Arizona Convention History

Welcome to our exploration of fandom conventions in Arizona, going all the way back to Phoenix Con in 1970. The current count is 196 past, present and future events.

To see what's coming up, with links to convention websites and maps, check out Arizona Conventions in 2022 or Arizona Conventions in 2023.

Here's a Google Map of all Arizona conventions. It shows all 2019 cons by default.

Here's a Chronology of Arizona conventions so you can see how the patterns change.

To see which Arizona conventions are live, on hiatus or no longer happening, check our Status page.

We're aware that we have gaps. There are other cons that we're Researching. If you have corrections or can fill in gaps in our Publications Archive with images, PDFs (or physical copies we can scan), please e-mail us.

The Conventions

	Ace Comic Con (2018-2019, inactive) Ace Comic Con is a gate show run by former founders of Wizard World. It appears to be aiming at high profile superhero guests.
	AdventureCon (2009, inactive) AdventureCon seems to be an early version of what Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest would become, especially given that it was held at the Cardinals stadium. It was run by the organisation that hosted AdventureCons in other cities.
	AGOG (1988-1998?, inactive) AGOG, which stands for 'A Gathering of Gamers', was an annual gaming convention in Tucson, run by Gamer's Haven, that usually happened on the President's Day weekend.
	ALPCA International Convention (1955-present, active on a wider scale) The ALPCA International Convention is run by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (alpca.org), as their annual gathering. It was first held in 1955 in North Attleboro, MA and moves every year. Arizona has hosted it twice, in 1997 and 2003, both times in Tucson.
	AlterCon (1980-1994, inactive) AlterCon was a one-off 'hastily organized relaxicon' to replace LepreCon 6 when it was cancelled three weeks out from the event. It was revisited 14 years later during a similar scenario around LepreCon 20.
	Amazing Arizona Comic Con (2011-2017, inactive) The Amazing Arizona Comic Con was an annual comic book convention in Phoenix. It's run by the Amazing Comic Cons organisation which hosts such events across the US. It cancelled its Arizona event as of 2017 as part of a refocusing effort.
	Anime Kaigi (2010-2012, inactive) Anime Kaigi was an annual anime convention in Flagstaff. Its demise prompted the creation of Kikori Con.
	Animeland TuCon (2008-2012, inactive) Animeland TuCon was an annual anime convention in Tucson, run by Animeland, who have also hosted events in Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada and New Mexico.
	AniZona (2005-2009, inactive) AniZona was an annual anime con held over the Easter Weekend. It was originally run by AniZona Anime Convention Inc. but that organisation was dissolved in 2007. The Western SFA hosted the last AniZona.
	Apache Junction Public Library LibraryCon (2015-present, active) Apache Junction Public Library LibraryCon is a pop culture convention held, surprisingly enough, at the Apache Junction Public Library.
	AppleloosaCon (2013, never held) The AppleloosaCon was a planned gathering of fans of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic in Phoenix, hosted by the United Bronies of Arizona, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. It was cancelled before being held.
	Arizona Book Festival (1998-2007, inactive) The Arizona Book Festival was a one day book festival coordinated by the Arizona Humanities Council in Phoenix.
	Arizona Cosfest (2017, inactive) Arizona Cosfest is an annual cosplay convention in Phoenix sponsored by Power Entertainment, who also run events centered around beer and music.
	Arizona Elvis Festival (2023-present, active) Arizona Elvis Festival is an Elvis Presley festival hosted by ETA Festivals, who host Elvis Presley Festivals all over the country.
	Arizona Fur Con (2013-present, active) Arizona Fur Con is an annual con for the fur community in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
	Arizona Game Fair (2017-present, active) Arizona Game Fair is a tabletop gaming convention founded by Andrew Long and first held in 2017 in Mesa.
	Arizona Star Warz Convention (1997, inactive) The Arizona Star Warz Convention (yes, that's 'Warz' not 'Wars'), known as AzSWCon, was held in Scottsdale in 1997.
	Arizona Tiki Oasis (2019-present, active) Arizona Tiki Oasis is a tiki themed convention in Phoenix, an expansion from a successful annual Tiki Oasis event in San Diego.
	Arizona Toy Con (2016-present, active) Arizona Toy Con is a pop culture convention in Glendale with a special focus on collectable toys. It was formerly known as Phoenix Toy Show and then iCON.
	Athoria-Con (2019, inactive) Athoria-Con was a free gaming convention hosted by and at Athoria Games in Mesa on their anniversary weekend.
	Athoria Games FallCon (2019, inactive) Athoria Games FallCon was a gaming convention hosted by and at Athoria Games in Mesa as a companion to Athoria-Con.
	Atomic Monster Weekend (2023-, active) Atomic Monster Weekend is a Mesa convention focused on "Halloween and horror pop culture".
	AZ Eventure Con (2017-2018, inactive) AZ Eventure Con was a comic book convention founded by Jesse James Criscione of Jesse James Comics and comic book creator/publisher Tom Hutchison of Big Dog Ink. It will be first held in 2017 in Glendale.
