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COVID-19

With conventions cancelling or postponing soon before their scheduled dates, here's a special page for updates due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cancellations | Postponements | Went Virtual | Statements

Back to the live calendars for 2020, 2021 and 2022.


The Arizona Department of Health Services has a page up with the latest information on COVID-19 in Arizona (azdhs.gov).

Official city statements can be found here: Chandler | Glendale | Phoenix | Scottsdale | Tempe | Tucson

Cancellations



Arizona Game Fair

Cancelled on 29th April, 2020.

Arizona Game Fair was originally scheduled for the weekend of 20th-22nd March, 2020, which was during the initial lockdown, so was rescheduled to the Labor Day weekend of 4th-7th September, 2020. On 29th April, 2020, it was cancelled altogether, its statement including:

"In an effort to minimize financial problems, the City of Mesa have shut down many of their facilities through October, including the Library and Art Center. While they have not included the Convention Center, they could not guarantee to us that they wouldn't. As you can imagine it is very difficult to plan an event when the facility may not be even be open. With this new reality, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Arizona Game Fair for 2020."

That statement can be read here (arizonagamefair.com) (or in this archived image).




Arizona Tiki Oasis

Postponed on 14th March, 2020.

Arizona Tiki Oasis was scheduled for the weekend of 23rd-26th April, 2020. After initially posting a statement that they did not plan to reschedule "unless required by local or federal government to do so", they announced on 14th March, 2020 that they would reschedule for Hallowe'en weekend. Later, on 9th September, 2020, they cancelled entirely for 2020 and announced their 2021 dates:

"After much deliberation we have decided that we cannot move forward with our rescheduled October 2020 event. We realize that this is not the news you were hoping for, especially since we ALL were looking forward to a Halloween weekend together in SUNNY Scottsdale. Hotel Valley Ho is in full support of our decision and we will host our regularly scheduled annual event on April 22nd-25th 2021."

The organisers' postponement statement can be read here (facebook.com) (or in this archived image) and their cancellation statement can be read here (facebook.com) (or in this archived image).



Athoria-Con

Cancelled on 13th March, 2020.

Athoria-Con was scheduled for the weekend of 28th-29th March, 2020. The organisers cancelled on 13th March, 2020 with this statement:

"Dear Gamers. We have made the decision to cancel Athoria Con 2020 in person event. We will have a couple online events happenings (live stream D&D anyone?) so stay tuned. We love our community and wish everyone health and safety in the coming months."

That statement can be read here (facebook.com) (or in this archived image).




Cirque du Livre

Cancelled on 13th March, 2020.

Cirque du Livre was scheduled for the weekend of 24th-26th April, 2020. The organisers cancelled on 13th March, 2020 with this statement:

"This announcement is to share that we have decided to go ahead and cancel the 2020 Cirque du Livre Conference. Unrelated to the recent health concerns, we have struggled to pull together an organizing committee to make the event as effective as we would like." "Once the current situation has been alleviated, we will look to build a new organizing committee for the 2021 Festival and put it back on the schedule."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (anthology.org) (or in this archived image).




CoKoCon

Cancelled on 29th May, 2020.

CoKoCon was scheduled for the Labor Day weekend of 4th-7th September, 2020. The organisers cancelled on 29th May, 2020 with this statement:

"With great sadness, we're announcing the cancellation of CoKoCon 2020, which would have taken place over the Labor Day weekend. Our chief concern is always for the people who make CoKoCon such a special place: our guests, our participants, our members and our staff. At this time, we have to acknowledge that we'll be unable to guarantee a safe and healthy environment for everyone, so it's our duty to cancel CoKoCon 2020 and shift our focus to CoKoCon 2021."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (cokocon.org) (or in this archived image).




ConsimWorld Expo

Cancelled on 7th July, 2020.

ConsimWorld Expo was scheduled for the week of 6th-13th June, 2020. The organisers announced on 23rd March, 2020 that they would push their dates back: "Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and projections of limits to travel and social gatherings, we have officially moved the Expo date to August 15-22, 2020 (with early evening set-up starting Fri, Aug 14)."

