FAN EXPO Chicago 2025 was here from August 15-17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. This was the 53rd edition of Chicago’s original comic convention, which began in 1972 as Nostalgia ’72, Chicago Comic Con and later became Chicago Comic and Nostalgia Convention. The event was renamed to Comic Con Chicago in 1976, then it was purchased by Wizard Entertainment. Wizard World Chicago was born in 1998. Informa purchased the event in 2021 and rebranded the 2022 event as FAN EXPO Chicago.
Friday was the first day of this event and it had a two hour special preview window for VIP, Ultimate, and 3-Day pass holders who purchase in advance. This gave you a chance to scope out the lay of the land and check out the vendors without the all the crowding.
Our past FAN EXPO CHICAGO cosplay coverage can be found here: 2022, 2023, 2024
Or Wizard World 2017-2021 Here
This year’s expo includes appearances by celebrities such as Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, John Cena, Orlando Bloom, and Brendan Fraser. There was a large vendor hall and artists alley, as well as a large selection of informational and instructional panels.
The rest of our cosplay coverage for FAN EXPO CHICAGO 2025
Friday Pt. 1, Pt. 2, Pt. 3
Saturday Pt.1, Pt. 2 (Pending)
Sunday Pt. 1, Pt. 2 (Pending)
A lot of us are there for the cosplay and it did not disappoint. Guest cosplayers this year included That’s So Cosplay, Sharp Shot EFX, and La Vie Cosplay and Ash. There was a lot cosplay groups set up with photo areas and various fundraising opportunities. You could talk to various groups and find one that interested you. as a cosplayer you could also participate in the Cosplay Red Carpet. If you are looking for those photos, they were taken by Moorcroft Photography and can be found here
Now onto the last of my Friday Photos. As always if you let me know who you are, I will tag the photo.
Show Hours:
Friday 4 PM – 9 PM*
Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM
There is a special Preview on Friday at 2 PM for VIP, Ultimate, and 3-Day pass holders who purchase in advance.
FAN EXPO Chicago is located at
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N River Rd.
Rosemont, IL 60018
For more information about the location, directions and parking click here.
ABOUT FAN EXPO
FAN EXPO Chicago is the ultimate go-to event for sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Chicago that attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
FAN EXPO Chicago offers exciting family-friendly attractions, events, and world-renowned Celebrities! The show, which started as Chicago Comic Con in 1972 and became Wizard World Chicago in 1998, has featured celebrities and creators like Stan Lee, Michael J. Fox, John Travolta, Carrie Fisher, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, WWE® Superstar John Cena®, David Boreanaz and many more headliners.
Everyone is a fan of something, and FAN EXPO Chicago is a place to celebrate all things pop culture. Get an autograph or a photo with your favorite guest then get the inside scoop about your favorite movies and TV shows at our celebrity panels! Watch professional comic artists battle it out in our popular Sketch Duels, learn from our “How To” workshops, and take photos with your favorite costumed characters! It’s also a great place to buy a unique gift (or treat yourself!) with a huge show floor for shopping madness.
FAN EXPO HQ is the largest comic con producer in the world. Collectively, it hosts over one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Canada, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Denver, CALGARY EXPO, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Dallas, FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, EDMONTON EXPO, FAN EXPO San Francisco, Toronto Comicon, FAN EXPO Cleveland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO Vancouver, and Dallas FAN FESTIVAL. The latest schedule of events is available here, along with up-to-date ticket information. Discover. Celebrate. Belong.
To see what cosplay conventions are coming up
be sure to check out our Cosplay Convention List!
