Starting from early spring to early fall, gamers, comic book lovers, and anime fans alike come out of the woodwork to attend various conventions throughout the country. Groups of friends carpool, share hotel rooms, and dress up as their favorite characters for a weekend to celebrate their favorite movies, comic books, video games, and more.

Two weekends in a row, the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle was jam packed with people. Emerald City Comic Con, which took place from March 30th – April 1st, brought together over 20,000 fans of comic books from all around the pacific northwest.

The convention featured over 130 different panels, varying from movie and web series premieres, to how-to workshops on writing science fiction and fantasy.

The next weekend, April 6th- 8th, brought about 18,000 lovers of anime to the convention

center. Sakura Con is a three day convention featuring pan- els with industry professionals, anime screenings, and plenty of costume contests. The Exhibitor’s hall is filled with merchandise for attendees to buy anything anime related.

The next noteworthy convention coming to Seattle is PAX Prime. The Penny Arcade Expo (or PAX for short) will run from August 31st to September 2nd, and features aspects from computer, console, and tabletop gam- ing. Attendees can test play video games that have yet to be completed, and attend panels containing industry professionals.

The popular TV show “X-Play” does a live show every year on the final day of the convention. The Washington State Convention and Trade Center estimates around 60,000 people will attend PAX this year.

Tickets will go on sale later this month. Last year, three day tickets sold out in 22 days.