On 7th July, 2020, they cancelled entirely: "Due to the impact of COVID-19 and current negative trending reports, we announce with a heavy heart that CSW Expo 2020 has been cancelled. We feel this is in the best interest and safety of our valued members."

The organisers' full statement for postponement can be read here (consimworld.com) (or in this archived image) and for cancellation here (mailerlite.com) (or in this archived image).



Detonation

Cancelled on 21st June, 2020.

Detonation was scheduled for the week of 25th-31st May, 2020. The organisers announced on 2nd April, 2020 that they would postpone: "Covid19 has been brutalizing our country as everyone is well aware. We have been looking for every possible solution to be able to keep our dates unchanged, but it is not possible to do so with how this virus is spreading and how it is impacting people. So, we are going to postpone. Detonation 6 will be moving to August 31-Sept 6." On 21st June, they cancelled entirely.

The organisers' full statement on postponement can be read here (facebook.com) (or in this archived image) and on cancellation here (detonation.com) (or in this archived image).



Disclosure-Con

Cancelled on 6th July, 2020.

Disclosure-Con was scheduled for the weekend of 3rd to 4th October, 2020. The organisers announced on 6th July, 2020 that they would cancel for 2020 due to COVID-19: "I am sad to report that DISCLOSURE-CON 2020 has been canceled due to Covid19. WE WILL BE BACK!"

There was no longer statement but event details with the cancellation can be read here (disclosurecon.com) (or in this archived image).



Fandomania

Cancelled by 30th March, 2020.

Fandomania was scheduled for Saturday, 8th August, 2020. The organisers's statement isn't dated but was on their website by 30th March, 2020, stating simply that "Fandomania 2020 has been cancelled, but we will be back for 2021."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (wixsite.com) (or in this archived image).




Game On Expo

Cancelled on 20th May, 2020.

Game On Expo was scheduled for the weekend of 7th-9th August, 2020. On 20th May, 2020, the organisers "postponed" the 2020 event until 2021, which effectively means that it's cancelled for 2020, as they don't follow any sort of numbering. "Given the current uncertain trajectory of this pandemic, we feel that we would not be able to put on a quality event for 2020."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (facebook.com) (or in this archived image).




Itty Bitty Fur Con

Cancelled on 27th April, 2020.

Itty Bitty Fur Con hadn't announced dates or opened ticket sales by the time COVID-19 hit, but they officially cancelled on 27th April, 2020, having been notified by the Mesa Convention Center that ""Our City Manager has just declared our facility as an emergency preparedness site, and we are joining efforts with local food banks to be a designated food distribution center due to the COVID-19 pandemic through August 30th."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (ittybittyfurcon.com) (or in this archived image).




LepreCon

Cancelled on 20th March, 2020.

LepreCon was scheduled for the weekend of 10th-12th April, 2020. The organisers cancelled on 20th March, 2020, stating that "There needs to be a falloff in corona cases and a halt to the disruptions before we can do any planning about LepreCon's future. There is a possibility the current convention may be rescheduled later in the year. If this turns out not to be feasible, there is always next year."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (leprecon.org) (or in this archived image).




Maricopa Con

Cancelled on 17th June, 2020.

Maricopa Con was scheduled for the weekend of 21st-23rd August, 2020. The organisers cancelled on 17th June, 2020, stating that "Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, and especially in Arizona, we have postponed MaricopaCon until 2021."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (facebook.com) (or in this archived image).




Payson Book Festival

Cancelled on 7th May, 2020.

Payson Book Festival was scheduled for Saturday, 18th July, 2020. The organisers cancelled on 7th May, 2020, following a survey sent to volunteers and authors. "The health and safety of our volunteers, authors, and guests is of paramount importance to us. We encourage you to mark your 2021 calendar for the next festival. Stay well, everyone."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (paysonbookfestival.org) (or in this archived image).




Phoenix Fan Fusion

Cancelled on 29th June, 2020.