	Bad Boy Con (1995, inactive) Bad Boy Con was an early pop culture convention held at least once in Phoenix.
	BasisCon (2017-2018, inactive) BasisCon was a short pop culture convention in Mesa at and to raise funds for the BASIS charter school in Mesa. It was BASIS Mesa Comic-Con in year one.
	BASIS Mesa Comic Con (2016, renamed) BASIS Mesa Comic-Con was a short pop culture convention in Mesa at and to raise funds for the BASIS charter school in Mesa. It became BasisCon in year two.
	BeMySecret Cars & Anime Con Arizona (2021-present, active) BeMySecret Cars & Anime Con Arizona is exactly what it says it is, a convention focused on both cars and anime, run by BeMySecret and GearHead Society.
	Blazing Desert ComicCon (2014-present, active) Blazing Desert ComicCon is a pop culture convention held in San Luis that was founded by Antonio Carrillo. I'm currently assuming that the first event was was called Yuma County Comic-Con.
	Browncoat Ball 2004-present (active on a wider scale) Browncoat Ball is an annual fandom event dedicated to the Firefly universe. It was first held in Chicago in 2004 but travels around the country, being held in a different city each year. Phoenix has hosted it once, in 2013.
	Capture! PhotoCon (2017-2018, inactive) Capture! PhotoCon is a photography conference in Phoenix which will be first held in Phoenix in 2017.
	Casa Grande Comic Con (2015-2017, inactive) Casa Grande Comic Con was a free pop culture convention run by the Vista Grande Public Library.
	Chandler Symphony Fan Fest (2017, inactive) Chandler Symphony Fan Fest (formerly Star Wars Fan Fest) was a free outdoor Star Wars celebration presented by the Chandler Symphony Orchestra, as a part of their 25th anniversary season.
	Chino Valley Author Expo (2022-present, active) Chino Valley Author Expo looks like an event focused on books and authors, with a comicon twist. It's to be held in Chino Valley, north of Prescott.
	Cirque du Livre (2016-present, active) Cirque du Livre is a writers' conference and convention in Mesa run by Bob Nelson of Brick Cave Media.
	Cochise College Comic Con (2017-present, active) Cochise College Comic Con (or C4) is a pop culture convention at Cochise College run by the college's Digital Media Arts Club.
	CoKoCon (2018-present, active) CoKoCon is a new name in phandom, but it's the product of experience and it aims to bring consistency to the local science fiction convention. The name is a portmanteau of CopperCon and ConKopelli, because it's a joint effort by CASFS and the WesternSFA.
	Comic & Media Expo (2014-2015, inactive) Comic & Media Expo (or CMX) is a pop culture convention in Mesa.
	Comic Con at the Prescott Public Library (2017, inactive) Comic Con at Prescott Public Library is as self-explanatory a name as I've seen. It's, well, a comic con event at the Prescott Public Library, presented with funding from the Friends of the Prescott Public Library.
	Conflagration (2012, inactive) Conflagration is a tabletop gaming convention run by LepreCon, Inc. It was first held as a standalone event, but was subsequently rolled into the main LepreCon event as its gaming track.
	Con-Nichiwa (2010-present, active) Con-Nichiwa is an annual anime convention organised in Tucson by Monkey Paw Entertainment.
	Conrunners (2002-2008, inactive) ConRunners was a free all day seminar for those interested in how fandom conventions and events are run. It was run by the WesternSFA and included 20 ConRunners events and 9 Mini-ConRunners events.
	ConsimWorld Expo (2001-present, active) ConsimWorld Expo is a serious wargaming convention run by ConsimWorld LLC, a game publisher and information portal which has been 'serving the wargame community since 1996'. It's also known as MonsterGame.CON.
	Contact (1984?-1991, inactive) Contact was an academic conference run by Contact, Inc. and CASFS that brought together scientists, writers and artists to 'exchange ideas, explore possibilities and stimulate new perspectives about humanity's future'.
	CopperCon (1981-2014, inactive) CopperCon was an annual science fiction convention with a special focus on literature. It was run by the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society (CASFS). It lives on as the "Co" in the name of CoKoCon.
	CorsairCon (1988?-1998, inactive) CorsairCon was a pirate themed convention sponsored by the Corsairs of the Desert Sea, Inc. who were reformed as the current Arizona Corsairs.
	CosFest (2015, inactive) CosFest was a cosplay convention held in Mesa in 2015. It was run by Candies' Characters, a Gilbert company that supplies Disney princesses and other costumed characters for children's parties.
	Costume-Con (1983-present, active on a wider scale) Costume-Con is an annual convention for costumers that moves around the world, usually North America. It's owned by Karen Schnaubelt but each event is organised by a different group. It was first held in San Diego, CA in 1983 and Arizona has hosted it once.
