C2E2 returns to the Windy City and other weekend events
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
C2E2 at McCormick Place. Photo: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images
Immerse yourself in the world of pop culture at C2E2 (Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo) this weekend.
The big picture: It's the largest pop culture and entertainment convention in the Midwest, featuring hundreds of exhibitors, exclusive artwork, collectible figurines and photo-ops with beloved fictional characters.
- Peter Weller from "RoboCop", Nancy Allen from "Dressed to Kill", Laura Bailey from "Dragon Ball Z," and Sean Astin from "The Lord of the Rings" are some of the actors who will be there.
The latest: For the first time, the cast of "The Breakfast Club" will reunite at this year's expo to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1985 comedy film.
- All five cast members — Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy and Judd Nelson — will be in attendance. Guests will have a chance to receive an autograph and take photos in front of a backdrop that mimics the iconic red locker.
If you go: C2E2 is at McCormick Place from Friday until Sunday.
- Expect a jam-packed weekend with opportunities to attend panels and craft workshops, and buy art and merchandise.
- And be prepared for lots of costumes — many attendees step into character for the expo.
- Check out our costume shop guide to get what you need.
Cost: Tickets start at $55
🎥 Go deeper: Relive the best moments from last year with our recap video!
Here's what else is happening this weekend:
- Experience this new mystical retail storefront, where guests can sip on Butterbeer while shopping all things Hogwarts.
- Open daily, Monday-Friday 10am-8pm and Sunday 10am-7pm, located at 676 N. Michigan Ave.
🎞️ Chicago Latino Film Festival
- Grab a snack and choose from various Latin films on the big screen.
- Now through Monday at Landmark's Century Centre Cinema in Boystown. Screening times vary.
Cost: Tickets start at $16
💃 inDANCE
- Watch this live dance recital that amplifies and celebrates diverse gender and sexual identities through movement and imagination.
- Friday, 7:30pm at the UChicago's Logan Center for the Arts in Hyde Park.
Cost: Tickets start at $35
🔭 Skywatch
- Observe Chicago's night sky, constellations, stars, and more.
- Friday-Monday, times vary at the Alder Planetarium.
Cost: Adult tickets start at $32.00 and children at $20
- Discover teas worldwide or join a hands-on workshop during this tea festival.
- Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm at the Copernicus Center in Jefferson Park.
Cost: Tickets start at $25
- Enjoy live music and performances and shop from local vendors to kick off the start of spring.
- Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm at Brookfield Zoo.
Cost: Tickets start at $29.95
⚽ Chicago Fire FC vs. Inter Miami CF
- Head to the field and cheer on Chicago's men's soccer team.
- Sunday, 3:30pm at Soldier Field
Cost: Tickets start at $49