Phoenix Fan Fusion was initially scheduled for their usual Memorial Day weekend of 21st-24th May, 2020, but postponed on 25th March, 2020 to a shorter weekend of 25th-27th September, 2020. The organisers eventually cancelled entirely on 29th June, 2020, with a plan to return in May 2021.

"Considering the current degree of uncertainty about when mass gatherings can resume, watching the rising cases of COVID-19 in Arizona, and after consulting with the Phoenix Convention Center and City of Phoenix officials, we will not be holding our September 25-27, 2020 convention. While we are as disappointed as we know you are, we feel this is the best option, as the safety and well-being of our attendees and participants is of utmost concern to us."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (phoenixfanfusion.com) (or in this archived image).




Saboten Con

Cancelled on 3rd July, 2020.

Saboten Con was initially scheduled for their usual Labor Day weekend of 4th-7th September, 2020, but cancelled on 3rd July, 2020 with dates announced for 2021.

"Dear Friends and Family, We were really excited for this year's Saboten Con and had so many big plans setup, but unfortunately we are going to have to hold that excitement a bit longer. After many discussions with our internal Senior staff, the Sheraton, and the city of Phoenix, we’ve come to the conclusion that we just don’t feel safe putting on an event of our size on during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our top priority is the safety and health for everyone who attends our shows and we don't feel that is possible this year. We want to thank everyone for their support this year and hope you can keep that excitement going for another year."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (sabotencon.com) (or in this archived image).




Sneaker Con

Postponed on 12th March, 2020.

The first SneakerCon in Arizona was scheduled for Saturday, 14th March, 2020 but, two days out, the organisers chose to reschedule to Saturday, 24th October, 2020. On an unknown date in September 2020, they cancelled outright for 2020, announcing a new date of 23rd October, 2021.

The cancellation announcement was simply, "Sneaker Con will be back in Phoenix on October 23rd 2021. Stay tuned for more updates."

The organisers' full statements can be read here (sneakercon.com) (or in these archived images for postponement and cancellation).



Spacefest

Cancelled on 15th May, 2020.

Spacefest made a number of statements as they attempted to remain on the schedule but eventually chose on 15th May, 2020 to not hold this year's event. Effectively, they've cancelled for 2020 and are moving ahead for 2021 but, because they number their events, it's officially a postponement of Spacefest XI from July 2020 to July 2021.

The statement began: "We are NOT canceling Spacefest XI, but we are postponing it, and we look forward to bringing you a bigger, better, healthier Spacefest XI next July 15-18, 2021. With travel bans from other countries to ours, and with the COVID-19 news changing every day, we want to make sure we can provide the experience that you’re used to. Unfortunately, as of this moment, we can’t be sure about anything right now."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (spacefest.info) (or in this archived image).




Taiyou Con

Cancelled on 30th September, 2020.

Taiyou Con happened in 2020 as it was scheduled long before everything closed down. Their next event was scheduled for the weekend of 8th-10th January, 2021, but this was postponed a year on 30th September, 2020. This is effectively a cancellation for 2021 and an announcement for 2022.

The announcement stated that "We have been monitoring the situation with the hotel and convention center, and for the safety of staff, volunteers, venue personnel and attendees, Taiyou Con will definitely be postponed to January 7-9, 2022."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (twitter.com) (or in this archived image).




TusCon

Cancelled on 24th August, 2020.

TusCon was originally scheduled for the weekend of 12th-14th November, 2020, but cancelled on 24th August, 2020 with a statement that "with the primary thought of keeping our attendees and guests safe, we have made the solemn decision to postpone TusCon to next year. All paid TusCon 47/2020 memberships will be rolled over to 2021." Their official statement added that "Although we've postponed the in-person convention, we would like to announce that we are currently working on a small Virtual TusCon Convention/Video presentation to be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (tusconscificon.com) (or in this archived image).




Tucson Comic-Con

Cancelled on 8th July, 2020.