	Cottonwood Comic Book Show (2015-2016, inactive) Cottonwood Comic Book Show was a more traditional event in Cottonwood that focused more on comic books than the average comicon.
	CraterCon (1990-1991, inactive) CraterCon was Flagstaff's first fandom convention, run by Jon Bonnell, while a student at Northern Arizona University.
	Crit Hit! (2016-2019, inactive) Crit Hit! is tabletop roleplaying gaming convention kickstarted in Phoenix by Jim Miller.
	DarkCon (1995-2015, on hiatus) DarkCon is a convention dedicated to fantasy and science fiction with a taste for different subgenres and a penchant for parties. It aimed to alternate years with CorsairCon, but soon outlasted the latter. It's run by The Dark Ones, Inc.
	A Day of Mischief (2018, inactive) A Day of Mischief was a two day festival celebrating a certain English boy wizard. It's run by Potterheads from Oklahoma who have hosted similar events in other states.
	Desert Con (1973?-1978, inactive) Desert Con was an annual science fiction convention in Tucson, just predating TusCon. It was held at the University of Arizona and attracted major guests.
	Desert Foothills Book Festival (2022-present, active) Desert Hills Book Festival is an annual book festival in Scottsdale that ties to the Desert Foothills Library, the only independent non-profit library in state.
	Detonation (2015-present, active) Detonation is a post apocalyptic festival in northern Arizona hosted on private land half an hour east of Holbrook.
	Devastation (2005-2011, inactive) Devastation was a videogaming event and tournament in Phoenix.
	DevCon (2014-2016, inactive) DevCon is an annual pop culture convention run by Arizona State University at their ASU West campus.
	DevFare (2018-present, active) Dev Fare is a free pop culture convention at Arizona State University. It's a joint presentation of ASU Cos Club, who run DevCon, and ASU S.W.A.G. (the Society of West ASU Gamers), who run NerdFare.
	Disclosure Con (2018-present, active) 'What would happen if you had a Whistleblower/Paranormal/Ufology convention and combined it with a Comic-Con?' Well, you'd get Disclosure Con in Pinetop.
	DisKoLified (2016-2019, inactive) DisKoLified was an annual convention dedicated to the web-based roleplaying game, Kingdom of Loathing. It was an unofficial player-run sequel to KoL Con, which ceased in 2015 after a dozen years.
	Doc Con (1998-2017, inactive) Doc Con was an annual convention centered around the pulp character Doc Savage who was created in 1933.
	DracFest (2022, active) DracFest was a one off one day special event held by the folk behind Phoenix FearCon to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the publication of Bram Stoker's Dracula.
	Dum-Dum 1961-present (active on a wider scale) The Dum-Dum is an annual celebration of the work of Edgar Rice Burroughs that moves around the country, held by different groups. It was first held in Cincinnati, OH in 1961. It was held in Arizona for the first time in 2019.
	Dust World Expo (2013-2017, inactive) Dust World Expo is an annual wargaming convention based around games set within the World of Dust framework. It's unique in that it's (usually) staged at an actual military establishment, Falcon Field in Mesa.
	EconomyCon (1988?-1992, inactive) EconomyCon was a gaming convention run by Roaming Panther, a game publisher in Mesa. It was held at least six times, maybe more, starting a few years before HexaCon.
	Fanboys Comic Con (2019, inactive) Fanboys Comic Con is a Texas-based event that brings together vendors and cosplayers every other month in malls around Fort Worth. In 2019, they expanded out of Texas with an event at WestWorld in Scottsdale.
	Fandomania (2019-present, active) Fandomania is a pop culture convention held in Prescott Valley. It grew quickly enough to warrant a move from the Prescott Valley Public Library to the Findlay Toyota Center in its third year.
	Fiend Fest (2019, renamed) Fiend Fest was the intermediate name for the Coffin Comics convention in between the Lady Death Fiend Festival (year 1) and Sworn Fest (year 3 onwards).
	Florence Community Library ComiCon (2017-2019, inactive) Florence Community Library ComiCon was a free pop culture convention at the Florence Library and Community Center in Florence.
	Flying Buffalo Con (1973-2019, inactive) Flying Buffalo Con was a gaming convention run by Rick Loomis, founder of Flying Buffalo Inc. It was the oldest active convention in state for decades, having been first held in 1973, but ended after Rick's passing in 2019.
	GameCon (2014?-present, active) GameCon is a philanthropic gaming event hosted by Changemaker Central, a community of ASU students leading social change, and held on the ASU Polytechnic campus to raise awareness of the resources Changemaker offers.
	Game On Expo (2015-present, active) Game On Expo is an annual gaming event in Mesa that describes itself as 'all encompassing' because it covers not only tabletop gaming but video and arcade gaming too.
	Gateway to Geekdom (2019, inactive) Gateway to Geekdom was a one day pop culture convention held in a mall in Prescott.
	Game On! Sierra Vista (2013-2014, inactive) Game On! Sierra Vista was an annual gaming, comics and collectibles event held by the Sierra Vista Chamber of Commerce for the members of the military at Fort Huachuca and their families.
