20 things you need to check out at Calgary Expo 2018 this weekend

Apr 26 2018, 11:58 pm

The Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo is finally back in the city, and along with all the interesting costumes to check out, the Expo is packed full of cool events to check out.

The full list of events is rather extensive, so we’ve decided to pick out our favourite five for each day to feature — these are not ones you’ll want to miss!

See also

Thursday, April 26

The Star Wars: The Force Awakens poster (Lucasfilm)

The Star Wars: The Force Awakens poster (Lucasfilm)

Saberforce demos

  • What: Get your hands on a lightsaber to feel what it’s really like to be a Jedi Knight… or a Sith Lord.
  • Time: 5 to 6 pm, 7 to 8 pm, and 8 to 9 pm (though the event will be on the Outdoor Coke Stage for the last hour)
  • Where: Outdoor Weadickville Area

SCA Combat Demonstrations

  • What: Watch fighters go at it in medieval style combat. This is definitely not a melee you’ll want to miss!
  • Time: 5 to 6 pm, 7 to 8 pm
  • Where: Outdoor Coke Stage

Comic Book Bootcamp

  • What: Learn how to write comics that people actually want to read with a full panel of industry professionals.
  • Time: 6:45 to 7:30 pm
  • Where: Upper Big Four Stage

Lou Ferrigno Photo Op

  • What: Get a pic with the green man himself — you’ll probably still like him even if he’s angry!
  • Time: 8 pm
  • Where: Epic Photo Booth A
  • Additional Cost: $60

When Comics and Music Meet

  • What: Explore the relationship between comics and music, how they influence each other, and the interesting things that have been done to bridge the two mediums.
  • Time: 8 to 8:45 pm
  • Where: Upper Big Four Stage

Friday, April 27

expo

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Writing Fiction, But Were Afraid To Ask

  • What: Here’s your chance to ask some professional writers how they made it in the business, and how you can get your foot in the door.
  • Time: 2:30 pm
  • Where: Palomino H

Voice Actor Q&A with Overwatch Stars

  • What: Join the familiar voices of Fred Tatasciore, Jonny Cruz, and Charlet Chung as they discus their experiences working on one of the biggest multiplayer video games ever.
  • Time: 2:45 to 3:30 pm
  • Where: Boyce Theatre

Geek Speed Dating

  • What: There’s no better place to find a fellow geek to love than at the Comic an Entertainment Expo!
  • Time: 3 to 5 pm for LGBTPQ+, 5 to 7 pm and 7 to 9 pm for hetero
  • Where: The Wrangler Room

Beyond Pokemon: The Voices of Veronica Taylor

  • What: Hear a voice right out of your childhood as Ash Ketchum’s voice will be live in Calgary this Friday.
  • Time: 6 to 6:45 pm
  • Where: Palomino E

An Evening With The Cast Of Back To The Future

  • What: Marty may be missing, but Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Tom Wilson will still be on scene to chat about their time in the past… and future.
  • Time: 7 to 8 pm
  • Where: Stampede Corral

Saturday, April 28

expo

(Calgary Quidditch Club)

Dungeons and Dragons quickplay with DM Sarah

  • What: Get in a quick D&D sesh before the rest of the Expo is even awake!
  • Time: 10 am to noon, noon to 2 pm
  • Where: Palomino B – Tabletop Gaming

Quidditch

  • What: Play every wizards favourite sport — even if you will be stuck on the ground!
  • Time: 3 to 4 pm
  • Where: Outdoor Coke Stage

Ocarina 101: Dont Tri-N-Force a Zelda Pun

  • What: Learn about the history of the instrument that played a crucial role in one of Link’s most memorable adventures.
  • Time: 3 to 3:45 pm
  • Where: Palomino FG

What Kings Ate and Wizards Drank

  • What: Learn some half-true histories of the foods and beverages that were featured at all those feasts our favourite royal figures would throw.
  • Time: 3:15 to 4 pm
  • Where: Palomino D

Master of Cosplay – Western Qualifier

  • What: Either watch in awe or enter to win the boasting rights of best cosplayer in the building!
  • Time: 7 to 9 pm
  • Where: Stampede Corral

Sunday, April 29

expo

Image: phoenixcomics / Instagram

Imagined Worlds, Created Communities: Building Relationships through Comics and Fandom

  • What: Learn about how and why comics, video games, and stories can create powerful fandoms.
  • Time: 11 to 11:45 am
  • Where: Palomino H

Confidence in Cosplay

  • What: An open discussion about how cosplay can help to build a positive self-image.
  • Time: 11:15 am to noon
  • Where: Palomino D

Weathering Techniques for Costumes and Props

  • What: Learn how to make that cosplay costume look even more awesome — and as though a fierce warrior had really worn their armour through many battles and adventures.
  • Time: 12:15 to 1 pm
  • Where: Palomino D

Fans, Stans, and Trekkies: The Science of Social Attachments to Celebrities

  • What: Delve into the science behind your favourite fandoms, how social media factors in, and the complexities of a fan’s attraction to celebs.
  • Time: 2 to 2:45 pm
  • Where: Palomino FG

Riddle Up Your RPG (It Takes More Than Combat to Challenge a Character)

  • What: Freshen up your next big session by learning how to include some puzzles, riddles, and brainteasers into your adventurers path.
  • Time: 2:30 to 3:15 pm
  • Where: Palomino H

Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo 2018

When:
Thursday, April 26 from 4 to 8:30 pm
Friday, April 27 from noon to 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 28 from 10 am to 6:30 pm
Sunday, April 29 from 10 am to 4:30 pm

Where: Calgary Stampede Park – 1410 Olympic Way SE

Tickets: Online, $20 to $50 for single day tickets, $110 for four-day pass

See also
DH Calgary StaffDH Calgary Staff

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