Geek out, Cleveland!
- May 5
- 3 min read
Updated: May 7
How FAN EXPO Cleveland took over the city.
Written by Izzy Aparicio
Cleveland, usually the city of devoted sports fans, is used to having a passionate following. Many might not know, however, just how prevalent pop culture fandom is here. This year, FAN EXPO Cleveland welcomed thousands of excited fans who weren't afraid to show their passion for all things comic books, movies, anime, games and more. The city was turned into a pop culture metropolis where you might catch a glimpse of a stormtrooper or Transformer strolling down the road.
FAN EXPO Cleveland has a history in the city. First hosted as Wizard World Cleveland in 2015, the convention has grown to be among the most popular pop culture conventions in the region. Now, under the banner of FAN EXPO, it continues to reunite fans with their favorite celebrities, artists and creators.
One of the pinnacles of FAN EXPO Cleveland is the incredible cosplay community. Fans go through a lot of work, dressing as their favorite characters from movies, TV shows, games and comics. Realistic costumes and props make FAN EXPO a spectacle. Walking through the convention is entering a different world, where superheroes, villains and anime characters move around, interacting with each other. To others, cosplay is just dressing up, but to fans, it is an art and a way to bring characters to life while connecting with the original work.
Aside from cosplay, why do people go? For the majority of visitors, it’s the annual chance to step into the worlds they love. It's a place where people can be as intense as they want about their favorite media, have a chance to meet the authors of said media and bond with other fans who share the same obsessions. Some “superfans” even pay and line up to have autographs and photo ops with actors, voice actors, streamers and artists.
For Mia Farinacci, who is a lifelong “Supernatural” fan and Cleveland State University (CSU) alumna, FAN EXPO Cleveland felt like a blast from the past.
“I used to go to all the conventions when I was in high school,” Farinacci said. “I was excited to see what the expo had to offer.”
Farinacci said her meet and greet with Jared Padalecki, the actor who played Sam Winchester in “Supernatural,” was beautiful. She received a photo and an autograph from him.
“I had to do the autograph because I just wanted to see him one more time,” Farinacci said. “He is really pretty.”
The expo floor is always buzzing with excitement as vendors showcase collectibles, artwork and other handmade pieces. Whether it’s limited edition comic books, painted action figures or collectible cards, FAN EXPO has something for everyone.
Her love for shopping and fandom drew Ivy Hale, another attendee, to this year’s event.
“I’m excited to see different artists and their products,” Hale said.
One of the best things about FAN EXPO is how close it is to CSU. Students have easy access to this annual celebration of geek culture.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting into pop culture, FAN EXPO Cleveland is an inclusive and welcoming space for all. The passion and creativity on display make it a must-see event for all. Next year, step into the world of the FAN EXPO Cleveland and experience the community of fandom firsthand!
More images of the convention.
Credit: Jaxson Streets