	GilaCon (2002-2006, inactive) GilaCon was a gaming convention in Mesa and then Phoenix that was run by the Gamer's Coalition of Arizona.
	Gila Valley Comic-Con (2018-present, active) Gila Valley Comic-Con is a pop culture convention held in Thatcher by the Eastern Arizona Courier.
	Grand Prix Phoenix (2000?-present, renamed) Grand Prix Phoenix was a Magic: The Gathering tour event, run by Channel Fireball, combining a two day prize tournament with associated vendors and artists. It was renamed to MagicFest.
	Halloweencon (2019, inactive) Halloweencon was a horror convention held in the run up to Halloween and focusing on that holiday.
	HexaCon (1991-2006, inactive) HexaCon was a tabletop and computer gaming convention that was run by the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society (CASFS).
	Horrorfind Weekend (2004, inactive) Horrorfind Weekend was a horror convention hosted around the country with different guests. Arizona may have only hosted it once.
	iCON (2014-2015, renamed) iCON is a pop culture convention in Glendale with a special focus on collectable toys. It was renamed to Arizona Toy Con in 2016.
	Itty Bitty Fur Con (2017-present, active) Itty Bitty Fur Con is a convention in Mesa for the fur community, run by Monkey Paw Entertainment, who already run the Arizona Fur Con.
	Ivan Cook's All New Phoenix Comic, Star Trek and SF Film Con (1976-1977, inactive) It's not surprising that Ivan Cook's All New Phoenix Comic, Star Trek and SF Film Con soon became known as CookieCon, though its real name is startlingly descriptive.
	Keen Halloween (2012-2016, inactive) Keen Halloween is a family oriented convention with a maker faire aesthetic that's held near and revolving around Halloween.
	Kids Con (2019-present, active) Kids Con is a new convention aimed specifically at children. It's run by and at Harley's Toys & Comics in Tucson.
	Kikori Con (2013-present, active) Kikori Con is an annual anime convention in Flagstaff run by Monkey Paw Entertainment.
	KimeraCon (~~2012~~, inactive) KimeraCon was a 'multi-hobby convention for anime, games, sci-fi and fantasy' run by Kimera Con, Inc that may never have been staged.
	KoL Con (2004-2016, inactive) KoL Con is an annual convention dedicated to the web-based roleplaying game, Kingdom of Loathing. It was held in and around Mesa, home of Asymmetric Publications, who created the game. It moved in-game in 2016, at which point players had set up an unofficial sequel con, DisKoLified.
	Lady Death Fiend Festival (2017, renamed) The Lady Death Fiend Festival is a three day celebration of the opening of the Lady Death Museum and the Coffin Comics Company Store. It renamed to Fiend Fest for year 2 in 2019.
	Laughing Moon Con (2010-2016, inactive) Laughing Moon Con is an annual pop culture convention run by Todd Van Hooser at Desert Edge High School.
	Left Coast Crime (1991-present, active on a wider scale) Left Coast Crime is an annual mystery convention, typically held during the first third of the year in western North America. Arizona has held it three times and will again in 2023.
	LepreCon (1975-present, on hiatus) LepreCon is an annual science fiction convention with a strong focus on art. It's run by LepreCon, Inc. and is the second oldest active convention in Arizona (TusCon is one year older).
	LibCon (2011-present, active) LibCon is an annual pop culture convention run by the Chandler Public Library that's grown substantially since its debut in 2011.
	LibCon West (2016-present, active) LibCon West is an annual pop culture convention at Glendale Public Library, initially staged for teens.
	LibraryCon (2012-present, active) LibraryCon is a free annual pop culture convention at the Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert.
	Library Con (2023-present, active) Library Con is a free annual pop culture convention at the Peoria Main Library in Peoria.
	Macro-Con (2017-2019, inactive) Macro-Con was a free one day gaming event held at the First United Methodist Church of Glendale.
	Mad Monster Party (2014-present, active) Mad Monster Party is a predominantly horror convention that's focused around signings by a strong line-up of guests.
	Magic Fest (2019-present, active) Magic Fest is a long running global Magic: The Gathering tour event, originally named Grand Prix Phoenix.
	MangaMania!! (2011-2013, renamed) MangaMania!! was a Japanese culture event in Tucson that was renamed to MegaMania!! when its scope widened in 2014.
	MaricopaCon (2013-present, active) MaricopaCon is an active annual tabletop gaming convention crowdfunded by Jason Youngdale, who had previously run gaming events for other groups.
	MegaMania!! (2014-present, active) MegaMania!! is a pop culture event in Tucson that's organised by the Pima County Library but held at Pima Community College.
	Mesa Book Festival (2017-present, active) Mesa Book Festival is an annual book festival run by Bob Nelson of Brick Cave Media and Cirque du Livre.
	Microcon (~~1985~~, never held) Microcon was a planned science fiction/fantasy convention in Tucson that was advertised but never held.