Tucson Comic-Con hadn't announced dates or opened ticket sales by the time COVID-19 hit, but they officially cancelled on 8th July, 2020. "Over the last few months, we have been carefully evaluating the pros and cons of going forward with Tucson Comic-Con 2020, an event that’s expected to host well over 10,000 attendees. In light of the recent spikes in cases in the State of Arizona, it’s with a heavy heart that we have decided to cancel this year’s convention."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (tucsoncomic-con.com) (or in this archived image).




Tucson Festival of Books

Cancelled on 9th March, 2020.

Tucson Festival of Books was scheduled for the weekend of 14th-15th March, 2020. Over a hundred authors cancelled because of concerns over COVID-19, so the event cancelled for 2020 on 9th March, 2020. This is the largest pop culture event in Arizona with an annual attendance of 135,000. It plans to return in 2021.

The organisers' full statement can be read here (tucsonfestivalofbooks.org) (or in this archived image).




Tucson Krampus Camp

Cancelled on 6th July, 2020.

Tucson Krampus Camp was scheduled for the weekend of 3rd-6th December, 2020 and is one of a set of Monstro Camps organised in different states throughout the year. Tucson Krampus Camp was cancelled along with all other late camps on the 2020 tour on 6th July, 2020.

"So yeah, it’s happened. We knew that it was coming, but we've been hoping that it wouldn't come to this; due to Covid-19, our 2020 camp tour is canceled. While we managed to get PRIME Camp launched and completed before the world went to heck, the rest of the season hasn't fared so well for us Monster Rangers. Most of the camps are simply closed to group camping. (Colorado, California, Seattle, Spokane). Our Tucson Krampus Campground is currently closed due to the Big Horn Fire."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (monsterrangers.com) (or in this archived image).




Tucson Zine Fest

Cancelled on 10th July, 2020.

Tucson Zine Fest was scheduled for Saturday 9th May, 2020 and, even with everything around it cancelling or postponing, issued a statement that it would go ahead on that date, but, on 1st April, 2020, it announced that it would postpone: "We wish that we could physically put a zine in your hand in May, but this is the responsible thing to do. With help from @191toole Tucson Zine Fest 2020 has been rescheduled for Sunday, August 16 from 10AM-5PM. We love you zinesters and hold best wishes for all you and yours during this trying time 💀✌" On 10th July, it cancelled entirely, "postponed until 2021".

Their postponement statement can be read here (tucsonzinefest.com) (or in this archived image) and their cancellation statement here (instagram.com) (or in this archived image).




Vulture City Paracon

Cancelled on 29th July, 2020.

Vulture City Paracon was scheduled for the weekend of 2nd-4th October, 2020 and was cancelled on 29th July, 2020.

The official statement, on their Facebook event page, included, "Due to unforeseen issues and possible ongoing shutdowns following the current rise in COVID cases in Arizona and strict orders by the Governor of Arizona, Vulture City ParaCon will be rescheduled. The new dates will be October 8th-10th, 2021. This will hopefully ensure enough time for this pandemic to pass, help to keep us all safe, and allow us additional time to make Vulture City ParaCon II an event you will not soon forget!"

The full statement can be read here (facebook.com) (or in this archived image).




Wild Wild West Con Steampunk Convention

Cancelled on 7th September, 2020.

Wild Wild West Con Steampunk Convention happened in 2020 as it was on the last weekend before everything closed down. Their next event was scheduled for the weekend of 4th-7th March, 2021, but this was postponed a year on 7th September, 2020. This is effectively a cancellation for 2021 and an announcement for 2022 but, as Wild Wild West Con officially numbers its events, its technically a shifting of year 10 from 2021 to 2022.

The announcement stated that "Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention 10 is officially rescheduled and will be held during the first weekend of March in 2022. While we will miss all of you in 2021, the safety of everyone is our top priority. All passes purchased for the original 2021 dates will be honored for 2022 with no additional purchase necessary."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (wildwestcon.com) (or in this archived image).




YumaCon

Cancelled on 26th August, 2020.

YumaCon was scheduled for Saturday, 3rd October, 2020. They cancelled on 26th August, 2020, without any real statement beyond, "With deep regrets, there will be no YumaCon this fall."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (facebook.com) (or in this archived image).




