Description:Fantasy nerds and Dungeon and Dragons masters should check out Wyrd Con. This con is steeped in classes, workshops and panels to help guests learn about professional writing and gaming. The convention will also be hosting the largest tournament of LARP-ing and various tabletop roleplaying games available to the average California nerd.
Date: May 22 to 26 Location:The Westin Los Angeles Airport, 5400 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045 Cost:Starting at $45 Website:Link
Description:San Diego Comic Con sold out in a matter of minutes, so anyone who was actually willing to fork over hundreds upon hundreds of dollars to see the celebrities of nerd culture have all this cash and nothing to do with it. Fear not, you can save a little dough and still geek out about comics! Long Beach Comic Expo will feature panels and an Artist Alley where professional artists can hawk their fanart.
Date: May 31 to June 1 Location:Hyatt Regency Long Beach, 200 S Pine Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802 Cost:Starting at $20 Website:Link
Description:The biggest movers and shakers of the online video industry will be congregating for the fifth year in a row at the Anaheim Convention Center. Headed by YouTube gods Hank and John Green, this convention caters to fans and video producers alike, giving wannabe internet stars a chance to rub elbows with their idols. Guests can enjoy concerts by their favorite YouTube artists, and panels from the likes of Tyler Oakley, Hannah Hart, GloZell and even the Green brothers. VidCon is also offering discounted Disneyland tickets to YouTubers, who can meetup with new convention buddies and hang out with Mickey Mouse.
Date: June 26 to 28 Location:Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802 Cost:Starting at $150 Website:Link
Date: July 3 to 6 Location:os Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015 Cost:Starting at $35 Website:Link
Description:Tumblr has been a growing online presence, housing blogs of all genres: from fashion and culture to the extensive rantings of “Doctor Who” and “Supernatural” nerds. DashCon hopes to provide a space for tumblr users to convene and finally meet one another, and discuss their lives and interests in real life. This will be the convention’s first year, and it’s got a plethora of events scheduled to prove that DashCon’s got staying power: trivia quizzes, meetups for various fanbases (Night Vale, Superwholock, etc.), and even 18 and over panels regarding different types of fanfiction. Fans willing to shell out the extra cash for travel expenses could be the first to experience this new, hopefully long-lasting tradition.
Date: July 11 to 13 Location:Renaissance Shaumburg Hotel Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Dr., N.
Schaumburg, IL 60173 Cost:Starting at $60 Website:Link
Description:Still crying over Dobby’s death? Need people to argue with about JK’s assertion that Harry would have been better for Hermione? Tired of people giving you funny looks for wearing Hogwarts robes in public? Don’t let the muggles get you down, LeakyCon is the place for you. This fan-run convention hosts Harry Potter book clubs, panels, movie screenings with live commentary and a series of performances by Harry potter-themed music groups like Harry and the Potters and the Whomping Willows. Some celebrities (read: Luna Lovegood herself, Evanna Lynch) have even been known to show up. Potterheads willing to make the trip to Orlando for the convention can even have the chance to ride the Hogwarts Express at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.
Date: July 30 to Aug. 3 Location:Orange County Convention Center, 9400 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819 Cost:Starting at $125 Website:Link
