Phoenix Fan Fusion 2023 ultimate fan guide: Celebrity guests, ticket prices and more

KiMi Robinson, Arizona Republic

Updated May 10, 2023 at 9:01 AM·4 min read

Oops!
Something went wrong.
Please try again later.
Oops!
Something went wrong.
Please try again later.
Oops!
Something went wrong.
Please try again later.

Phoenix Fan Fusion — Arizona’s “local, fan- and geek-driven, large-scale, multi-genre, pop-culture convention” — is returning downtown this year.

The three-day event, formerly known as Phoenix Comicon, will bring back celebrity guests, its exhibition hall, game tournaments, fan panels and cosplay contests this June. Though the convention usually takes place over Memorial Day weekend, in 2023 it will kick off on Friday, June 2, and wrap on Sunday, June 4.

Some of the big-name special guests who will join in the fandom fun include William Shatner (“Star Trek”), Paul Bettany (“Wandavision”), Kathy Najimy (“Hocus Pocus”) and Alan Ritchson (2014’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”).

Whether you’re a first-timer, seasoned cosplayer or Fan Fusion veteran, here’s everything you need to know about going this year.

Where is Phoenix Fan Fusion 2023 being held?

The three-day event is at the Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St.

The three entrances to Fan Fusion are at:

Second and Adams streets.
Third and Monroe streets.
Third and Washington streets.

Phoenix hotel deals: These hotels and resorts have the best summer staycation discounts

What time is Phoenix Fan Fusion happening?

Badge holders can go in and out of the Convention Center as they please. The convention’s entrances are open during the following hours:

Friday, June 2: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 3: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 4: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The badge redemption stations outside the entrances are open during the following hours:

Friday, June 2: 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 3: 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 4: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The lower-level exhibitor hall and the Hall of Heroes hours are:

Friday, June 2: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday, June 3: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, June 4: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

How much is Phoenix Fan Fusion?

According to the event’s website, attendees must purchase memberships online. Admission ranges from $50 for one day to $395 for VIP.

Here are the pricing tiers (tax and fees not included) through 10 p.m. Tuesday, May 30:

Friday only: $50.
Saturday only: $60.
Sunday only: $50.
Full event (three days): $110.
VIP: $395.
Sidekick (kids 3-12 years old, three days): $20

VIP badge holders receive $100 in merchandise credit, express entry to celebrity panels, access to VIP lines for autographs and photo ops as well as the VIP lounge and a complimentary Phoenix Fan Fusion T-shirt.

The barcode you receive when your membership is purchased can be presented to the staff stationed outside each entrance to redeem your collectible badge and lanyard. You can also choose to have your badge shipped to you.

Phoenix Fan Fusion 2023 guests

Throughout the three days, actors from shows and movies such as “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Doctor Who,” “Harry Potter,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Trek” and “Wandavision” will host panels, sign autographs and pose for photos with fans.

The following actors are confirmed to attend:

Aimee Carrero.
Alan Ritchson.
Anson Mount.
Ashley Eckstein.
Brian Tochi.
Bryce Papenbrook.
Christine Marie Cabanos.
Christopher Eccleston.
Claudia Christian.
Erika Harlacher.
Ernie Reyes Jr.
Francois Chau.
Griffin Burns.
James Arnold Taylor.
James and Oliver Phelps.
Jeffrey Pierce.
Judith Hoag.
Katee Sackhoff.
Kathy Najimy.
Ken Page.
Kenn Scott.
Mary McDonnell.
Matt Lanter.
Paul Bettany.
Robbie Rist.
Sonequa Martin-Green.
Stephen Amell.
Suzie Yeung.
Walter Koenig.
William Shatner.

To see which authors, comic book creators and artists are scheduled to be at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2023, go to https://www.phoenixfanfusion.com/guests. Check Phoenix Fan Fusion’s social media accounts for the most up-to-date information about guest appearances.

Ultimate Phoenix dining guide: These are the Valley's 100 essential restaurants

These cosplay props and other items are prohibited at Fan Fusion

Phoenix Fan Fusion and Phoenix Convention Center have a lengthy list of prohibited items. Some of these include:

Real and replica firearms.
Tasers.
Pepper spray and mace.
Real, replica and simulated explosives, ammunition or chemical weapons.
Metal and wood swords.
Sharp-edged weapons.
Noisy props.
Glass and stone props
Wheeled items such as roller skates, rollerblades and skateboards.

If you’re not sure whether your item will be allowed inside, submit your request and a photo to https://www.phoenixconventioncenter.com/contact-us.