What to know before heading to Phoenix Comic Fest
If you can't wait until the fall for Tucson's Comic-Con, the annual Comic Fest in Phoenix is coming up this weekend.
But after a man showed up to the popular festival last year with multiple real guns, there are some new rules in place.
Here's everything you need to know before heading out to the fest.
When and where?
Updated
Families marvel at the detail of the Arizona Lego user group Cactus Brick's display at Comicon on Sunday, May 28, 2017 at Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix.
The annual comic festival will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N 3rd St, Phoenix, from May 24-27.
Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How to get passes
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Comedy legend Dick Van Dyke meets Mary Graeber, 56, Cave Creek, dressed as Mary Poppins at Phoenix Comicon , Saturday, May 27, 2017, at the Phoenix Convention Center. Graeber said it has always been a dream of hers to meet Van Dyke, and after he signed her Mary Poppins movie poster, he did not disappoint. She said he even sang a little bit of a song from the movie Mary Poppins to her.
Passes are available online on the event's official website. The prices of the pass vary per day.
Festivalgoers will need to go to one of three check-in spots outside of the convention center to pick up or purchase passes.
Thursday: $30
Friday: $35
Saturday: $55
Sunday: $40
And if you went last year and experienced the long lines, organizers are working to make sure that's not the case again. Organizers told the Arizona Republic they looked at data from last year to help anticipate when people would come, and will better staff this year.
New prop, security rules
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Originally after last year's incident, the festival organizers decided to ban all props. Those rules have been relaxed a bit, but replica weapons are not allowed.
All attendees this year will need to go through metal detectors or be scanned with detector wands.
Also, anyone with props will need to visit the Prop Check Station to get their items checked and tagged. Props that do not follow the guidelines will not be allowed.
And be warned: Your costume will be thoroughly checked, most likely through both visual and metal detection.
Props that are allowed:
Lightsabers (good news, Star Wars fans), bows, shields, any props, including armor and sword, made from foam, foam rubber, cardboard, plastic, thermoplastic, resin.
For more information
UpdatedFor more information, like where to park and how to purchase a photo op or autograph, check out the website's frequently asked questions page.
