Wizard World Returns In-Person With Chicago Show, Adding to Already Crowded 2021 Con Calendar

Wizard World logo

It has been announced that Wizard World Chicago will be held as a live event October 15-17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

There is no word yet on who will be exhibiting, which guests will be appearing, what tickets will cost, or any other specifics. But given how quickly shows are staking out weekends in the last quarter of the year, it’s important for a major show to get on the calendar. We’re told more details will follow about the specifics of the show as they become available.

Already announced are

  • New York Comic Con, October 7-10, but with no specifics available, as they’re currently advertising their online gatherings
  • Baltimore Comic-Con, October 22-24, with a guest list available
  • In the UK, MCM London has also announced October 22-24, but with no specifics, and in a country that has just extended its lockdown
  • Also in the UK, both Thought Bubble and MCM Birmingham are planned for November 13-14
  • San Diego Comic-Con Special Edition, November 26-28 (Thanksgiving weekend)
  • Emerald City Comic Con (Seattle), December 2-5
  • C2E2 (Chicago), December 10-12

Aside from Baltimore, Thought Bubble, and San Diego, those are all ReedPop shows. Wizard World has also mentioned a Philadelphia show for November 12-14.

If you bought a ticket for WW Chicago in 2020 or the previous August 2021 date, they will be honored. The show also plans to incorporate virtual events. The company has been surviving on those, merch sales, and an attempt to ride the NFT bandwagon.

The last live Wizard World was Cleveland in March 2020. “Details of specific requirements regarding the wearing of face masks, social distancing, and other precautionary measures to be observed will be announced closer to the event.”

That’s the biggest concern with all this. Will fans feel comfortable attending live shows? Rules and requirements change quickly, and shows that aim to draw from a national fan base need to give those fans time to make travel plans. I want to attend some conventions, but I want to do so safely, and currently, it feels like a game of chicken, waiting to see if things have really settled down before committing time and money to travel.



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