Fan exhibitions have become ingrained in modern society and pop-culture fandom as an essential event for enthusiasts of all things film, television, video game, comic book, and anime. Serving as a celebration of entertainment media that invites members of different fandoms to embrace the titles and artists they are most passionate about, they strike an infectious balance between pulsating excitement and welcoming encouragement.
Running from Thursday, 25 to Saturday, 27 this September, the FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention looms as the place to be for pop-culture lovers in the area, with the expo featuring everything from celebrity panels to anime screenings, cosplay meet-ups, and even focused seminars on arts like game design, creative writing, animation, and comic books. The following events are must-see attractions at the con, though it is still worth checking out the full schedule here.
10
Celebrate Utah’s History in Horror Cinema
Saturday, September 27 @ 7pm — Room 255E
Horror cinema has long been a defining pillar of the medium, an attention-snatching, innovative, and pulse-raising spectacle of fantastic frights and dreadful suspense. Standing as a small celebration of Utah’s storied contributions to horror, “This the Place (For Horror): Utah’s Horror Movie History” is sure to be a must-see event for all attending FanX Salt Lake who have even the faintest interest in the genre and filmmaking in the state.
From all-time classics like 1962’s Carnival of Souls to cult hits like 1984’s Silent Night, Deadly Night, and even to so-bad-they’re-good guilty pleasures like Troll 2, Salt Lake City and its surrounds have played host to plenty of spooky sensations. Reviewing these films in all their wild, wacky, and wonderful glory, the panel is set to be a soaring success, a rollicking reflection on Utah’s horror history that all in attendance ought to embrace and enjoy.
9
Celebrate 70 Years of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Find Out What Resides in the Franchise’s Future
Thursday, 25th September @ 2pm — Room 255E
With 2025 marking 70 years since J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Return of the King was published, Fan X Salt Lake is taking what is a golden opportunity to celebrate the history of The Lord of the Rings. The fantasy epic following members of the fellowship as they venture through Middle-earth to destroy a treacherous and powerful ring in the fires of Mordor has become a true cultural phenomenon through both Tolkien’s enduring works and Peter Jackson’s astonishing film trilogy.
Held on Thursday afternoon in Room 255E, “To Rule Them All: 70 Years of ‘The Lord of the Rings’” is set to be a reflection on the brilliance of the story and the many ways it has impacted and influenced contemporary culture over the past seven decades. Also looking forward to what the future may have in store, the panel looms as an unmissable event for all fans of Middle-earth who want to embrace the brilliance of the franchise anew while casting an eye toward what could be yet to come.
8
Dabble in Tabletop RPGs and D&D Panels
Throughout the Event — Different Locations
While such games and hobbies have been around for many decades, the past decade has seen the popularity of tabletop RPG board games soar exponentially, to the point that they have even become something of a pop culture phenomenon. Comic conventions have long been a place for enthusiasts of RPGs to meet up and share their passion while engaging with the creatives behind their favorite interactive worlds to reflect on the origins of the storytelling ideas and reveal plans for the future.
FanX Salt Lake has an abundance of events tailored to enrich your tabletop gaming experience. Whether you’re an avid player wanting to participate in a new Dungeons & Dragons campaign while meeting new people at any of the “D&D 2024e Games” events, or are more interested in gaining enlightenment on how such games have become cultural cornerstones, FanX Salt Lake has the event for you to indulge in all your escapist tabletop fantasy.
7
Delve Into the Legacy and Legend of David Lynch
Saturday, September 27 @ 7pm — Room 255C
Few artists, let alone filmmakers, can lay claim to being truly unique, whose stylistic leanings prove to be so singular and so striking that they become a genre in and of themselves. Marked by his conviction as much as he was by his imaginative vibrancy, David Lynch is one such filmmaker, and FanX Salt Lake is set to honor his sublime filmography with the “From Eraserhead to Twin Peaks and Beyond: The Art of David Lynch” panel.
Hosted at 7 pm on Saturday night in Room 255C, the event will delve into Lynch’s films to dissect their impressionable visual style, enigmatic narrative might, and enduring impact on pop culture. Covering everything from Mulholland Drive and Eraserhead to his more linear pictures like The Straight Storyand The Elephant Man, the event is sure to explore every detail of Lynch’s creativity and craftsmanship.
6
Settle in For an Anime Screening
Throughout the Event — Room 258
With a series of anime screenings running consistently throughout the event in Room 258, FanX Salt Lake is set to be a ceaseless celebration of the glory and artistry of the Japanese animation style. Featuring many of the greatest titles in anime history—including but not limited to One-Punch Man, Naruto, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Death Note, and Sailor Moon—the convention is the place to be for all lovers of the form in the area.
