By Janet Grant and Photo by: Melissa Cruzz

Day 1: Thursday Kick-Off: The energy was electric on the opening day of Fan Expo Toronto 2024 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre—amazing costumes inspired by anime, comics, movies, and video games. The panels, some of which I had been eagerly anticipating, promised a nostalgic trip for attendees.

Day 2: Friday Rush: The convention center was abuzz with a myriad of diverse activities, drawing in more fans. The Lightsaber duels in the Friendiverse Lounge were a hit, allowing Star Wars enthusiasts to unleash their inner Jedi. Celebrity panels featuring stars like Giancarlo Esposito, Rosario Dawson, Danny Trejo, Simu Liu, Marisa Tomei, and more drew large crowds. The shopping area offered a wide range of collectibles, art, and exclusive merchandise, catering to every fan’s interest.

Day 3: Bonanza Saturday: This was the busiest day, with the convention center overflowing. The cosplay contest was a major highlight, with participants going all out to impress the judges and the crowd. The Xbox exhibit returned, and panels featuring stars from popular series like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Agatha All Along, and others were popular, catering to a wide range of interests within geek culture.

Day 4: Sunday Finale: The final day was bittersweet as fans savored their last chance to explore the convention, attend panels, and meet their favorite celebrities. The closing ceremony was a heartwarming celebration of the strong community, with organizers expressing gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support. Despite the crowded routes between the North and South buildings, the sense of community made the experience truly unforgettable.

• Highlights: Cosplay Galore: The creativity and effort put into the costumes were truly inspiring.
• Celebrity Panels: From nostalgic childhood stars to current TV and movie icons, the panels were a fan’s dream come true. 
• Interactive Exhibits: The return of the Xbox exhibit and the lightsaber duels added a layer of fun. 
• Shopping Extravaganza: A wide array of collectibles and exclusives celebrated geek culture, bringing together fans from all walks of life.
• As the event closed, the anticipation for next year’s event was palpable. The excitement, the sense of community, and the unforgettable memories of this year’s Fan Expo Toronto 2024 have left a lasting impression, and I am already counting down the days to experience it all over again next year!