	MonsterGame.CON (2001-present, active) MonsterGame.Con is another name for ConsimWorld Expo, because many players embark on extensive wargaming campaigns that last the length of the con. It's featured in the official logo which reads "ConsimWorld.com Expo featuring MonsterGame.CON".
	Monster Market (2017, inactive) Monster Market is a 'one day celebration of independent artisans, artists, craftsmen and vendors with a spooky bent' with innovative angles like a 'dive-in' outdoor screening of The Lost Boys with the audience in the hotel pool, in collaboration with Cult Classics.
	Monstro Camps (2016-, active) Monstro Camps are weekend camps for Steam Crow Monster Rangers, held in actual campgrounds with a variety of activities. They used to be called Shindig Monster Camps. They're held all over the west of the U.S. but Monstro Camp Prime is in the Phoenix area and Monstro Camp Tucson unsurprisingly in Tucson.
	MythosCon (2011, inactive) MythosCon was a horror con dedicated to H. P. Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos. It was held in Phoenix with a strong international guest list.
	Nansei Anime Con (~~2019~~, never held) Nansei Anime Con was to be an anime con in Yuma but it was delayed and then cancelled.
	Nebula Awards® Weekend (1966-present, active on a wider scale) The Nebula Awards® Weekend moves around the country and is the event where, unsurprisingly, the Nebula Awards, among others, are given out. It was first held in New York in 1966. Arizona has hosted the event once, in 2006.
	North American Discworld Convention (2009-present, active on a wider scale) The North American Discworld Convention is dedicated to the works of Sir Terry Pratchett, especially his Discworld books. It's held biennially on odd-numbered years to alternate with the UK Discworld Convention, which is held on even-numbered years. Arizona hosted the first NADWCon.
	North American Science Fiction Convention (1975-present, active on a wider scale) The North American Science Fiction Convention or NASFiC is an convention dedicated to science fiction that is hosted whenever Worldcon is held outside North America. It was first held in Los Angeles, CA in 1975 and Arizona hosted it once.
	Northern Arizona Book Festival (1998-present, active) The Northern Arizona Book Festival is a long running 'literary extravaganza' founded by the Literacy Volunteers of Coconino County in 1998 that has grown to fill a full week at many venues in downtown Flagstaff.
	NotACon (2011, inactive) NotACon was a one day boardgaming event set up by the Creative Play Project to replace the cancelled RinCon in 2011. It was run for charity.
	OmniCon (1999, inactive) OmniCon was a gaming convention run by the SWGA (SouthWest Gamers Association) in Tucson in 1999. It appears to have been the successor to AGOG, which may have ended in 1998. Many of the same people were involved.
	Otaku University (2007, inactive) Otaku University was "a full-fledged anime conference where industry, universities, and professionals come to act as mentors to those who are serious about obtaining a career in the entertainment industry." It was held once in Mesa.
	OtherWorlds Festival (2013, inactive) The OtherWorlds Festival was a fantasy event that grew out of the Phoenix Faerie Festival.
	Outlaw Comicon (~~2018~~, never held) Outlaw Comicon was a new pop culture event to be held in Phoenix in 2018 by the Comic Outlaws. It never happened, but it never happened in legendary style.
	Painted Desert Fur Con (2019-present, active) Painted Desert Fur Con is a convention for fur enthusiasts run by Corgi Events, LLC, who host similar events in Denver, CO (Denfur) and Wisconsin Dells, WI (Aquatifur).
	Payson Book Festival (2015-present, active) Payson Book Festival is a free annual literature event run by the Rim County District of Arizona Professional Writers (APW) and Gila Community College (GCC).
	Phoenix Anime Festival (2006, inactive) Phoenix Anime Festival, as its highly descriptive name suggests, was an anime convention in Phoenix. It was held once in 2006.
	Phoenix Cactus Comicon (2002-2008, renamed) Phoenix Cactus Comicon was an annual comic book convention which was later renamed to Phoenix Comicon. It grew from a Best Western in Ahwatukee to the Glendale Civic Center and the Mesa Convention Center. It was renamed to Phoenix Comicon for the 2008 event.
	Phoenix Comic Fest (2018, renamed) Phoenix Comic Festwas the third incarnation of what is currently Phoenix Fan Fusion but is still best known as Phoenix Comicon. This was their name in 2018.
	Phoenix Comicon (2009-2017, renamed) Phoenix Comicon was an annual comic book and pop culture convention which began as Phoenix Cactus Comicon in Ahwatukee. It spent a decade as Phoenix Comicon, growing from 3,000 to over 100,000 attendees. It was renamed to Phoenix Comic Fest in 2018.
	Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest (2014-2015, renamed) In 2014, Phoenix Comicon expanded to a second event in the winter, which they called Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest. This was much more vendor-focused with fewer guests and very little programming. It was renamed in 2016 to Phoenix Fan Fest.
