(Photo credit: Otto Rascon)
Written by Colleen Bement, Editor
Happy New Year and it’s time for another round of convention fun. Whether you’re a seasoned con-goer or new to the scene, there’s no better time to plan your convention calendar than right now. Calendars fill up quickly, and before you know it, the chance to attend your favorite Denver area events can pass us by. Beyond the shopping and cosplay, conventions are a great place to connect with others who share your interests. Whether it’s through panels, meet-ups, or just hanging out with fellow fans, these events are a hub for community building. Plus, you can make new friends and network with like-minded fans and creators!
Book early. Hotel rooms book out quickly. Whether you’re in town or out of the area, getting a hotel room makes the convention experience twice as nice! Also, TICKET PRICES WILL GO UP! Buy early. Cons are more than just a chance to geek out over your favorite fandoms; they’re a celebration of creativity, community, and the things we love. From cosplay to meeting new friends, to shopping for those one-of-a-kind collectibles—cons offer experiences that you can’t get anywhere else. But to make the most of the year ahead, it’s important to get organized. Now is the time to start prepping for events, and we’ve put together a list of our favorites.
Genghis Con
DATES: February 20-23, 2025
LOCATION: Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center
GenghisCon is a celebration of all things gaming, a grand spectacle of fun and camaraderie. They craft community through play and tabletop gaming is at its best. There will be a vast ocean of board games, card games, and role-playing adventures of every conceivable kind. Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of gaming or a seasoned pro, their tables are open to all. It’s not just about rolling the dice or drawing cards; it’s about forging bonds, making memories, and sharing laughs with fellow enthusiasts who share your passion.
Adult Weekend Pass: $75.00
Single Day Badges: $50-$55
Colorado Anime Fest
DATES: March 21-23, 2025
LOCATION: Denver Marriott Tech Center
There is something special about anime conventions. Just about every attendee comes dressed in cosplay. To say that these fans love anime is an understatement. It is a passion for a unique media that has grown exponentially over recent years. Networks like Netflix have been offering some amazing anime content lately and the popularity just keeps expanding. The guests this year boast amazing talent. Guests are to be announced soon.
Adult Weekend Pass: $55.00
Child (7-12) Weekend Pass: $25.00
Fan Expo Denver
DATES: July 3-6, 2025
LOCATION: Colorado Convention Center
The Colorado Convention Center blue bear will again greet fans from all over the West. Fan Expo puts these amazing events on all across North America and they’ve got it down! Always one of Denver’s biggest events, Fan Expo The family-friendly atmosphere makes it ideal to bring the kids while all the big kids at heart come to celebrate all of their fandoms. The light rail keeps things simple by dropping attendees off right at the door, and there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and activities to explore while in town. Guests should be announced soon. Sign up for their newsletter to be the first to know.
4-Day Weekend Pass: $99
Single Day: $25-$46
Child (6-12) $12
Colorado Springs Comic Con
DATES: Aug. 15-17, 2025
LOCATION: Broadmoor World Arena
For those south of Denver, this annual 3-day event features celebrities from all genres of TV, movies, and cartoons, some of the best names in the comic art community, as well as some of the greatest vendors in the area with those hard-to-find toys, comics, and collectibles. The show is hosted by Altered Reality Entertainment who does a nice job of bringing celebrity guests and fans to the party. Just one guest has been announced and more are coming very soon. So far, Vicki Lawrence of “The Carol Burnett Show,” and “Mama’s Family” will be there. It’s a short drive from Denver and well worth it.
Adult: $113.99
Child (4-12) $34
Single Day from $49-$54
Nan Desu Kan
DATES: Aug. 29-31, 2025
LOCATION: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Nan Desu Kan (NDK), is the largest anime convention in the Rocky Mountain region (excluding Texas) with a total weekend attendance of more than 27,000. It provides a diverse mix of numerous cultural panels, musical guests, games, dances, workshops, an art academy, a gallery, and a charity auction, as well as screenings of new and classic anime. NaN staff is always impressed not only by the cosplay but also by the love and kindness shared by the attendees. It is always a joy to go to NDK.
Adult Weekend: $70.00
Single Day: $40-$50
The Colorado Festival Of Horror
Here There Be Monsters!
DATES: Friday, Sep. 12-14, 2025
LOCATION: Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows
If you’re a Colorado horror fan, you most likely know about the Colorado Festival of Horror, fondly referred to as COFOH. Like a zombie virus, the excitement has spread, and year after year, this show is getting more popular! We here at Nerd Alert News always look forward to the Drawn in Blood and the tattoo competitions, the cosplay, the panels, and so much more. They often host a GodzillaFest which has always been a favorite of our editor. More information will be coming out soon including guest announcements. Stay tombed, as they say.
Weekend Pass: $76.55
Single Day: Stay Tombed
Child (under 10): Free with paying adult
MileHiCon 55
This long-standing and popular convention had an art show and a vendor’s room because we all know that we nerds can never own enough collectibles. For SF/F and speculative fiction lovers, it’s a weekend not to be missed. It features authors, artists, speakers, and programming on every aspect of the science fiction and fantasy genres. Some guests have been announced and include Author Guest of Honor Gail Carriger, and Author Guest of Honor Wen Spencer. The Toastmaster will be Shannon Lawrence. Always a highlight and one of the coolest activities at Mile Hi Con is Avistrum. Attendees participate in classes and storylines as part of the “Avistrum Academy of Sorcery.”
DATES: Oct. 25-27, 2024
LOCATION: Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center
Adult Weekend: $51
Teen Weekend (12-17): $25.50
Child Weekend: Free, must be accompanied by an adult
What is your favorite Denver-area convention? Let us know which cons we left out. Nerd Alert News loves conventions!
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