Pop culture fans, assemble! The 2024 Chicago Comic Entertainment Expo (C2E2) is around the corner. Now in its 14th year, this year’s convention will have no shortage of cosplaying, celebrity sightings, panels, and activities. Whether you’re a C2E2 newcomer or a seasoned cosplaying veteran, preparing for the weekend’s festivities is the best way to make the most of the event.

Here’s a guide to everything you need to know as you get ready for C2E2 this year.

What is C2E2?Think of it as Chicago’s Comic Con. C2E2 is a pop culture convention that brings celebrities, exhibitors, comic writers and illustrators, literary authors, and, of course, fans, to the Chicago downtown area. Last year’s event attracted more than 95,000 visitors.

When is C2E2?This years C2E2 takes place April 26 – 28, 2024. General show hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Other events during C2E2 include:

Cosplay Central Crown Championships (April 27)Cosplay Showcase (April 28)K-Pop Dance Contest Showcase (date TBD)

C2E2Where is C2E2?C2E2 will take place at the McCormick Place Convention Center (2301 S. King Drive) in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood.

What can I do at C2E2?From exploring during general show hours to checking out special exhibitions and panels, there’s something to satisfy any fan’s interests at C2E2.

Celebrities like Darren Criss, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Chad Michael Murray will be attending the convention this year, along with powerhouses from the worlds of anime, comics, television, professional wrestling, and more, with opportunities for autographs and photo-ops on an individual basis.

C2E2Here are some other areas of interest for those attending C2E2:

Artist Alley: See some of the iconic works of your favorite comic book artists, graphic novelists, and more.Cosplay Central: A section of the convention center dedicated to the art of costumes, crafts, and characters.Family HQ: Enjoy family-friendly C2E2 fun for people of all ages.Gaming Zone: Lovers of board games and video games alike will find something to delight in here.Writers Block: Bookworms will feel at home in this area of the convention dedicated to prose books and novels.Pop Asia: Lovers of anime, manga, K-pop, kawaii, and Japanese culture, look no further than this section of C2E2.

C2E2

C2E2 Tattoo Pavilion: Stop by Ink Fusion Tattoo Empire for your latest tattoo. Owner Marc Draven is the first tattoo artist to be endorsed by comic book legend Stan Lee and licensed by LucasFilm.The Yard: Take a break from the action at C2E2’s beer garden and listen to live music or play trivia.After Dark: Keep partying when the lights go down at McCormick Place. Indulge in late-night karaoke, gaming, and interactive programming or bid on items in a charity auction.How much does it cost to go to C2E2?C2E2 2024 single-day tickets for Friday are currently $55, and tickets for Saturday or Sunday are $65. A three-day pass costs $115; a kids three-day pass is $30. VIP packages are available for up to $295. Prices will increase the week of the event. Get your C2E2 tickets.

How can I get to C2E2?McCormick Place is located at 2301 S. King Drive. There are three main parking lots at McCormick Place where parking permits cost $38 per day. There are also several public transportation options to choose from, including taking the CTA Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place stop, and the #3 King Drive and #21 Cermak routes provide direct access to McCormick Place.