Last weekend, the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver transformed one of its largest showroom floors into a lively hub of fandom. The space buzzed with energy, packed nearly floor to ceiling with vendors slinging everything from rare collectibles to handcrafted merch, sweet treats to interactive installations. Beyond the shop stalls, Fan Expo offered an impressive lineup of celebrity autograph lines, live video game tournaments, immersive cosplay meetups and more niche corners than you could explore in a day.
Denver’s annual Fan Expo is a large celebration of all things fantasy, comics, anime, film and television. It’s a weekend loaded with photo ops, autographs, interactive panels and experiences that stretch well beyond the vendor floor. We are talking deep dive gaming forums and candid Q&As with pop culture icons. At its core, the event is a gathering of passionate fans who thrive on shared obsessions. There is an undeniable sense of community that pulses through every hallway and exchange that ultimately calls on fans from around the country.
Among the bustling vendor floor, attendees could discover all kinds of rare and exciting memorabilia, from limited edition anime art to authenticated analog film stills signed by legendary actors. Collectors and creators traveled from across the country to set up shops right here in Denver, and the result was an unforgettable treasure hunt of both nostalgia and novelty.
One of our favorite encounters was with Ghostbusters of Colorado United, a fan-based cosplay group with a heartfelt essence and a truly cinematic setup. Their booth featured an impressive display of large-scale Ghostbusters memorabilia, including screen-accurate props, uniform and even their own version of the iconic Ecto-1 vehicle. But what stood out was their mission, this team doesn’t just show up for cons they show up for the community. Through hospital visits, charity appearances and a strong partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the group raises both spirits and funds. Over the Fan Expo weekend alone, they brought in over $4,000 to support their cause. To follow their work or get involved, check out their Facebook page and give them a well-deserved shoutout. They are solid proof that fandom can be both fun and full of purpose.
Hailing from Florida’s East Coast, Art Afterlife Skeletons brought a hauntingly beautiful booth to Fan Expo. A setup that immediately drew curious onlookers with its artful display of preserved chameleons, snakes, opossums, alligators and more. In a setup that looked part natural history museum, part fine art installation, vendor Kim walked us through the studio’s mission, to find meaning after death by ethically repurposing animal remains into sustainable, one-of-a-kind art.
In a place like Colorado, where oddities, taxidermy and the curious are enthusiastically embraced, Art Afterlife Skeletons was a major hit. Kim shared how the team handles each specimen with care, often taking on personalized commissions and traveling across the country for special requests. Every piece is processed with clean, practical methods that prioritize sustainability and respect for the creature’s form. The work is eerie, elegant and surprisingly emotional. For those fascinated by the intersection of science, death, and art, interacting with Art Afterlife Skeletons was a standout moment. It served as a reminder that even in the macabre, there can be beauty and intention. Custom pieces are available on their website.
Right in the heart of Denver, we had the pleasure of meeting Eric and Jillian of Mile High Animation, a creative hub dedicated to empowering youth and adults through the magic of digital media. At their interactive booth, we watched a group of young attendees light up as Eric guided them through the creation of a simple bouncing ball animation. A moment that captured the joy of learning and the impact of hands-on mentorship.
Mile High Animation not only teaches the basics of 2D animation or stop-motion filmmaking, but they also aim to build confidence and foster creativity in students of all backgrounds, including those who are neurodivergent. Eric and Jillian spoke passionately about their commitment to accessibility, education, and making the world of animation feel approachable for everyone. Their work connects entertainment and professional skill-building, which was seamlessly demonstrated on the showroom floor.
Fan Expo Denver is where the community meets creativity. It’s a celebration of shared passions, playful nostalgia and full-on fandom joy. The culture cultivated within these convention walls is unlike anything else, as all are welcome. While costumes are encouraged, and trust us, you won’t be the only one dressed to impress, there’s no pressure to be anything other than a curious fan. The weekend offered something for everyone, ranging from aisles of mixed media art, custom collectibles and handmade sculptures to cosplay weaponry, anime merch and immersive fan activations. Add in artist-led panels and celebrity Q&As, and it’s easy to see why this event has become a must-do for fans across genres and generations.
Even if you are a longtime collector, a parent looking to share your childhood favorites or someone just beginning to explore this world, Fan Expo reminds us that it is never too late to lean into what brings us joy. If you missed this year’s excitement, no worries because Fan Expo Denver will return in 2026, and trust us, it is worth the wait.
See you next year, Denver!