Calgary Comic Expo: The Preshow

This year marks the 11th year of the Calgary Comic Expo, and in that time has grown to be the largest pop culture convention in Western Canada. Last year’s convention was attended by 102,000 people over its four-day run.

In the past four years, attendance records have been broken thanks to the Calgary Expo being the first convention to host a reunion of the cast of Star Trek:The Next Generation in 2012, the hosting of an Alien cast reunion in 2014, and featuring Neil Patrick Harris’s first convention appearance in 2015.

What To Look Forward To This Year

One of the guests that many, including myself, are looking forward to is Stan Lee. As many know, Stan Lee has announced that he will be done with conventions forever in September of this year. Stan has made an appearance at the Expo before and to this day is one of its most beloved guests. 

As I was writing this post, they made a last-minute addition and Clark Gregg will also be making an appearance. Another guest I am REALLY looking forward to.

Other exciting guests this year include Alan Tudyk, Brandon Routh, Famke Janssen, Jason Issacs, John Barrowman, Karl Urban, Katee Sackhoff, Peter Mayhew, Robin Lord Taylor, and William Shatner.

I have been attending the Expo for many years, and one of my favourite special events is the POW! Parade of Wonders. Over 1,800 cosplayers paraded through the streets of down town Calgary on the Friday morning, and are often joined by Expo media guests. Its a great way to kick off the Expo and see all the amazing costumes, and give those who are not attending the Expo a chance to take part in the excitement.

Other Fun Things To Know About the Calgary Expo

• The convention is hosted on the Calgary Stampede grounds, which is located in down town Calgary and very transit and walking friendly.
• Calgarians are very hospitable, so if you get lost in the city, someone will help you!
• There is no shortage of good food at the Expo. There are multiple vendors inside the halls as well as a fleet of food trucks in the outdoor area. Many awesome places to eat are also just blocks away from the convention grounds.

The Calgary Comic Expo runs from April 28 – May 1. If you want to learn more about the Calgary Expo, visit their website.

You can follow along with me this weekend on the Rogues Portal social media channels or on my own Twitter account @heidamazeballs as well.