Pensacon is coming up fast — and it’s well past time to start getting ready. You only have a few months left to get your costume and all your gear ready for this much-anticipated 2021 Pensacola comic con.
The doors will open on May 21 and festivities will continue through the 23rd. Tickets have already started selling as of May 2020, but there are still 3-day passes and VIP experiences available.
Whether you’re still on the fence or have your tickets in hand, this guide will help you see just what lies ahead at this year’s comic con. Here’s what you need to know.
What to Bring on Your Comic Con Adventure
Although costumes are not required, they definitely add to the whole experience. Many people spend ages putting together their costume, but there’s nothing wrong with buying a premade one and wearing it proudly.
If you do wear a costume, make sure to abide by the venue’s weapons policy. You must only bring along fake weapons that are incapable of causing harm. You’ll have to stop by the inspection table before coming in, so the security team can confirm your weapons are harmless.
Beyond that, you should bring:
- Plenty of cash for upgrades and merchandise
- A bag for all your awesome finds
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hand sanitizer
Just remember that outside food and drinks are not allowed, so get your fill before coming in or plan to go out to eat afterward.
Celebrity Guests for the 2021 Pensacon
The celebrity lineup for 2021 will leave you breathless. All your favorites promise to man their tables, signing autographs hour after hour. They are even open to photograph opportunities, so you can get your fill of special keepsakes to remember this event for a lifetime.
Celebrities who will be at Pensacon this year include:
- Ashley Eckstein – Star Wars
- Mary Gibbs – Monsters, Inc.
- Chris Bartlett – The Mandalorian
- Dave Tango – Ghost Nation
- Natalia Cordova-Buckley – Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Anthony Michael Hall – Weird Science
- Thom Zahler – My Little Pony
- Kenn Scott – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Michael Cudlitz – The Walking Dead
- Claudia Wells – Back to the Future
Even Saff Saffery from The Tiger King will attend, giving you a chance at grabbing an autograph as a memento of 2020. Don’t forget to ask what he might be up to in the future to keep an eye on what’s next for this rising star.
Tips for Having an Awesome Time
By attending Pensacon, you’re sure to have a great time, but there are some things you can do to take your experience to the next level, such as:
Put on Your Walking Shoes
Don’t just bring your walking shoes along for the ride. Put them on whenever you’re walking around. And do so well before your dogs start howling or you’ll be in a world of hurt the next day.
You can always switch to your costume shoes at the last moment whenever picture opportunities arise. If you’re really wise, you’ll integrate comfy walking shoes into your costume to avoid changing footwear altogether.
Bring Tons of Cash
Not all the vendors will take credit cards and you never know when the card processing machines might go down. So, bring cash and keep it as close as possible all throughout the day.
If you don’t have enough cash on hand, you can go to a nearby ATM to withdraw more but keep daily limits in mind. Since Pensacon has expanded across the entire campus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so as you go about your day.
Know Where to Park
When it comes to Pensacon, not all parking is made equal. They reserve the rear Bay Center lot for all volunteers and vendors, so don’t try to park there.
You can go to the Bay Center’s front lot instead if you have VIP passes. Otherwise, head over to the gravel parking lot across Alcaniz Street. If that lot is full, you’ll have to try your luck at the other parking areas across the city.
Thankfully, they will have trolleys running all day, ready to give you a free lift to your venue of choice. They start their routes one hour before the venue opens, so you can get there early if you wish.
Know How to Find Your Favorite Celebrities
All the special guests will man their tables on the Pensacola Bay Center’s second floor through the majority of each day. You can stop by at your leisure for autographs and to have a quick chat.
If you want a photograph, you’ll need to register in advance. Many celebrities will also take a turn at the panel chat to share their insights and answer questions.
By taking these steps, you’re sure to meet all the celebrities on your list and have a truly awesome time at Pensacola’s comic con.
Where to Go for Dinner and Drinks
During Pensacon, it’s tradition for local restaurants to roll out a special menu during the comic con weekend — and this year is no exception.
Eateries that are likely to do that this year include:
To get the full comic con experience, visiting at least one of these restaurants is a must. Call ahead to see if you need to make a reservation since these eateries get rather popular during this popular event.
Passes are on Sale Now, So Get Yours Before They Sell Out
If you do not yet have your passes, be sure to grab what you need before they sell out. You can get a simple 3-day pass or sign up for the full VIP experience. Either way, you’ll be sure to rub elbows with all your favorite celebrities and even get a few autographs and pictures to hold dear for years to come.
