Fan Expo Characters in Costume

FAN EXPO Vancouver is a celebration of superheroes, science fiction, comic books, anime, and all things fandom at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

The Vancouver event takes place on the Family Day Long Weekend each year. In 2024 the dates are February 17th, 18th and 19th.

FAN EXPO is a local version of San Diego’s Comic-Con. It’s a great event, especially for people who like anime, comics, superheroes and other forms of fan culture.

For tickets and full details, visit the official fanexpohq.com website.

This article contains the following information about FAN EXPO Vancouver:

FAN EXPO Vancouver

FAN EXPO Vancouver is a convention where superhero, anime, gaming and other kinds of pop culture fans get to dress in costume and stock up on DC, Marvel and other kinds of comics. It’s also a chance for attendees to buy collectibles and to meet some of their favourite actors, artists and creators. It’s an awesome event!

Where and When

FAN EXPO Vancouver usually happens at the Vancouver Convention Centre in the West Building in Halls B and C. In 2024 the event runs on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of February 17th to 19th (which also happens to be the Family Day Long Weekend).

The event usually runs from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm on the Saturday and from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm on both the Sunday and Monday. The Vancouver Convention Centre is located at 1055 Canada Place in downtown Vancouver.

For the event’s official website, click FAN EXPO Vancouver.

Toy Vendor at Vancouver Fan Expo — Vancouver Convention Centre

FAN EXPO Vancouver Admission

Tickets to FAN EXPO Vancouver vary in cost depending on when you go and how you buy your tickets.

Single-day advanced passes in 2024 start at $34 for adults, $24 for teenagers and $12 for kids (ages 6-12). Three-day passes start at $80. Family passes for a single day for two adults and up to four children start at $73. Prices increase on February 2nd at 12:00 am, so it’s always good to book your tickets early if you can.

Kids’ passes are $12 for the 2024 event, regardless of when you buy the tickets. For adults though, tickets are usually cheapest on the Monday and most expensive on the Saturday. Passes are also $5 or so extra when purchased after February 2nd in 2024.

Below are posted prices for 2024 tickets purchased online. (Note: Prices and conditions are subject to change.)

Children (ages 6-12): $12 (regardless of the day)
Youth (ages 13-17): $24 (regardless of the day)
Adults (ages 18+)
- Saturday Passes: $44
- Sunday Passes: $39
- Monday Passes: $34
Families (of two adults and up to four children)
- Saturday Passes: $98
- Sunday Passes: $83
- Monday Passes: $73
3-Day Passes: $80
Ultimate Fan Package: $109
VIP Package: Sold out

For the event’s official website, click FAN EXPO Vancouver.

Canadian Comics at Fan Expo Vancouver

Tips & Important Things to Know

Below are some things to know regarding admission policies and ticket prices.

Taxes and online fees are extra.
Don’t forget that kids under 5 get in free and that there are family passes available.
The FAN EXPO Vancouver website has a printable coupon that is valid for up to two child passes! If you plan on taking a child to the expo, click that link to save some money!

Vancouver Fan Expo Guest Speakers — Guest Speakers at FAN EXPO

What to Expect

At FAN EXPO Vancouver you can expect to see lots of convention goers in costume. There are Star Wars characters and superheroes everywhere! You can also expect to see thousands of other guests who love everything from superhero comics to Star Trek, Japanese anime, science fiction and other forms of pop culture.

Women, families and people of all ages also attend FAN EXPO Vancouver, and many people choose to dress up in fun cosplay as well. It’s not a requirement, but if you have a fun costume then this is the place to wear it!

At the convention there are celebrity photo and autograph opportunities, special Star Wars events, Q&A panel discussions, workshops and seminars. There are also vendors selling everything from comics to costumes, action hero figurines, posters, souvenir clothing and game supplies. Other programming in 2024 include the following:

Tabletop Gaming
Interactive Family Zone
Cosplay Meet Ups
Autographed Comic Books
Sketch Duels

In the Family Zone there is a variety of interactive exhibits. FAN EXPO Vancouver is great for adults, but also for kids and their families.

VANCOUVER SUPERHERO GAMES!

If you are looking for other things to do while dressed up in your superhero costumes, consider playing a game of Heroes & Villains with Vancouver Mysteries. Vancouver Mysteries is an outdoor adventure game company where you can play games in the streets of downtown Vancouver. With Heroes & Villains you get to save the city from the Muck Monster!

FAN EXPO Video

To give you an idea of what to expect at FAN EXPO Vancouver, check out the following video. It’s of the event in 2020.

As you’ll see in the video, the Convention Centre is full of people, characters in costume, and vendors selling everything from art to comics, collectibles and toys. It’s a fun event with lots to do and see.

Special Guests

Every year FAN EXPO features a number of special guests. Typically they are science fiction and action movie actors. The guests participate in talks and are available for photos and autographs. Some are at the event all weekend at various times, but others for only one or two days.

Special guests appearing at the event in 2024 are listed below. (Note: Guests and days scheduled to appear are subject to change. See the official FAN EXPO website for the most up-to-date details).

Jeff Ward – from One Piece, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (appearing Saturday, Sunday and Monday)
Charlie Cox – from Daredevil, Stardust (appearing Saturday)
Vincent D’Onofrio – from Daredevil, Men in Black (appearing Saturday)
Danny Trejo – from Machete, Predator, The Book of Bobba Fett, Spy Kids (appearing Saturday and Sunday)
Adam Savage – from Mythbusters (appearing Saturday and Sunday)
Rose McGowan – from Scream, Charmed (appearing Saturday, Sunday and Monday)
Holly Marie Combs – from Charmed, Pretty Little Liars (appearing Saturday, Sunday and Monday)

Jack Sparrow at Vancouver Fan Expo

Other Information

For more information about the event, see the Vancouver FAN EXPO website.

To learn about similar events in Canada’s largest city, see the articles about FAN EXPO Canada or Toronto Comicon on the Toronto’s Best Places website.

For ideas about other things to do in the Lower Mainland check out the following: