8 December 22–28, 2022 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents Cosplay to Win The best geek conventions and fan festivals coming to Dallas in 2023. by Liam GauGhan F acts are facts: geeks rule the world now. While there was a time when you’d have been mocked for wear- ing a Superman shirt in public, pop culture fandom has steadily become main- stream. Between all the new Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and Harry Potter projects out there, the geeks of the world have more than enough content to entertain their passions. It’s good to be a nerd, and Dallas is a proud geek destination. Dallas will have a ton of fun events, celebra- tions, panels and comic cons next year. Here are the events we have on our radar. The Vampire Diaries & The Originals Official Reunion Convention Friday, Jan. 27 – Sunday, Jan. 29, Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center We’re not judging anyone. You can make fun of The Vampire Diaries all you want, but it’s perhaps the only vampire franchise that man- aged to take off following the Twilight craze. In addition to meeting fellow fans, you’ll get the chance to interact with stars Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley at The Vampire Diaries & The Originals Official Reunion Convention. The Official Supernatural Convention Friday, Feb. 3 – Sunday, Feb. 5 Plano Event Center Did you know that Supernatural had 15 sea- sons? We’re giving credit to anyone who’s seen every episode, because that’s pretty impres- sive. Supernatural stars Jared Padalecki, Jen- sen Ackles and Misha Collins will be visiting the Plano Event Center for three days of non- stop panels, events and live entertainment. my hero Convention: Texas Smash Friday, Feb. 3 – Sunday, Feb. 5 Irving Convention Center Dallas has an avid anime fan community, and while the My Hero Convention primar- ily celebrates the series My Hero Academia, it welcomes an even larger community of readers, artists and vendors. This is a family- friendly event, so if you want to introduce your children to My Hero Academia, this is the perfect opportunity. all-Con Thursday, March 16 – Sunday, March 19 Hilton Dallas Lincoln Center As the name suggests, All-Con really wel- comes all types of fandoms and events. Pan- els, shops, cosplay, trivia, performances and games are all part of this four-day celebra- tion at one of Dallas’ most luxurious hotels. bruce Campbell Game Show and Evil Dead II Screening Sunday, April 30 Texas Theatre Ready to get groovy? Ash himself, Bruce Campbell, is visiting the Texas Theatre in Oak Cliff for a day of panels and trivia. Of course, no event with Bruce would be com- plete without a special screening, so he’s sticking around for what will surely be a wild showing of the horror-comedy classic Evil Dead II. We’d argue it’s the best of the trilogy. Road to Gen Con Saturday, May 13 Madness Comics & Games Here’s the best Disney sorcerer’s arena tour- nament in the area. You’ll have to register in advance for the 32-slot competition, which has six rounds of 50-minute games with 10-minute breaks in between. Texas Frightmare Weekend Friday, May 26 – Sunday, May 28 Irving Convention Center There’s no better option for Texas horror fans than Frightmare Weekend. This is a must-attend event every year, but this year horror master John Carpenter will be there in person for autographs, panels and likely a screening of one of his classic films. He’s not alone, though. Alex Winter, the Raimi brothers, Sheryl Lee, Ray Wise, Cerina Vin- cent, Dakota Beavers and Grant Kramer are also popping up for the spookiest event ahead of Halloween season. Fan Expo Dallas Friday, June 9 – Sunday, June 11 Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center You’re not going to see a better lineup of guests than this year’s Fan Expo. Zachary Levi, Elijah Wood, Christina Ricci, Sean Astin, Alicia Sil- verstone, Stephen Amell, Brandon Routh, John Cleese, Levar Burton and George Takei are just some of the beloved pop-culture icons making a trip to Dallas to meet fans. DFW G.i. Joe & action Figure Show Saturday, June 24 Grapevine Convention Center G.I. Joe fans are in luck, but the DFW Action Figure Show isn’t limited to the classic toy line. Between Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Masters of the Uni- verse, DC, Marvel and Transformers, this Grapevine event celebrates the hottest action figures. Whether you’re shopping for your kids or looking to collect some of the pricier items, this is one you can’t miss. animeFest Convention Thursday, July 27 – Sunday, July 30 Sheraton Dallas Hotel If North Texas anime fans are looking for a late-summer event after the My Hero Conven- tion, Dallas’ AnimeFest is a good bet. After the online convention this year, fans will have a chance to attend the autograph sessions, co- splay contests and masquerade in person. Dallas Fan Festival Friday, Oct. 20 – Sunday, Oct. 22 Irving Convention Center Horror, anime, comics, science fiction, fantasy and so much more are coming to Dal- las for this fall festival. It will surely be an- nouncing more events closer to the scheduled date, but prepare yourself for three days packed with celebrity appear- ances. Jenna Coleman, Matt Smith, Stephen Amell, Gates McFadden, John De Lancie, Ka- tie Cassidy and Emily Swallow are joining an ever-growing list of celebrity guests. ▼ Culture Mike Brooks Daniel Calhoun is a professional cosplayer. Get your costume on and head to one of the best nerd events in 2023. We bring sophistication with a twist to the metaphysical and holistic markets with products, classes and services. We have locations in Dallas, Carrollton & Frisco. www.soultopia.guru psychic Hotline Now available: 888-415-6208 Visit us: 900 W Davis St, Dallas • 3414 Midcourt Rd #100, Carrollton 7004 Lebanon Rd, STE 106, Frisco, Texas 75034 Best of Dallas 2020 awarD wiNNer
