FanExpo

This weekend, the ultimate geek fest rolls in to town. Yes, it's time once again for FanExpo. From August 25 to 28th, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will be taken over by all things awesome - it's a combined comic, sci fi, horror, anime and gaming expo. Single day tickets range from $25 to $30 and full weekend passes are $79 (the premium weekend pass, at $109, was sold out ages ago). After attending last year's expo however, I'll be passing on the tickets this year. Why? Turns out, my favourite part of FanExpo can - to a great extent - be enjoyed for free.

For me, there are few things more smile-inducing than seeing someone get totally immersed in doing something they really love to do. At FanExpo, the hard core fans come out in droves, and many of them wear their fandom on their sleeves. Or their capes. Or armour. FanExpo is your opportunity to meet your favourite stars - either the real deal inside the convention (in nice, average everyday street clothes) - or in full costumed glory, wandering around inside, or better yet, on the street outside. It's called cosplay and some people take it very seriously. Which makes it all the more fun for people like me. How often do you get a chance to meet the Ghostbusters? Or have your kids arrested by Stormtroopers? Seriously, if you have kids, especially ones who love Star Wars, video games, anime or comics, take them down to the Convention Centre. A lot of the cosplayers make a point of interacting with the fans, not just posing for photographs but doing so totally in character. Alarmingly so at times!

If you're thinking of checking it out, keep in mind that the Masquerade, probably the most popular event at FanExpo, happens Saturday night at 8 pm. It's a chance for all of these talented people to show off their creations in front of a live audience, and perhaps walk away with a prize. Costumes in any of the Expo genres are welcome.