhibits, unlimited sky shows, special guests, hands-on programs, access to Doane Observatory, live entertainment, and new themes every month. $20 advance / $25 at the door
ASTC Travel Passport Program participant.

The Field Museum

Natural and cultural history museum, including the fossil skeleton of T-Rex Sue. Basic admission $26.

ASTC Travel Passport Program participant.

Shedd Aquarium

Aquarium with a wide variety of aquatic creatures that also does Great Lakes conservation projects. Regular daytime admission is $40.

After Hours: Normally closing by 5 or 6pm, Shedd sometimes has extended-hours events for adults (21+). Upcoming 2019 dates: September 12 + 27 from 6-10pm. $25 admission.

Chicago hot dog — Chicago dog with the works.

Soldier Field

Stadium built in 1924 with capacity to seat over 100,000 people. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, was the site of the first International Special Olympics Games in 1968, and is the current home of the Chicago Bears.

Public tours are available on weekdays, subject to event schedules. You can book an advance ticket online or walk up (if space is available). Tickets $15.
Groups of 10 or more can book a private tour at least 2 weeks in advance.
Free: The Colonnade level of the stadium, with the original columns from 1924, is open to the public 6am-11pm on non-event days Spring through Fall. They are lit up each night with multi-colored LED lights.
Surrounding Soldier Field is a 17-acre park with features such as the Children’s Garden and Memorial Water Wall.

Navy Pier in Chicago — Lake Michigan from Navy Pier.

Chicago River Area (Near North Side)

For conference-goers staying on the Near North Side of downtown, there are a lot more options in walking distance.

The Art Institute of Chicago

Perusing art museums can be good for the soul.

What to see in an hour: List of museum highlights, which are also marked on the PDF Visitors Guide Map (except, weirdly, for American Gothic, which is in gallery 263 with #8 Nightlife).
Terzo Piano restaurant is open to the public with views of the downtown cityscape.
Has reciprocal membership agreements with select art museums around the U.S.

Chicago Cultural Center

Known for its architectural features and event spaces, the building was originally opened in 1897 as Chicago’s first public library. Free.

Hours: Monday-Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am–5pm
1st Floor: public restrooms, pedway access elevator, information desks and Welcome Center (for Millennium Park, Harris Theater, Lurie Garden, Maggie Daley Park, and The Art Institute of Chicago).
3rd Floor (Washington Street Side): Tiffany Dome, the largest dome made out of Tiffany glass in the world.
Public wifi network “Chi-Fi.”

Chicago River

Walk along it, take a river cruise, or just sit and watch boats go by.

A commenter suggested taking an architectural boat tour. A couple I found…

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC).
Chicago’s Best 90-Min Architecture Boat Tour currently has a Living Social deal or a $15 discount with code SUMMER.

Magnificent Mile

High-end retail district on and around Michigan Avenue.

Millennium Park

Iconic Chicago park just outside the Art Institute. Free.

Hours: 6am–11pm.
Take a photo under Cloud Gate, the large silver sculpture also known as “The Bean.”
Walk through Lurie Garden. Free 5-25 minute tours are offered on a first, come/first serve basis May to September on Thursdays and Fridays (11am – 1:15pm) + Sundays (11am – 2:15pm).
Catch a free concert.
The park has free wifi (!) Log in at “Park WiFi.”

Navy Pier

Rides, food, shows, ~~and this random (but lovely) little stained glass museum when you’re ready for a quiet moment.~~
[Update: the stained glass museum has closed. Some of the works are on display in a corridor of Chicago’s underground Pedway.]

Free events and public programs
Public art – including a Bob Newhart sculpture with a couch where you can tell him your problems.
International and cultural dining
Chicago Shakespeare Theater

downtown Chicago — Downtown Chicago buildings, as seen on the ride from the airport.

West Side

Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) with its famous Sky Deck is about a mile inland. If you just have to go up but are short on time, they offer a Fast Pass with an elevator express lane for ~~double~~ triple the regular admission price. (Regular $25 / Fast Pass $75.)

For public radio fans, WBEZ’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me sells nonrefundable tickets ($30) to Chase Auditorium tapings 6 weeks in advance. Otherwise, you’ll have to take your chances the day of the show with the Wait Wait waiting list.

Canoe sculpture at Navy Pier — Monochrome II sculpture by Nancy Rubins. (This was at Navy Pier, but I’m not sure if it’s still there.)

Finally, you may not be able to do everything you’d like. But keep your eyes and ears open, and you might be able to catch a few glimpses of life in the city!

– More Chicago Info –

Flora + Fauna:

12 secret parks and gardens
Bird sanctuaries in Chicago
Shedd Gardens: outside of the aquarium are a dozen different gardens designed for the area’s climate and native habitats to be both beautiful and sustainable.

Stained Glass Windows in the Underground Pedway:

October 13, 2016October 11, 2016

The Next Phoenix Fan Fest

Whether it’s your favorite lunch spot or a local festival, when something you enjoy goes from niche to well-known, you may feel you miss the “good old days” before the crowds. Of course, those crowds help keep corner cafes in business and sustain community events.

