Grand Rapids Comic-Con: A Celebration of Pop Culture in West Michigan
Grand Rapids Comic-Con is a premier event in West Michigan, uniting fans of comics, movies, television, and pop culture. Founded by Mark and Jennifer Hodges, the convention has grown significantly since its inaugural event on October 12, 2013.
A Brief History
2013: The first Grand Rapids Comic-Con was held at the Home School Building in Wyoming, Michigan. The one-day event attracted nearly 10,000 attendees, with thousands turned away due to fire code restrictions.
2014: To accommodate growing interest, the convention moved to the DeltaPlex Arena, expanding to a three-day format and featuring Hollywood celebrities. Attendance reached 16,000, with additional fans turned away due to capacity limits.
2015-Present: The event relocated to the DeVos Place Convention Center in downtown Grand Rapids, continuing to grow in size and scope. By 2016, attendance neared 30,000, establishing the convention as a significant cultural event in the region.
What to Expect
Grand Rapids Comic-Con offers a diverse array of attractions for attendees:
Celebrity Guests: Meet stars from film, television, and streaming platforms. Past guests have included Kevin Eastman, co-creator of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and Denise Crosby from “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
Artist Alley: Discover works from local and national artists, including comic book creators, illustrators, and crafters. The convention provides a platform for artists to showcase and sell their creations.
Cosplay Contests: Participants of all ages display their costume craftsmanship, with contests celebrating creativity and attention to detail. Cosplay has become a hallmark of the convention, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.
Panels and Workshops: Engage in discussions and workshops covering topics such as comic book creation, pop culture analysis, and industry insights. These sessions offer educational and entertaining experiences for attendees.
Vendor Hall: Explore a vast selection of merchandise, including comics, collectibles, apparel, and unique fan items from various vendors.
Community Impact
Grand Rapids Comic-Con has become a cultural staple in West Michigan, fostering a sense of community among fans and creators. The event celebrates diversity and creativity, providing a welcoming environment for enthusiasts of all ages. It has also contributed to the local economy by attracting visitors nationwide.
Future Events
The convention continues to evolve, with plans for future events that include a “Spring Fling” edition held annually alongside the fall show. Attendees can anticipate new guests, expanded programming, and innovative experiences that reflect the ever-changing landscape of pop culture.
For the latest updates on upcoming events, guest announcements, and ticket information, visit the official Grand Rapids Comic-Con website.
Event details
Upcoming Event:
- Dates: November 15-17, 2025
- Venue: DeVos Place Convention Center, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Hours:
- Friday, November 15: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, November 16: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday, November 17: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Highlights:
- Celebrity Guests: Meet stars from your favorite films, TV shows, and streaming series. Previous guests have included actors from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and creators like Kevin Eastman, co-creator of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”
- Artist Alley: Explore works from local and national artists, including comic book creators, illustrators, and crafters. The convention provides a platform for artists to showcase and sell their creations.
- Cosplay Contests: Showcase your costume craftsmanship and creativity in contests open to all ages. Cosplay has become a hallmark of the convention, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.
- Panels and Workshops: Engage in discussions and workshops covering topics such as comic book creation, pop culture analysis, and industry insights. These sessions offer educational and entertaining experiences for attendees.
- Vendor Hall: Discover a vast selection of merchandise, including comics, collectibles, apparel, and unique fan items from various vendors.
Tickets:
Tickets are available for purchase online, with options for single-day passes, weekend passes, and VIP packages. Children aged 5 and under enjoy free admission throughout the weekend. Please note that all guest appearances are subject to change or cancellation. In the event of a guest cancellation, refunds will be provided for specific packages, photo ops, or autograph tickets related to that guest; however, admission tickets to Grand Rapids Comic-Con are non-refundable.
Parking:
On-site parking is available at the DeVos Place Convention Center for a fee, with in-and-out privileges throughout the day. Additional parking options are available in the surrounding area.
Additional Information:
For the latest updates on guest announcements, event schedules, and ticket availability, visit the official Grand Rapids Comic-Con website. Join the mailing list to receive timely updates and exclusive offers.
Grand Rapids Comic-Con is a celebration of creativity and fandom, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the worlds of comics, film, television, and more. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the scene, there’s something for everyone at this dynamic event.
Note: All information is subject to change. Please refer to the official Grand Rapids Comic-Con website for the most current details.
Grand Rapids Comic-Con: Spring Fling Road Trip to Kalamazoo
Grand Rapids Comic-Con: Spring Fling Road Trip to Kalamazoo
The Grand Rapids Comic-Con is expanding its reach with the Spring Fling Road Trip, bringing the excitement of pop culture to Kalamazoo, Michigan. This event offers fans in the region an opportunity to engage with their favorite genres in a new setting.
Event Details:
- Dates: April 11-13, 2025
- Venue: Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
- Hours:
- Friday, April 11: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, April 12: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday, April 13: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Highlights:
- Celebrity Guests: Meet stars from film, television, and streaming platforms. Previous guests have included voice actors from popular series such as “Dragon Ball Z,” “Naruto,” and “My Hero Academia.”
- Artist Alley: Discover works from local and national artists, including comic book creators, illustrators, and crafters. The convention provides a platform for artists to showcase and sell their creations.
- Cosplay Contests: Showcase your costume craftsmanship and creativity in contests open to all ages. Cosplay has become a hallmark of the convention, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.
- Panels and Workshops: Engage in discussions and workshops covering topics such as comic book creation, pop culture analysis, and industry insights. These sessions offer educational and entertaining experiences for attendees.
- Vendor Hall: Explore a vast selection of merchandise, including comics, collectibles, apparel, and unique fan items from various vendors.
Tickets:
Tickets are available for purchase online, with options for single-day passes, weekend passes, and VIP packages. Children aged 5 and under enjoy free admission throughout the weekend. Please note that all guest appearances are subject to change or cancellation. In the event of a guest cancellation, refunds will be provided for specific packages, photo ops, or autograph tickets related to that guest; however, admission tickets to Grand Rapids Comic-Con are non-refundable.
Parking:
On-site parking is available at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center for a fee, with in-and-out privileges throughout the day. Additional parking options are available in the surrounding area.
Additional Information:
For the latest updates on guest announcements, event schedules, and ticket availability, visit the official Grand Rapids Comic-Con website. Join the mailing list to receive timely updates and exclusive offers.
Grand Rapids Comic-Con’s Spring Fling Road Trip to Kalamazoo is a celebration of creativity and fandom, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the worlds of comics, film, television, and more. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the scene, there’s something for everyone at this dynamic event.
Note: All information is subject to change. Please refer to the official Grand Rapids Comic-Con website for the most current details.