There really is nothing like a large fan convention to get together with folks who like science fiction, fantasy, comic books, video games, and cosplay. This summer there are quite a few around the globe, many here in the US, several that I have attended in the past(*). Last weekend, July 10-12, was Shore Leave* (Star Trek); coming July 31-August 2 is Otakon* (anime); August 5-9 Star Trek Las Vegas; August 14-16 Fan Expo Chicago (formerly Wizard World)*; August 27 -30 Fan Expo Canada in Toronto*; August 27-31 World Con in LA; and my favorite, September 3-7, DragonCon in Atlanta*.
Every year, the world’s most iconic geek gathering takes place late in July at the San Diego Convention Center and essentially, all over San Diego. I had the privilege of covering San Diego Comic-Con for the Pride Publishing Group in 2009. It was a bucket list trip of a lifetime that I will never forget. Most folks never will get there in person, and I likely never will again. BUT that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the atmosphere, camaraderie, and be part of the Comic-Con experience at an event right here in Nashville. And, the best part, it’s now FREE. Meet me there!
San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) is the premier global event for comic books and pop culture, taking place at the San Diego Convention Center from July 23–26, 2026, with Preview Night on July 22, 2026. As the world’s most prominent convention of its kind, it gathers over 135,000 attendees to experience major movie and television studio panels, celebrity appearances, autograph sessions, and immersive fan activations. Learn more about Comic-Con San Diego at: https://www.comic-con.org/
Here in Nashville, on Thursday, July 23 from 3 pm – 7 pm a cool group, Savage Ventures, is co-hosting FAN FUEL in East Nashville with COMIC BOOK.COM, complete with cosplay, flash tattoos, tiki cocktails, tons of collectible giveaways, and a FAN BOOTH where guests can remotely interview their favorite characters. As most of us can’t make it to SDCC, Savage Ventures wanted to bring something memorable, exciting, and intentional to Nashville. The event is sponsored by Borchetta Bourbon, Solana, and Pickers Vodka.
The event will be streaming some SDCC content from San Diego, captured by a film crew who will be hosting a press junket and running some cool Con Giveaways. The FAN BOOTH will be a channel back into SDCC, as their guests (us) will get a chance to ask questions that will be included in their interview schedule. They will also unveil a digital “Vending Machine” as a physical “real pull” activation with tons of collectible giveaways. It’s not every day we get to share cocktails and geek out. They would love to see you out, and so would I.
The event runs from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm CDT on Thursday, July 23, the first day of Comic-Con, at Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk, at 922 Main Street in East Nashville, 37206. General Admission is Free; VIP Admission is $30. BTW Sorry, kids, this is for grown folks only, age 21 and up. And, yes, Cosplay is definitely encouraged, so dress up like your favorite character and hang with us. See you adult geeks there!
