Fan Expo Denver 2026
Denver's pop culture convention with celebrity guests, cosplay contests, and artist alley.
Event concluded
Convention tips
parking
On-site parking at the Colorado Convention Center is extremely limited due to ongoing expansion. Use SpotHero or ParkMobile to reserve a nearby garage. RTD light rail used to stop at Theatre District/Convention Center station but check RTD.com for current service since the D, H, and L lines have been affected by the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project.
food
The Colorado Convention Center is steps from the 16th Street Mall and Downtown Denver. Sam's No. 3 (a Denver diner since the 1920s), The Corner Office, and Steuben's Uptown are all within a 5-10 minute walk.
hotels
Embassy Suites Denver Downtown Convention Center is directly across the street. Hyatt Place Denver Downtown is under 1,000 feet from the venue. Sonesta Denver Downtown and Westin Denver City Center are within a short walk.
weather
Denver in late June averages 88F highs with low humidity and intense UV at 5,280 feet of elevation. Bring sunscreen even if it doesn't feel hot. Afternoon thunderstorms are common May-August.
bags
Props must be inspected and approved at a Prop Check Desk. No metal swords, knives, live firearms, or blunt heavy weapons like baseball bats. Foam and lightweight replica weapons are fine. Approved props receive a visible sticker that must stay on.
Weekend cost estimate
Estimated cost for attending Fan Expo Denver 2026 in Denver, CO. These are ballpark ranges based on convention size and typical venue-area pricing. Your actual costs will vary based on travel distance, hotel choice, and spending habits.
| Expense | Solo | Split with friend | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Badge Prices go up closer to the event. Buy early. | $35-$120 | $35-$120 | $35-$120 |
Hotel (3 nights) Split rate assumes 2 people per room. | $450–$840 | $225–$420 | $450–$840 |
Food (4 days) Convention center meals run $12–$18 each. | $180 | $180 | $180 |
Artist alley and vendors Set a cash budget before the doors open. | $80–$200 | $80–$200 | $80–$200 |
Parking or transit Split if you carpool. Many venues have paid lots only. | $60 | $0–$60 | $60 |
| Total estimate | $805–$1400 | $520–$920 | $805–$1400 |
Plan your full budget with the convention budget calculator. Travel costs (gas, flights, tolls) are not included above.
Packing Checklist
Check items off as you pack for Fan Expo Denver 2026.
0 of 88 items packed
0%
Prep for Fan Expo Denver 2026
Tools and guides to get your build ready.
Packing Checklist
88-item checklist for Fan Expo Denver 2026. Check off items as you pack.
Fan Expo Denver 2026 Budget Calculator
Estimate badge, hotel, travel, food, and artist alley costs before the weekend sneaks up on you.
Prop Scaling Calculator
Scale reference images to your body measurements.
Prop Weight Estimator
Estimate finished weight from dimensions and material. Checks if it's comfortable for all-day carry.
How Much Does EVA Foam Armor Cost?
Real build budgets with specific products and dollar amounts.
Cosplay Commission Cost Breakdown
Real build budgets with specific products and dollar amounts.
EVA Foam Sealing Methods Compared
Real build budgets with specific products and dollar amounts.
Cosplay on Costumary
Templates, tools, and workspace built for cosplay makers.
Convention Calendar
Browse all upcoming conventions by month. Subscribe to the ICS feed.
Cosplay templates
Start a build for Fan Expo Denver 2026 from a pre-built template with milestones, materials, and a timeline.
Commission Workflow
Taking commissions? Intake forms, quotes, client portals, and payment tracking. 0% platform fees.
Free Commission Tracker
Track every active commission, deposit status, and pending payment in one view. No signup, runs in your browser.
Cosplay Commission Guide
Pricing, client intake, approval gates, and delivery for cosplay commissioners.
Cosplay Beginner Guide
First build? Start here. Materials, tools, costs, and tips.
What Should I Cosplay?
Still deciding what to wear? Answer 5 questions and get build ideas matched to your skill, budget, and the days left before the con.
Beginner Cosplay Ideas
Browse easy first builds with full plans: materials, cost, and a timeline you can finish before the doors open.
Popular cosplay build guides
Step-by-step guides with materials, milestones, and cost estimates.
Frequently
asked questions.
Building for Fan Expo Denver 2026?
Track your materials, timeline, and budget in one workspace. Know exactly where your build stands before you pack.
Start free