ZapCon

Cancelled on 16th March, 2020.

ZapCon was scheduled for the weekend of 25th-26th April, 2020. They cancelled on 16th March, 2020, stating: "Today, following the guidance of the CDC regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Mesa announced they are closing the Mesa Convention Center through April 30, 2020. This means that Zapcon 8, scheduled for April 25-26th, 2020, is cancelled."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (zapcon.com) (or in this archived image).




Postponements



Con Nichiwa

Postponed on 1st May, 2020.

Con Nichiwa was scheduled for the weekend of 12th-14th June, 2020. The organisers announced on 1st May, 2020 that they would postpone: "After several conversations with the hotel and the recent announcement from the government of Arizona on the stay at home order increased until May 15th, we have decided to postpone Con Nichiwa 2020 until November 20th to the 22nd of this year."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (con-nichiwa.com) (or in this archived image).



Gila Valley Comic Con

Postponed on 16th March, 2020.

Gila Valley Comic Con was scheduled for the weekend of 27th-28th March, 2020. They announced on 16th March, 2020 that "Eastern Arizona College, our venue host, has just canceled all large group gatherings through the end of the semester, including concerts, theater productions and athletic events as well", so they'll reschedule for an unknown future date.

The organisers' full statements can be read here (eacourier.com) and here (facebook.com) (or in these archived images).



Mad Monster Party

Postponed on 26th May, 2020.

Mad Monster Party was originally scheduled for the weekend of 19th-21st June, 2020 but was later rescheduled to the weekend of 9th to 11th October.

"So far, it seems most of our June guests are available for Oct 9th and we will announce the confirmed Oct. guests next week. In this highly politicized time, we are not being cavalier and realize there is a chance October events may be canceled as well. If that is the case, the world has bigger problems than conventions but we aren't giving up on the season of the witch just yet."

The organisers' full statement can be read here (facebook.com) (or in this archived image).




Sworn Festival

Postponed on an unknown date.

The Coffin Comics Sworn Festival was scheduled for the weekend of Friday 26th to Sunday 28th February, 2021 but was postponed on an unknown date to the same weekend in 2022, the statement on Facebook reading, "We regret to announce that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sworn Fest has been officially postponed to February 25-27, 2022."

The full statement can be read here (facebook.com) (or in this archived image).




Tucson OddCon

Postponed on an unknown date.

Tucson OddCon was scheduled for Saturday 18th April, 2020 and postponed late while discussions went on with the venue. The event's website was updated to include "postponed until Fall 2020 due to COVID-19". It actually moved twice, initially to Saturday 24th August, 2020 and then to Saturday 17th October, 2020.

That statement can be read here (whenwhereco.com) (or in this archived image).




Verde Valley Comic Expo

Postponed on 15th March, 2020.

Verde Valley Comic Expo was scheduled for Saturday 21st March, 2020, but it announced a week out that it would postpone: "Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 concerns, the Cottonwood Public Library will be postponing the Verde Valley Comic Expo to a later date. We will post additional information on the Expo and other library programming as it becomes available."

That statement can be read here (google.com) (or in this archived image).





Went Virtual

When conventions looked at whether they could happen or not, it wasn't always about happening or not. Another option was to ditch the physical event for safety reasons and go virtual instead.




Phoenix FearCon

Went Virtual on 6th August, 2020.

Phoenix FearCon was scheduled for 16th-17th October, 2020, but it announced on 6th August, 2020 that it would go virtual. "We welcome fans this year from all over the world to attend our Phoenix FearCON festival online! We cannot do a physical event due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. But that won't stop us! Details will be coming soon, but here's a little information: As an all access pass holder, you will be able to screen our amazing lineup of short and feature films, workshops, panel discussions and wonderful performers from the comfort of your living room, laptop, mobile device or tablet. Stay Tuned. We're launching soon!"

That statement can be read here (phoenixfearcon.com) (or in this archived image).






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Last update: 4th October, 2020