Fans can talk 'D&D' with the cast of 'Stranger Things,' check out Jabba The Hutt's infamous palace, test their knowledge in a 'Doctor Who'-themed escape room, and more!
Canada's largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event, Fan Expo Canada recently announced its 2017 programming lineup. Chock-full of contests, parties, meet-and-greets and more, the all-ages pop culture convention will cover all 750,000-square-feet of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre over the Labor Day weekend, Thursday, Aug. 31, through Sunday, Sept. 3.
"We're excited about the extent of quality programming that fit into this year's event," said Andrew Moyes, show director, Fan Expo HQ. "Fan Expo Canada has always been an integrated, cross-genre experience for fans of every palette. While one guest meets their celebrity hero, others will be learning how to do the 'Time Warp,' listening to panels and Q&As, or checking out one of our 900-plus retailers and exhibitors. We provide the options, but it's up to the fans to weigh them!"
Here's a snapshot of the new programming Fan Expo Canada fans have to look forward to:
•"The Rocky Horror Picture Show Experience": Meet stars Tim Curry, Meat Loaf, Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn and Nell Campbell as they assemble for a rare convention appearance. Enjoy the ultimate "Rocky Horror" experience, including screenings of the film with an introduction by one of the stars, panels, photo-ops, autograph sessions and much more.
•"Doctor Who"-themed escape room: You are a Time Lord up against the clock to solve all the puzzles before time runs out! This live adventure game will keep you guessing using various clues, hints and suggestions to complete all objectives and unveil the secret plot hidden within. A great experience for "Doctor Who" fans and escape room enthusiasts alike. This event is held in support of the SickKids Foundation.
•Jabba The Hutt's Palace makes its way to Fan Expo Canada: Experience Jabba the Hutt's Palace without having to travel to the edge of the Northern Dune Sea! See a full-scale, highly detailed set of Jabba's throne and snap the ultimate "Star Wars" photo op!
•The cast of "RWBY" is coming to Canada: For the first time ever, the cast of "RWBY" will make its debut in Canada! Fan Expo Canada will host the entire principal cast of the hit web series. Come and meet Lindsay Jones (Ruby), Kara Eberle (Weiss), Arryn Zech (Blake) and Barbara Dunkelman (Yang) in person Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
•Fan Expo Canada welcomes Jim Lee: Jim Lee has changed the face of mainstream comics arguably more so than any creator currently working today. He continues to work behind the scenes and on the page to bring some of the most thrilling stories in comics to life as co-publisher of DC Comics. This is your chance to meet him! Don't miss this rare appearance by a true comics legend.
•Cosplay kick-off party: Start your Fan Expo with a bang! Join in for the Official Fan Expo Cosplay Kick-Off Party at EFS Nightclub, hosted by LeeAnna Vamp and all her friends! With hot tracks by DJ Dlux, bottle service, photo booth and dance floor serving until 4 a.m. Dress code is cosplay or stylish. This event is for those ages 19 and up.
•Artist alley: Indie meets pro in this special area where fans will find all of their favorite pencillers, inkers and writers. A "must experience area" for anyone interested in meeting rising stars who work the front lines of the industry, from comics and graphic novels to limited-edition prints and, best of all, original art and sketches.
•Exhibitor area: Fans can experience the hottest new products and services before anyone else sees them! Companies from all corners of the industry will showcase their upcoming projects and promos in the exhibitor area. Fans get to be there for a sneak peek.
•Over 400,000 square feet of shopping madness: More than 900 retailers from all over join Fan Expo Canada to make the experience an unforgettable one! Specializing in everything comics, anime, gaming, science fiction and/or horror, these retailers have what every fan need. Whether it's comic books from any era, original artwork, graphic novels, memorabilia, DVDs, videos, games, toys or T-shirts, fans can find it all here.
•Masquerade cosplay contest: Master of Ceremonies Gordon Rose brings you the most popular event of the weekend and the largest show of its kind in Canada! This event features fans showcasing their original costumes derived from the comic, sci-fi, horror, anime and fantasy worlds. Don't miss this opportunity to be awed as a spectator or strut your stuff on stage!
•Sketch duels: Check out comic artists as they go "pen to pen"! The original art they produce is up for grabs once they're all done. A unique experience to witness, these friendly competitions show who has got the edge in comic book illustration.
•Fan Expo speed dating: Back by popular demand, speed dating is returning to Fan Expo Canada! Fans can experience the thrill of meeting their potential soul mate, future spouse or maybe someone a little more casual.
•Kids zone and family lounge: For parent(s) with kids under 12, the kids zone and family lounge is a quiet corner where they can just chill and get away from the crowds for a bit. Lots of activities will be offered, including play stations, art and crafts tables, reading nook and TV cartoon theater, with content provided by Teletoon. Famous costumed visitors will visit the lounge regularly all weekend.
•Official Fan Expo After Party: Dress up Friday at 9 p.m. and join in for the Official Fan Expo After Party at the upscale Brassaii Lounge, 461 King St. West. Hosted by the "InnerSpace" crew (Teddy, Morgan and Ajay), it will feature the hottest music in the city by DJ Daf, beverage specials, a dance floor and some very special guests.
A Fan Expo Canada panel. (Photo courtesy of Fan Expo Canada)
Fan Expo Canada boasts the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event in Canada, and the third-largest in North America. It is packed with exciting, family-friendly activities and celebrity guests, this year including Tim Curry, Meat Loaf, Barry Bostwick Patricia Quinn and Nell Campbell ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show"), Norman Reedus ("The Walking Dead"), Kathleen Turner ("Who Framed Roger Rabbit"), Richard Dreyfuss ("Jaws") and Anthony Daniels ("Star Wars"). The all-ages pop culture convention expects to host over 140,000 fans this weekend.
Fan Expo HQ is the largest entertainment convention group in the country and one of the largest in the world. Collectively, it hosts over 400,000 fans annually at Fan Expo Canada, MegaCon Orlando MegaCon Tampa Bay, Fan Expo Vancouver, Fan Expo Regina, Fan Expo Dallas, Toronto ComiCon, Boston ComiCon and Dallas Fan Days.
