TAMPA, Fla. - Thousands are in downtown Tampa this weekend for the Tampa Bay Comic Convention!

What You Need To Know

  • The Tampa Bay Comic Convention is back at the Tampa Convention Center

  • Thousands have been attending all weekend, many in costume

  • The Tampa Comic Convention started in 2010. They canceled it in 2020 because of the pandemic and returned last year

And many of them are in costume, of course.

Many attendees said they like seeing the enormous crowds back, calling it the most “normal” feeling convention since before the pandemic.

“There’s many people. It’s so fun. The energy is so cool,” said Andre Jon Valencia of Oldsmar, who dressed as Doc Oc from the Spider-Man comics and films.

You’ll see many costumes, from Star Wars to Marvel and everything in between.

“It’s about getting together with a lot of like-minded people and enjoying it. Put all the stress of everything behind you. And enjoy yourself,” said Phil Plantz of Tampa, who dressed as Batman.

Besides cosplay, the convention also offers vendors, artists, authors and even celebrity appearances. Dean Cain, William Shatner, and James “Murr” Murray of Impractical Jokers were among many celebs who are meeting with fans this weekend.

The Tampa Comic Convention started in 2010. They canceled it in 2020 because of the pandemic and returned last year.

It started Friday and continues Sunday at the Tampa Convention Center. For more information, visit their website.