FAN EXPO Cleveland (formerly Wizard World), held March 13 - 15 at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, attracts people from all over — and all walks of life — to come together to celebrate the best of the best pop culture characters, costumes and meet-and-greets.
Why is Cleveland such a great location for FAN EXPO? Because we are HQ for some of the biggest pop culture films and creatives, where you can relive or act out your favorite scenes to your heart’s content.
We’re the city where Superman creator Jerry Siegel was born and attended Glenville High School with his classmate and co-creator Joe Shuster. We aren’t bothered by people invoking their Spidey Sense in the middle of Downtown Cleveland like Peter Parker in “Spider-Man 3.” And we certainly appreciate Captain America references at The Cleveland Museum of Art (a.k.a., SHIELD headquarters in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”). Not to mention the new "Superman" by James Gunn was partially filmed Downtown over the summer.
Need more ideas for the perfect way to geek-out over FAN EXPO Cleveland weekend? Read on and prosper.
Day 1: Friday, March 13
Morning
First stop: one of Cleveland’s most popular comic book shops since 1990, Carol & John's Comic Book Shop. Don’t let this small spot fool you. Carol & John's is packed in with popular and rare comics and memorabilia.
Lunch
Grab lunch and sit under the jaw-dropping rotunda at Heinen’s Downtown Cleveland inside the former Cleveland Trust Building where scenes from Marvel’s 2012 blockbuster “The Avengers” were filmed. The grocery-store-slash-eatery-slash-attraction sits at the corner of Euclid Avenue and East Ninth Street, and features foods both made to order and already prepared, as well as an amazing wine and beer selection.
Afternoon
Head back to get your best costume and makeup ready, because it’s FAN EXPO Cleveland time! The party begins at Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. You might lock eyes with your favorite celebrities from the biggest superhero blockbusters, the most beloved TV series and more, so reserve your autograph or photo opportunities beforehand and make sure to check the schedule for exclusive Q&A sessions with your pop culture faves.
Dinner
Head over to Ninja City Kitchen and Bar, where Asian meets American cuisine in an epic combo of great eats, drinks and comic book vibes. Located in Gordon Square, this spot serves up everything from spicy mac and cheese with pulled pork to pho — saving the day, one delicious dish at a time.
Evening
Head back Downtown for a full night of FAN EXPO Cleveland after-hours fun with parties happening across the city. Kick things off at the party Superelectric Pinball Parlor at 8pm where they are taking the 90s and adding a mix of pinball, a live DJ, and a dancefloor. Badge holders get free play and can enjoy some specialty cocktails.
If you’re craving some more high energy, EMO x FANDOM official Friday night afterparty goes from 9p.m.-2a.m. at Crobar. Expect a fusion of emo angst and anime with live bands, DJ Obi-Wan Shinobi and a cosplay runway.
Day 2: Saturday, March 14
Breakfast
Break your fast at Shay’s Restaurant, where legendary Clevelander and comic book series creator Harvey Pekar convinced Robert Crumb to be his illustrator. The real-life event was depicted in the 2003 film “American Splendor,” also filmed at the restaurant.
Morning
Though, sadly, you’ll never be able to board a ship to visit the planet Krypton, here in Cleveland you’ll get as close to Superman’s origins as possible. Visit Jerry Siegel's house, where Jerry Siegel first conceived of the original superhero with Joe Shuster. His home is currently privately owned, but you can walk by and gawk at historic comic work and plaques.
Lunch
Make your way back downtown and have lunch at Rebol. If, when standing on the newly revived Public Square, you suddenly feel the urge to defend the world from Loki and his alien army, we’ll understand. After all, it was the setting for a scene from “The Avengers” which saw the area transformed into Stuttgart, Germany.
Afternoon
Make your way to the Comic Creator area to celebrate and honor the artists, writers and insiders who built the comic industry. Then, make your way to panels featuring creators, celebrities and other pop culture experts talking about all your favorite fandoms. And don’t forget to wear your best pop culture duds today for the always amazing costume contest. Costumed attendees ages 13 and over can sign up for all the cosplay fun. Like people watching? Welcome to heaven.
Dinner
Got a spare Lucha Libre mask? Bring it to Momocho in Cleveland for a modern Mexican feast wrapped in bold flavors. Order the guacamole sampler and one of their infused margaritas with a chile‑salt rim. You’re welcome, in advance.
Evening
For Fans 21 and older, continue the fun at The House of Blues with their Pirates vs. Ninjas afterparty is the ultimate way to close out day 2. This late-night event throws you into a full pirate versus ninja showdown inspired by the anime One Piece and Naruto. Pick a side, bring your cosplay A-game and get ready for two dance floors of music.
Day 3: Sunday, March 15
Brunch
Head to Ohio City and enjoy a plethora of brunch options at places like Soho Chicken + Whiskey, Bright Side or Market Garden Brewery, then hit up the place that did it first and did it right. Grab a seat at Tabletop Board Game Cafe, Cleveland’s first board game café. With more than 1,000 different games on site, it’s so easy to spend several hours at the Ohio City hotspot. Oh, and they have beer and cocktails, in case you need to nurse a Hulk-sized hangover.
Remainder of the day
It’s your final day of FAN EXPO Cleveland, so do it up right! Check the programming schedule to pack in all the adventure, photo ops, autographs and activities that you can before the end of the day when the show closes. Oh, and treat yourself to that one last piece of merch you've been putting off buying. Life's too short.
Don’t worry, all the wonder and magic of FAN EXPO Cleveland will be back next year, so start stitching that spandex suit together now and get ahead of the game.
