Chicago's C2E2 pop culture convention returns with star-studded lineup
Marvel agents, Westeros warriors and a Chicago wrestling legend join legions of comic-book artists, exhibitors and costumed fans next weekend at the annual celebration of pop culture known as C2E2.
The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo returns Friday, April 24, to Chicago's McCormick Place and offers three days of advance screenings, Q&A sessions, photo ops and more. Now in its sixth year, C2E2 continues to be an easily accessible destination despite its lakeshore location.
"We want to be as fan-forward and fan-friendly as possible," said Brien McDonald, director of publisher and studio relations for show producer ReedPOP. C2E2 lives up to that promise with free shuttle buses to McCormick Place that make stops spanning from River North to Roosevelt Road near the Museum Campus. Parking also is available on-site.
Once you arrive, you'll find a veritable nerdtropolis where you can seek autographs, buy merchandise from 350 exhibitors and chat with comic-book creators on Artist Alley.
Perhaps the most exciting offerings at C2E2 are the star-studded panel discussions and advance screenings. McDonald gives us his essential Main Stage events for each day of the expo:
<b>Friday, April 24 </b>
"Wayward Pines" screening, Q&A - The C2E2 audience will be the first to see the premiere episode of this Fox summer thriller. Executive producer/director M. Night Shyamalan ("The Sixth Sense") and star Matt Dillon will take questions afterward. (3:15-4:30 p.m.)
"Thrilling Adventure Hour" screening, Q&A - The podcast that relives the magic of old-time radio with current comedians will present its new concert film, and stars including Scott Adsit ("30 Rock"), Timothy Omundson ("Psych") and Autumn Reeser ("The O.C.") will be on hand. (4:45-6:30 p.m.)
<b>Saturday, April 25</b>
"Other Space" screening, Q&A - Yahoo's new sci-fi workplace comedy boasts "Bridesmaids" (and future "Ghostbusters") director Paul Feig as executive producer, and Feig will field questions alongside co-stars Joel Hodgson and Trace Beaulieu of "Mystery Science Theater 3000." (11 a.m.-noon)
"Women of S.H.I.E.L.D." panel - This is the biggie for Marvel fans. Hayley Atwell, who plays Peggy Carter in "Captain America" and ABC's "Agent Carter," will appear with Ming-Na Wen of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." in a panel discussion. (1:30-2:30 p.m.)
<b>Sunday, April 26</b>
CM Punk spotlight - Former WWE wrestler, mixed martial arts fighter and comic-book writer CM Punk, aka Phil Brooks of Chicago, takes the main stage. (11 a.m.-noon)
"Game of Thrones: A Panel of Ice and Fire" - Jason Momoa (Khal Drogo) and Finn Jones (Loras Tyrell) will entertain fans of the HBO phenomenon with stories from the set and talk about their upcoming projects. (1:30-2:30)
Stan Lee spotlight - The man who created just about every awesome Marvel character you can think of is still touring the convention circuit at age 92, and he brings with him a lifetime of stories and experience. (2:45-3:45 p.m.)
Advance tickets are available at C2E2.com and increase in price the day of the show. Photo ops with celebrity guests can be purchased for a separate fee online. Autograph fees are collected on-site. For a full list of all expo guests, log onto c2e2.com/Guests.
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo - C2E2 Expo
When: Friday, April 24, through Sunday, April 26
Where: South Building at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago
Tickets: Preshow prices are $30 Friday and Sunday,$35 Saturday, $60 weekend pass. $5 kids tickets available Sunday for attendees ages 6-12. Buy tickets at
C2E2.com. Prices go up once the convention starts.
Parking: Available on-site for $28 plus a $5 service charge at
Free shuttle: Three routes with stops throughout the downtown Chicago area. See the route map at