Fantasy leagues, foodies, local policy wonks — we all geek out for something.

Now in its 26th year, Planet Comicon Kansas City is the region's largest and longest-running convention for pop culture, comics, and cosplay. Dive into the details, plus what to expect if you're downtown next weekend.

Convention details

Planet Comicon Kansas City happens at Bartle Hall from 1 p.m. on Friday, March 21 through 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 23. Grab tickets — pro tip: children 8-12 get in free on Sunday. (Kids seven and under are free every day.)

The 400,000-sqft convention floor will feature 500+ artists and vendors, including:

Big names on Celebrity Row, including stars from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and Doc Brown himself, Christopher Lloyd.
Exhibitors selling handmade crafts, original art, and rare collectors items.
Maker demos, interviews, and panels like "Watching the 'Watchmen' with Carla Gugino and Malin Akerman" and a spotlight discussion with Ann-Margaret. Panels are first come, first served.
Cosplayers in their finest duds across the convention.

In case it isn't obvious, you can't buy quality like this — costume builds can take months. | Photo via PCKC Media Team

Cosplay at PCKC

Even if you don't make it to the con, you may notice that your fellow streetcar passenger is, for example, the Predator.

Cosplay blends craft, costuming, and performance to bring fan-favorite characters to life. PCKC welcomes cosplayers of all kinds + experience levels — in fact, they're as much a part of the event as the comics and celebrities.

"The main entrance to the event directs fans into the Cosplay Showcase," con founder Chris Jackson told KCtoday, "as we want fans to be awed by the variety of cosplays and props the moment they enter the venue."

Saturday's Cosplay Contest will even offer $15,000 in prizes to performers + name the con's "Best In Show," among other awards.

See a character you love? Respectfully ask if you can take a photo — chances are, the artist will share your enthusiasm, and you'll have a one-of-a-kind photo to remember the con by.