With many out for Summer break, now is the perfect time to be looking into the next convention to attend! Conventions are large-scale events where people interested in video games and all other types of nerdy things can meet like-minded people. These conventions are happening all the time, but here are a few 2024 Summer Conventions to be on the lookout for.

Illinois Game Con

Illinois Game Con takes place in Bloomington, Illinois at the Interstate Center. Held on Saturday, June 1st from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This is the state’s largest annual trading card and video game convention. Here, people can explore a wide selection of games, consoles, cards, and merchandise from local vendors and regional artists. Additionally, the convention hosts a huge free-play retro game room with both vintage and modern consoles, including VR. This room also features authentic arcades and indie developers. Illinois Game Con also hosts video game tournaments and a Cosplay Conga Line. The event will offer local food, snacks, and drink options for purchase. Tickets are available for purchase on the Illinois Game Con website including an early access pass for $40. Tickets for the Super Smash Summer Slam Wrestling Match are sold separately.

Soonercon

Soonercon is Oklahoma’s premier pop culture convention held at Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel and Conference Center in Norman, Oklahoma from June 21 – 23. Run by fans for fans, this science fiction convention features comics, fantasy, and gaming programming. This provides a multi-genre fandom experience unlike any other in the central United States. Soonercon hosts celebrity guests, expert panel discussions, workshops, and live performances spanning multiple media genres. Some of this year’s guests include Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt from The Witcher games series, Casey Alden of Miniature Rescues, Author Lisa Smedman, and content creator Halite. Additionally, the convention is partnering with Bridges of Norman, a charity organization that assists students with graduation and provides any other needs they may have. Tickets for the convention at-door are $79 for all three days.

Juneteenth SteamPunk Tea Party

Hosted by The House of Afros, Capes & Curls’ at Joslyn Castle & Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska, this steampunk-themed tea party celebrates Black Victorian-era inventors and activists. Held from June 7-8, the Juneteenth Steampunk Tea Party attendees will participate in immersive activities promoting historical knowledge, STEAM education, and community engagement. Since the theme is steampunk, participants are invited to Victorian-era or steampunk-themed Victorian-era clothing. The event is open to the public. Tickets can be bought through the website starting at $28.52 with luncheon tickets available separately. 

Niagara Falls Comic Con 2024

Located just steps away from the beautiful Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Comic Con 2024 will take place from June 7-9. Niagara Falls Convention Center features a large space for exhibitors, cosplay contests, celebrity autographs and photo-ops, and more. One featured attraction is Bill Diamond’s Hollywood Movie Museum, a collection of movie and screen props by Bill Diamond Productions. Celebrity guests set to appear at the convention include Peter Weller (Robocop), Shameik Moore (Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse), Robert Patrick (Terminator 2), and Sylvester McCoy (Doctor Who).

Conclusion

If an event you are looking for is not on this list, no worries! For a complete list of 2024 Summer conventions being held in North America, visit https://fancons.com/events/. Fan conventions like the listed ones above are always occurring. Be sure to be on the lookout for the next big Summer Fan Conventions!