	PhoenixCon (I) (1970-1972, inactive) Phoenix Con was a comic book convention in Phoenix run by the Phoenix Fans of Art and Nostalgia (PFAN) that currently appears to be the earliest fandom convention in Arizona. The first event was held in 1970.
	PhoenixCon (II) (1985, inactive) PhoenixCon was a different science fiction convention to the above that was held in Scottsdale in 1985.
	Phoenix Con (III) (1994-1995, inactive) Phoenix Con was a comic book convention held at a Tempe nightclub in the mid-nineties.
	Phoenix Con Games (2005-2008, inactive) Phoenix Con Games was a versatile gaming convention in Mesa that covered the gamut: tabletop gaming, LARPing and console gaming, even live action tic-tac-toe.
	Phoenix DinoCon (2013-2014, inactive) Phoenix DinoCon is a one day convention dedicated to the 'whoa' of dinosaurs. It was run by Julia Zolondz and her family, once in Mesa and once in Phoenix.
	Phoenix Faerie Festival (2007-2011, inactive) Phoenix Faerie Festival was an outdoor family fun event run by Rowan Wakefield in the west valley to celebrate the folklore and fantasy of the faerie realms.
	Phoenix Fan Convention (1977, inactive) The Phoenix Fan Convention was a Star Trek and Science Fiction convention in Phoenix with a major guest list. It was run by Kandy and John Fong, leading to a nickname of KandyKon.
	Phoenix Fan Fest (2016-2017, inactive) Founded in 2014 as Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest, this winter-based event was renamed in 2016 to simply Phoenix Fan Fest. This accompanied a change of venue and time of year, the addition of wrestling guests and a bulked up programming schedule.
	Phoenix Fan Fusion (2019-present, active) Phoenix Fan Fusion is an annual comic book and pop culture convention which began as Phoenix Cactus Comicon in the back room of a Best Western in Ahwatukee and grew to over 100,000 annual attendees as Phoenix Comicon. It's smaller only as a fandom event than the Tucson Festival of Books.
	Phoenix FearCon (2006-present, active) Phoenix FearCon was founded by Jim & Chris McLennan of Trash City as the Phoenix Fear Film Festival, a horror film festival with convention extras, but it grew into Phoenix FearCon, a convention with a film track.
	Phoenix Toy Show (2007-2013, renamed) Phoenix Toy Show is the original name of the toy convention later renamed to iCON and then Arizona Toy Con. It was founded by Neil Kotler.
	PhringeCon (1980-1991, inactive) PhringeCon was a pop culture convention in Phoenix run by PhringeCon, Inc for 'people interested in the fringes of science fiction'.
	PHX Comic Art Expo (2015-2016, inactive) PHX Comic Art Expo was an annual comic book convention for local artists run by Ottawa University's Creative Art Department. It was held twice, in 2015 and 2016.
	PHX Zine Fest (2016-2019, active) PHX Zine Fest is an annual convention for zine writers, artists and readers, held in downtown Phoenix.
	Pima Con (~~1984~~, never held) Pima Con was a attempt in 1984 to expand Tucson's science fiction/fantasy conventions from one to two a year, but it was never held.
	Ponies Exposition (2022-, active) Ponies Exposition is a "friendship festival of all generations of My Little Ponies fans", to be first held in Phoenix in October 2022.
	Prologuecon (1974-1976, inactive) Prologuecon was a convention of sorts that existed primarily to arrange rides to Westercons in California.
	RandomCon (2009-2010, inactive) RandomCon was a tabletop gaming convention in the Phoenix metropolitan area run by the WesternSFA.
	Rapture Horror Expo (2012-2013, inactive) Rapture Horror Expo was a horror convention run by WTF Events.
	RiallaCon (1995, inactive) RiallaCon was primarily a gaming convention run at Arizona State University by the ASU RPGC.
	RinCon (2008-present, active) RinCon is an annual tabletop gaming convention in Tucson run by the Southern Arizona Gamers Association (SAGA). Its 2022 event was part of Tucson Comic-Con.
	Saboten Con (2008-present, active) Saboten Con is an anime convention in Phoenix started by the folk behind but sold to Monkey Paw Entertainment, who have run it since 2011.
	SatanCon (2022-present, active) SatanCon is an annual Lupercalia celebration hosted by the Satanic Temple (TST). "Attendees will enjoy lectures and panels presented by our campaigns and congregations as well as entertainment and a Satanic Marketplace."
	Science Fiction Festival (1998, inactive) As part of the Centennial Events to celebrate 'Phoenix Public Library's first 100 years', a Science Fiction Festival was held at Burton Barr Central Library, partly sponsored by the City of Phoenix.
	Science Fiction, Horror & Fantasy World Exposition (1977, inactive) The Science Fiction, Horror & Fantasy World Exposition was a major event in 1977 in Tucson. It was billed as "the event of the millennium" and came much closer to that than you might expect. Most called it Nudlecon.
	Sci Par Con (~~2018~~, never held) Sci Par Con was to be a science fiction and paranormal convention run by the folk behind Sci Par Radio but was cancelled.