It’s true of Phoenix Comicon. I’ve heard plenty of long-time attendees wax nostalgic about the earlier events with their shorter lines and sense of community, while, of course, enjoying the bigger name guests and programming made possible by the larger numbers.

Enter Phoenix Fan Fest.

Why Fan Fest?

Meant to evoke the feel of the early days of Phoenix Comicon, Fan Fest is a smaller, more intimate show by design. There are fewer tracks with the focus on artists/comics, costumes, and kid-friendly events.

It’s also more interactive. As one organizer put it, think of Fan Fest as “come and do things” instead of just “come and see things.” You can learn to play Quidditch (adapted for muggles, of course), compete in MS Paint Pictionary, make something with Lego, and even compete in a build-off!

At the first Fan Fest, artists, attendees, and the community collaborated to create a crowdsourced comic character, Blaze. Last year, they invented a nemesis for Blaze. This year, you can be a part of brainstorming action sequences for the two, while artists sketch and bring crowdsourced ideas to life!

New Time and Place

While the first two Fan Fests were held in Glendale in December, this year Fan Fest is happening earlier (October 23 and 24) and moving to the Phoenix Convention Center.

According to organizers, the time change is due, in part, to feedback from attendees that it’s difficult to get time off to go to an event in the middle of the holidays. People may also be tight on cash that time of year.

Attendees had complained about the University of Phoenix Stadium’s location in the West Valley. The Phoenix Convention Center is much more centrally located.

The Convention Center is also built to allow for bigger guest panels, more programming content, and more variety. The stadium only had three rooms for panels (and they were down this weird, dark hallway).

One downside is that there won’t be any more free parking. However, there are more transit options, including light rail stops right at the Covention Center, so you won’t necessarily have to drive.

Organizers said exhibitors were fans of the changes, and they’re hoping you will be too!

– Fan Fest info –

October 23-24, 2016
Phoenix Convention Center
Passes (aka “Memberships”) for sale online. Adults: $25-40, Kids: $10.
Guaranteed seating (new!): Pre-purchase reserved seating for featured guest panels. Limited number for sale until Oct 20 via “Events and Parties” tab on Buy/Memberships page. $15/each.

We’ve received media passes to past events from Phoenix Comicon.

July 7, 2016July 7, 2016

5 Telltale Signs You Went to Phoenix Comicon 2016

Did you or someone you know go to Phoenix Comicon 2016?

You may notice some or all of these symptoms:

1. Persistent laughter over PUGS-related incidents. Chuckling resulting from things said during the Phoenix Ultimate Geek Smackdown may continue for days.

This is a tournament of geeks to see who can most passionately debate absurd topics like “Ant-Man vs. Aunt Mae: Who was the better A(u)nt?” As bizarre as the questions were, this year’s contestants took some even more bizarre – and hilarious – approaches to arguing their respective sides.

2. Outbreak of photos of dogs in superhero costumes.

Superdog, Wonder Dog, Batdog, and a four-legged Ewok were among the cosplaying pooches that gathered on the patio of the Herberger Theater ahead of the Comi-PAWn Pet Parade.

3. Thermoqueuephobia – fear of waiting in line in the heat.

About the time it topped 110 degrees on Friday, a “perfect storm” of crowds and computer glitches resulted in a registration line that spilled out onto the sidewalk and stretched about a block-and-a-half. Organizers apologized for the hours-long wait and worked to rectify the situation so lines would be inside the rest of the weekend.

A video posted by stephanieliebold (@stephanieliebold) on Jun 4, 2016 at 7:41pm PDT

4. Claims of spotting Jedi weapons in unusual places, such as on Phoenix streets and in place of a symphony conductor’s baton.

Outside programming included pairs from Syndicate Saber demonstrating their surprisingly elegant lightsaber combat and choreography. This was followed by a lightsaber walk, where anyone with a lightsaber could light it up and march around downtown Phoenix.

While that was going on, Phillip and I were at the Phoenix Symphony’s Star Wars vs. Star Trek performance. The audience could vote via text for which franchise’s music they preferred. To announce the winner, Conductor Tito Muñoz emerged with a red lightsaber, which he began using to conduct the “Imperial March!” (We were not allowed to take photos during the performance, but I found one on Instagram!)

5. Sudden increase in geeky and/or pop culture related skills, such as learning in a matter of days how to make a duct tape prom dress, a music video, and a tabletop game.

Yep, as usual there were a plethora of diverse panels, including…

Huntington Keith’s panel on making costumes from duct tape. In high school, he used duct tape to make a tux and a Kaylee-from-firefly-inspired prom dress.
While the protracted music video’s post-apocalyptic theme may have felt contrived, the cast and crew were able to accomplish a lot on a budget. The song itself, “They Pretend,” is a catchy, reggae/Afro-pop melody by K-Bass & Farafina Musiki, who are worth a listen.
The Making the Game panel, where Father-and-son team Eric and Gavin Torres spoke about their experience in making and distributing their indie board game.

If you missed out, check out Phoenix Fan Fest this October. (Passes are on sale now.)
—
We received media passes from Phoenix Comicon and the Phoenix Symphony.