Spring is in the air, and that means more of the events we love are on their way! Check out some of the festivals, fandom events, and excursions that we’re looking forward to this April.
Northeast
Steel City Con Monroeville Convention Center, Monroeville, PA – April 7-9, 2017
One of Pittsburgh’s most beloved fandom events returns to the Monroeville Convention Center this April. Steel City Con brings together the best of pop culture in one awesome weekend! Movie, comic, and television fanatics alike will find no shortage of exhibitors and vendors to appeal to their every interest. Celebrity guests including Harry Potter’s Jason Isaacs, Wrestler Booker T, and Star Wars’ Billy Dee Williams will make this convention a weekend to remember!
IMATS New York 2017 Pier 94, New York, NY – April 7-9, 2017
Get your brushes ready! The most anticipated makeup event of the year returns to New York City this April. Attendees will have access to exclusive deals from exhibitors, behind-the-scenes discussions, and networking opportunities with makeup professionals from every facet of the industry.
Spring Wine & Cheese 2017 Various Locations, Seneca Lake Area, NY – April 21-23, 2017
A glass of wine and some tasty cheese is a great way to welcome springtime back into your life! This self guided tour including 33 participating Seneca Lake area wineries pairs cheese-themed dishes with delicious unique wines. We can’t think of a tastier start to the season!
South
27th Annual Springing the Blues Oceanfront SeaWalk Plaza, Jacksonville Beach, FL – April 7-9, 2017
What better way to enjoy the spring weather than with a free, outdoor blues festival? Springing the Blues features delicious food, local and nationally touring blues artists, and a family friendly environment that offers something for everyone. This annual 3-day festival is a great way to prepare for warmer months to come!
Fire Up 611 Excursions: The Virginian North Carolina Transportation Museum, Spencer, NC – April 8, 2017
This season marks The Norfolk and Western 611’s third year of excursions after the historic Class J steam locomotive’s restoration began in 2013. Passengers can choose from seating options including classic domes, parlor class, or the comfortably luxurious Chairman’s Class. The Virginian is just the first of many 611 excursions already slated for this year. Book your tickets now and prepare to board!
Star Wars Celebration Orlando Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL – April 13-16, 2017
At Star Wars Celebration Orlando, the force is with you in a very big way! Big names including Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels, and Lando Calrissian actor Billy Dee Williams will be in attendance, along with many more guests and exhibitors. Still not convinced? We find your lack of faith disturbing…
Midwest
WhiskyFest Chicago Hyatt Regency, Chicago, IL – April 21, 2017
Raise a glass to warmer weather at WhiskyFest Chicago! Enjoy the chance to sample more than 300 whiskies from around the world, along with seminars given by whisky experts, and a gourmet buffet that pairs well with your beverage of choice. Reserve your tickets now and, as always, sample responsibly!
Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) South Building at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL – April 21-23, 2017
Chicago scores another mention on our April preview with C2E2, one of the most anticipated pop culture fandom events of the year. C2E2 brings guests like Stan Lee, Millie Bobby Brown, and Jon Bernthal along with more exhibitors and cosplayers than we can count! Prepare yourself for fandom overload and we’ll see you there!
AXPONA 2017 Westin O’Hare, Rosemont, IL – April 21-23, 2017
The Chicago area sure has an eventful weekend coming up this month! Our third midwest event is Audio Expo North America: AXPONA 2017. Audiophiles from near and far will partake in seminars, interactive demos, and an expo dedicated to state-of-the-art headphones. The event also includes a marketplace offering thousands of parts, components, gear, accessories, vinyl and more!
West
Tristar: San Francisco Collector’s Show Cow Palace, Daly City, CA – April 28-30, 2017
Tristar routinely tours their incredible collector’s shows to cities all over the country. Celebrity guests including Joe Montana, Hulk Hogan, and Mike Tyson will be signing autographs at this collector’s dream of an event. Get your tickets now and say hello if you see us there!
RuPaul’s DragCon 2017 Los Angeles Convention Center, Â Los Angeles, CA – April 29-30, 2017
While we’re all going Gaga over the new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, don’t miss out on getting your tickets for RuPaul’s DragCon! Dedicated to the love of drag queens and drag culture, personalities including RuPaul, Alaska 5000, and Cassandra Peterson (AKA Elvira Mistress of the Dark) will make this a truly unmissable event!