There’s something magical about fan conventions. They’re where superheroes, Jedi, and wizards walk the same halls, where lifelong friendships are forged over shared obsessions, and where fandoms come alive. Over the years, fan conventions have grown from niche gatherings of hardcore nerds into massive cultural phenomena. Whether you’re a die-hard cosplayer, a collector on the hunt for rare merch, or just someone looking for a good time with like-minded fans, there’s a fan convention for you.

From humble beginnings, these events now draw millions of attendees annually and are pivotal moments not just for fans, but for industries like movies, TV, comics, gaming, and beyond. Let's take a closer look at what makes fan conventions so incredible—and spotlight some of the most iconic ones leading the charge.

The Birth of Fan Conventions

Fan conventions didn’t always look the way they do today. Back in the 1930s and 1940s, the first proto-cons were modest affairs—often just a handful of sci-fi enthusiasts swapping stories, fanzines, and ideas. The first widely recognized science fiction convention, Worldcon, launched in 1939. That event set a template for what fan gatherings would become, blending panel discussions, costume contests, and social meetups.

Fast forward to the 1970s, comics rose as a cultural juggernaut, and the fandom found its own space—a tiny event in San Diego was about to spark a worldwide trend. Enter San Diego Comic-Con.

San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC)

We can’t talk about the rise of fan conventions without paying homage to the behemoth that is San Diego Comic-Con. SDCC began as Golden State Comic-Minicon in 1970, with around 100 attendees. Fast forward a few decades, and Comic-Con has exploded into one of the largest and most prestigious fan conventions in the world, drawing upwards of 130,000 people annually.

SDCC has become essential for industries like Hollywood and gaming. Major studios debut trailers, announce projects, and host panels with top-tier stars. For fans, it’s an unmissable spectacle. Hall H, the con's legendary presentation space, is where moments like Marvel rolling out its Phase reveals or the Game of Thrones cast answering fan questions go down in history. Beyond the big corporate showcases, SDCC is also a celebration of cosplay creativity, indie comics, and groundbreaking art.

SDCC's growth also reflects the mainstream acceptance of geek culture. You know fandom has "made it" when stars like Tom Hiddleston (dressed as Loki) show up unannounced to hype up fans, or when entire city blocks in San Diego transform into immersive pop culture experiences.

New York Comic Con (NYCC)

If SDCC is the west coast titan, New York Comic Con holds the east coast crown. Launched in 2006, NYCC has grown exponentially, attracting more than 200,000 attendees annually—a reflection of not just its size, but also New York’s cultural cachet.

Like SDCC, NYCC combines fan-driven creativity with large-scale industry involvement. It’s known for hosting A-list panels, killer cosplay contests, and scores of exclusive merch. Unlike its Californian counterpart, NYCC tends to emphasize comic books and anime more heavily, appealing to a slightly different but just as enthusiastic audience.

One of the coolest parts of NYCC is its ability to turn iconic New York landmarks into fan playgrounds. From anime art shows in the city to Gotham-centric Batman exhibits, NYCC feels like a celebration not just of fandom but of the Big Apple itself. Even mega-stars like Keanu Reeves (as recently as 2022!) have graced the show floor, taking selfies with fans and promoting his own indie projects.

Dragon Con

When it comes to fandom diversity, few cons rival Dragon Con, held annually in Atlanta, Georgia. Whereas Comic-Con might feel more corporate at times, Dragon Con is all about the fans—and it shows. This con is famous for blending multiple fandoms under one roof, from sci-fi and fantasy to gaming, comics, and even historical reenactments.

What really makes Dragon Con special is its community atmosphere. With around 60,000 attendees each year, it’s smaller than SDCC or NYCC, but that only makes it more intimate. Plus, the streets of Atlanta transform during the event. Fans gather for the legendary Dragon Con Parade—a vibrant display of costumes so elaborate it feels like Hollywood costume designers are working overtime.

Dragon Con also leans heavily into niche passions, offering something for everyone. Fancy a lecture on the ethics of AI? Keen on meeting your favorite sci-fi author? Want to join a Dungeons & Dragons campaign? It’s all there. The con has become a beloved pilgrimage for geeks who value creativity and tight-knit fandoms.

Anime Expo

While Comic-Con and Dragon Con cater to a broad range of fandoms, Anime Expo zeroes in on all things anime and manga. Held in Los Angeles every year, Anime Expo is North America's largest anime convention, with over 100,000 attendees enthusiastically donning the costumes of their favorite characters and geeking out over the latest releases.

From jaw-dropping cosplay contests to heartfelt panels with beloved voice actors, Anime Expo is the ultimate celebration of Japanese pop culture. One of its biggest draws is access to exclusive anime screenings and product launches. Fans regularly get first looks at upcoming anime seasons, and creators take the stage for heartfelt Q&A sessions.

Anime Expo fully embraces its fandom, offering experiences like the Masquerade Ball, where fans can show off both intricate costumes and killer dance moves, and Artist Alley, packed with one-of-a-kind merchandise from independent artists.

PAX (Penny Arcade Expo)

For gaming fanatics, PAX (originally Penny Arcade Expo) is the convention. Founded in 2004 by the creators of the popular webcomic Penny Arcade, PAX has grown into a multi-city phenomenon. There’s PAX East (Boston), PAX West (Seattle), and even PAX Australia, all built around the love of gaming.

What makes PAX special is how deeply it connects to gaming culture, from AAA title previews to dedicated spaces for indie developers. Fans can spend hours at free-play stations, enter tournaments, or attend panels with the industry’s most influential creators.

One of the best parts of PAX is its inclusivity. The convention goes above and beyond to be welcoming to all gamers. The PAX Diversity Lounge highlights underrepresented voices in the industry, while safety initiatives ensure everyone has a good time. Oh, and the cosplay? Next-level.

The Cultural Impact of Fan Conventions

Fan conventions aren’t just big parties; they’ve fundamentally shaped how we engage with pop culture. They’ve created a space where fandoms can unite, giving fans permission to enthusiastically and unapologetically celebrate their passions. For industries like gaming, comics, and entertainment, cons are marketing powerhouses—a carefully timed trailer drop or surprise celebrity appearance can make headlines worldwide.

But the impact goes deeper. Fan conventions amplify voices that might not otherwise find a platform. Indie creators have forged careers off Artist Alleys. Small-scale storytellers have landed publishing deals thanks to fan buzz at conventions. And conventions have fostered open conversations about representation, diversity, and inclusivity in industries that once leaned heavily on narrow perspectives.

Fan conventions also represent an antidote to cynical modern culture. At a time when irony can feel overwhelming, cons are unashamedly earnest. They’re filled with hugs between strangers bonding over shared fandoms, mutual admiration for cosplay, and community panels that deep-dive into the minutiae of why a particular fictional universe matters.

Virtual Fan Conventions

If current trends are anything to go by, fan conventions will only grow from here. Innovations like virtual conventions—sparked by the pandemic—allow fans from all over the globe to participate, breaking down physical barriers. Meanwhile, the rise of niche cons (think Supernatural-specific meetups or Star Trek cruises) shows that fandoms are becoming even more personalized.

But one thing’s for sure—whether physical or virtual, fan conventions will remain a symbol of connection, creativity, and community. They’re a reminder that fandom, at its best, has the power to unite people across generations, geographies, and genders.

Feel free to grab your costume or grab the remote—there’s always another con to experience.