The ongoing screening sessions are just one element of the anime awe that the event is going to present, with a vast range of seminars, panels, and cosplay events also scheduled as part of the festivities. It is no secret that the wonders of anime are a marquee attraction of such exhibitions, and FanX Salt Lake is invested in putting on one of the greatest and grandest celebrations of the medium.
5
Enjoy the Game Shows, Dance Parties, and Talent Contests
Throughout the Event — Different Locations
Fun and excitement are the essence of all fan expo events. As such, the exuberance and enthusiasm of the high-energy atmosphere and abounding electricity can be overwhelming. Thankfully, if you are in attendance and feel the need to blow off a little steam, FanX Salt Lake is offering a vast range of interactive and engaging attractions to break up the mania of all the media, pop culture, and celebrity guest appearances.
Whether you want to strut your stuff on the dance floor at a K-pop Random Dance Play event, participate in game shows about everything from Disney music to video games, or even showcase your hidden and hilarious gifts at “Multiverse Got Talent” on Thursday afternoon in Room 260, FanX Salt Lake has got you covered. Obviously, it is paramount that attendees show respect for their competitors and contribute to the fun-loving nature of the events, but otherwise, the world is your oyster and the prizes are there to be won.
4
Attend a Cosplay Event
Throughout the Event — Different Locations
Combining the art of costume creation with the immersive fun of role-playing, cosplayers have become a permanent fixture at any pop-culture media convention around the world. FanX Salt Lake has an abundance of events to facilitate those interested in indulging, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned cosplay enthusiast eager to show off a new costume or someone of lesser experience curious to find out more about the popular hobby.
From themed meet-ups accommodating the cosplay creations of specific fandoms to introductory events designed to establish a comprehensive understanding of the etiquette and attitude of the cosplay community, FanX’s cosplay commotion is set to be a key feature of the convention. With a Cosplay Contest being held at 7 pm on Saturday at the Grand Ballroom, serving as the perfect finale to the expo for all cosplay enthusiasts, the convention is set to be a stunning celebration of the cosplay community.
3
Embrace the Brilliance of DC Comics’ Storied History
Friday, September 26 @ 5pm – Room 150D
The rampant rise in the popularity of superhero stories has corresponded with the soaring prominence of conventions the world over. While Marvel has perhaps enjoyed the lion’s share of the attention over recent decades with the success of the MCU, DC has begun to turn the tide of late, not only through the widespread adoration of the hit film Superman, but with ongoing comic book releases steering familiar stories in new and interesting directions as well.
As such, any and all superhero comic book lovers simply must make their way to the “DC Comics Over the Years” panel in Room 150D at 5 pm on Friday. Set to explore the rich history of DC Comics, spanning back to its origin over 90 years ago, the event is set to be a scintillating salute to all that the publication has produced over its almighty tenure. While there is an abundance of comic book-focused events on, this one stands as an essential panel.
2
See the Stars on Celebrity Row
Throughout the Event — Different Locations
One of the biggest attractions of comic conventions is the litany of celebrity personalities they feature. Facilitating meet-up opportunities while also hosting panels that allow the stars to engage with their fans on their most beloved projects, such exhibitions are renowned for the access they grant to some of the biggest names in entertainment. FanX Salt Lake is raising the bar in this regard.
With Celebrity Row running consistently throughout the three-day event, the expo will feature plenty of chances for everyone to meet their favorite film and television stars. Likewise, a plethora of celebrity Spotlight Panels will provide ample opportunity for engagement. Check out the extensive list of celebrities who will be attending the event here.
1
Celebrate the Star Wars Universe
Throughout the Event — Different Locations
Star Wars is always one of the major titles at fan conventions. The enchanting story of sci-fi and fantasy wonder has captivated the masses across the past six decades, yet it has often been at such expos where the saga is celebrated most passionately. FanX Salt Lake will feature an abundance of Star Wars-themed attractions to allow the fanbase to enjoy and even learn more about their favorite franchise.
Ranging from feature panels with creatives actively involved in the expansion of the Star Wars saga to Jedi lightsaber training events, engaging seminars, and even specialized cosplay meet-ups, FanX Salt Lake will show much love to Star Wars. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the franchise or a casual enjoyer eager to find new depths in it, FanX Salt Lake is the place to be for all things heralding from a galaxy far, far away.