	Scottsdale Comic Book & Comic Art Show (2019-present, active) Scottsdale Comic Book & Comic Art Show is an old school comic book convention held twice yearly at an American Legion post in Scottsdale.
	Self-Publishing Expo (2017-2018, inactive) The Self-Publishing Expo was an annual marketing event for self-published authors in Tucson that's run by the Society of Southwestern Authors.
	SFRA Conference (1970-present, active on a wider scale) SFRA is the Science Fiction Research Association and the SFRA Conference is their annual event, which moves around the world (though usually the US). Arizona has held it once, in 1998.
	Shindig Monster Camp (2016, renamed) Shindig Monster Camps were weekend camps for Steam Crow Monster Scouts, held in actual campgrounds with a variety of activities. In 2017, they were renamed to Monstro Camps as part of the shift to Monster Rangers.
	SkaterCon (2016-present, active) SkaterCon is a "multidimensional celebration of skateboarding and the rich culture that surrounds it". It was founded by Adam Richards and is fan-driven. It moved from Phoenix to Tuson in 2022.
	SMOFcon (1984-present, active on a wider scale) SMOFs are the Secret Masters of Fandom, the people who tend to run science fiction cons across the world. SMOFcon is an annual convention focused on doing so, especially Worldcons. After the zeroth SMOFcon in New York in the early seventies, it was first held in 1984 in Washington, DC. Arizona has held it once.
	SmurfCon (1989?-1996?, inactive) SmurfCon was an irregular skills workshop for conrunners that was organised by Bruce Farr during the nineties for CASFS (the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society). Smurfs are a derivative of SMOFs, the Secret Masters of Fandom, who run SMOFCon.
	Soldiercon (2019, inactive) Soldiercon is another Texas-based event that expanded into Arizona in 2019. Their home base is Fort Bliss, outside of El Paso, and it's co-presented by B.A.M Exclusives and Eat, Sleep, Drift. It's a unique event, in that it combines a comic book convention with a car show. The name comes from a deliberate focus on thanking the armed forces for their service.
	Space Access (1994-2016, inactive) Space Access is an annual conference dedicated to 'the technology, politics and business of radically cheaper space transportation, featuring leading players in the field.' It's been run since 1994 by Henry Vanderbilt, founder of the Space Access Society, but he retired in 2017. The 2019 event will be in Caliornia.
	Spacefest (2007-present, active) Spacefest is an annual reunion of NASA Apollo astronauts, famous space scientists, authors, astronomers, space artists and fans. It's been run by space artist Kim Poor and his wife Sally since 2007.
	Star Trek Conventions (1983-2011, inactive) Star Trek Cons were conventions that focused either specifically or predominantly on Star Trek, whatever their names happened to be. They may have been run by multiple companies, though the majority are likely to have been run by Creation Entertainment.
	Sun Devil Fan Fair (2014-2018, inactive) Sun Devil Fan Fair is a free annual pop culture convention held on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe.
	Supernatural Official Convention (2015-present, active) Salute to Supernatural (year one) and Supernatural Official Convention (years two and three) are travelling shows from Creation Entertainment focused on one franchise, here the Supernatural television series.
	Sworn Festival (2021-present, active) The Sworn Fest is the current name of the Coffin Comics convention that began as Lady Death Fiend Festival (year 1) and continued as Fiend Fest (year 2). It renamed to Sworn Festival for year 3 in 2021, though the first event held under that name was in 2022.
	Taiyou Con (2011-present, active) Taiyou Con is an annual anime convention in Mesa.
	Tempe Book Festival (2016-present, active) Tempe Book Festival is an annual book festival run by the Tempe Public Library.
	Tempe FanCon (2019-present, active) Tempe FanCon is the new name for Tempe Public Library Comicon, the rename a consequence of Comic-Con International successfully defending their trademark of "Comic-Con" against the former Salt Lake City Comic Con.
	Tempe Public Library Comicon (2015-2018, renamed) Tempe Public Library Comicon was a free pop culture convention in Tempe run annually by the Tempe Public Library. It was renamed to Tempe FanCon for their 2019 event.
	Thrill Halloween (~~2017~~, never held) Thrill Halloween was to be the Square Egg successor to Keen Halloween but was cancelled a month out.
	TransContinental (2016-present, active) TransContinental is an annual one day gaming convention in Winslow, sponsored by Winslow High School and their game club. It focuses on gaming but with an anime room and cosplay contest.
	Tucson Comic-Con (2008-present, active) Tucson Comic-Con is an annual comic book and pop culture convention in Tucson.
	Tucson Festival of Books (2009-present, active) Tucson Festival of Books is an annual literature event hosted at the University of Arizona in Tucson. It's the largest fandom event in Arizona.
	Tucson Godzilla Festival (2019-present, active) Tucson Godzilla Festival is a one day convention dedicated to Toho's most famous kaiju and his friends and enemies.
