Set your phasers to fun.
Phoenix Comicon returns to Downtown June 5-8 and even if you’re not prepared to fight the crowds to get a glimpse of Evil Dead hero Bruce Campbell or Weird Science vixen Kelly LeBrock there are innumerable ways for you to be a part of the greatest pop culture happening the Valley has ever witnessed.
1) Dress the Part

Comicon is a cosplay-ground and the streets will be teeming with Stormtroopers, Cylons, Watchmen and, of course, zombies (but more on that later). Several Downtown businesses will be rolling out the red carpet for costumed attendees, including Tilted Kilt, which will be offering Comicon-themed drinks like the Batman Shot, Falcon Punch, the Lightsaber and the Princess Peach. In addition to giving badge-wearers 25 percent off their tab, Copper Blues is offering $500 in prizes to the best hero and villain costumes. Last Exit Live is letting in anyone wearing a Comicon badge rock out for free on June 6.
Photo by Geek World Radio
2) Follow the Signals
Look to the sky and follow the bat signal to Lustre Rooftop Garden, where guests can sip discounted, villainous cocktails while taking in the best city views. Lustre will also offer live music on Friday and a DJ’ed pool party on Saturday and Sunday.
3) Don’t Run, Shuffle

Third Street will be closed between Washington and Monroe to make room for Comicon activation stations that are open to the public, including standup comedy and live music on Thursday; Zombie Walk, roller derby bouts and live music on Friday; and Steampunk String Band and Downtown’s favorite DJ Sean Watson on Saturday. Shameless Plug Part I: Friday’s Zombie Walk is a great opportunity to practice for Zombie Walk 6 Oct. 25 Heritage & Science Park.
4) Laugh It Up

Stand Up Live is bringing in some wonderfully nerdy talent for Comicon Week, including Jonah Ray and Matt Mira (Nerdist podcast and @midnight) on June 5, the cast of HBO’s Silicon Valley (Kumail Nanjiani, Thomas Middleditch and TJ Miller) on June 6 and Jay and Silent Bob (Clerks, Clerks 2, Chasing Amy, Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back) on June 7.
5) Bring a Towel
From Downtown Ambassadors matriarch Samantha Jackson: “As explained in the Hitchhiker’s Guide To the Galaxy, towels are ‘the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.’ A towel has both practical value (can be used for warmth, as shelter, as a weapon and, strangely, to dry one’s body) as well as psychological value (if a non-hitchhiker sees you with a towel they’ll assume you’re fully stocked with other necessities as well).” Shameless Plug PartII: If you have any questions about Downtown while you’re geeking out, just ASK an orange-shirted (and caped???) Downtown Ambassador or call (602) 495-1500.
Happy Comicon-ing!