	Tucson TerrorFest Horror Convention (2019-present, active) Tucson TerrorFest Horror Convention is the convention side of a dual event that grew out of Tucson TerrorFest, an annual horror film festival. The convention was added in 2019, which was their ninth year.
	Tucson Zine Fest (2019-present, active) Tucson Zine Fest is, well, a zine fest in Tucson, which may not be shocking but does ably highlight how the zine scene is growing again.
	Tunnels & Trolls Con (2008-2019, inactive) Tunnels & Trolls Con was a gaming convention, centered around Ken St. Andre's role-playing game Tunnels & Trolls, that was held within the larger Flying Buffalo Con for a decade.
	TusCon (1974-present, active) TusCon is the oldest active science fiction convention in Arizona. It's run annually by the Baja Arizona Science Fiction Association (BASFA).
	Underground Publishers Convention (2009-2016, inactive) The Underground Publishers Convention (or UPC) was an annual symposium in Phoenix dedicated to small press/distros, zines and comic books. It was also free.
	UwU Con (2022-present, active) UwU Con is an anime convention in Mesa run by Preston Statzer, owner of Olympus Games.
	The Vampire Diaries Official Convention (2017-2018, inactive) After closing down their Supernatural event, which had run for three years, Creation Entertainment set up a similar one, The Vampire Diaries Official Convention, which covers The Vampire Diaries and The Originals.
	Verde Valley Comic Expo (2016-present, active) The Verde Valley Comic Expo is a comic book event in Cottonwood run in collaboration with the Cottonwood Public Library to benefit a local literacy program.
	Verde Valley Author Expo (2021-present, active) The Verde Valley Author Expo is an author event presented by the Cottonwood Public Library.
	Vul-Con (2012, inactive) Vul-Con was a tabletop gaming convention in Phoenix billed as 'the Southwest's premiere strategy game convention'.
	Vulture City ParaCon (2019-present, active) Vulture City ParaCon is a paranormal convention hosted at a glorious location, the Vulture City Ghost Town in Wickenburg.
	Walker Stalker Con (~~2019~~, never held) Walker Stalker Con was a convention dedicated to the comic book turned TV show, The Walking Dead. It was created by James Frazier, a co-founder of the Walker Stalkers podcast. It was first held in Atlanta in 2013 but quickly expanded to other cities/countries, including Phoenix in 2019, though this event was never held.
	Westercon (1948-present,active on a wider scale) Westercon is an annual convention dedicated to science fiction and fantasy that moves around the western third of North America. It was first held in Los Angeles, CA in 1948. It's owned by the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society (LASFS) but is hosted by different sponsoring bodies in different cities each year. Arizona has hosted it on six occasions, most recently in 2017.
	WhatchamaCon (1990?-1992, inactive) WhatchamaCon was an annual game festival sponsored by the UFP.
	Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention (2011-present, active) Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention is an annual steampunk convention held for years at Old Tucson Studios, a wild west town built as a Hollywood set, and now at a casino.
	Winter Horrorfest (2022-present, active) Winter Horrorfest is a horror festival in Phoenix, run by people known for other parts of fandom.
	Worldcon (1939-present, active on a wider scale) The World Science Fiction Convention, better known as Worldcon, is the premiere science fiction convention in the world and it travels around annually. It's owned by the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS) and is the event where the Hugos are awarded. It was first held in New York in 1939 and Arizona has hosted it once, in 1978.
	World Fantasy Convention (1975-present, active on a wider scale) The World Fantasy Convention is an active annual convention dedicated to fantasy that moves around the world. It was first held in Providence, RI in 1975. Arizona has hosted it on three occasions, most recently in 2004.
	World Horror Convention (1991-2016, inactive) The World Horror Convention was an annual convention dedicated to horror that moved around the world in a similar vein to the World Fantasy Convention. It was first held in Nashville, TN in 1991. Arizona has hosted it on three occasions, most recently in 2004.
	Yaoi Jamboree (2008, inactive) Yaoi Jamboree was an anime convention specialising in the yaoi genre of manga, a romantic genre about gay men that's written for a female audience. It was run by the folk behind Yaoi Press and was held once in 2006.
	YumaCon (2015-present, active) YumaCon is Yuma's official comic con presented by the Yuma Art Center and the City of Yuma.
	Yuma County Library Comic Con (2014-2017, renamed) Yuma County Library Comic Con was the original name of a pop culture convention held in Yuma. In 2018, perhaps due to wider legal concerns about the term "Comic-Con", the event was re-branded Yuma County LibraryCon.
	Yuma County LibraryCon (2018-present, active) Yuma County LibraryCon is the current name of the Yuma pop culture event that began life as Yuma County Library Comic Con.
	ZapCon (2013-present, active) ZapCon is an arcade and pinball convention founded by the Classic Game Preservation Society with all games set to free play.
	ZonieCon (1998-2001, inactive) ZonieCon was a Tucson convention for the fur community that was held around the turn of the century.