Salt Lake Comic and Pop Culture Convention FanX is back!

SALT LAKE CITY — To the excitement of pop culture fans, FanX 2021, Utah’s biggest convention is back at the Salt Palace Convention Center now through Saturday.

Celebrity guests

The three-day event will have celebrity guests from the new Star Trek movies’ Zachary Quinto, Mythbusters’ Adam Savage, Jamie Farr, and Loretta Switt of TV’s MASH fame.

It will also have television stars like Payton List, Misha Collins, and voice actress Ashley Eckstein. Besides guests you would recognize from the big screen more authors, artists, podcasters, cosplayers, and media darlings will be flooding into the convention for Utah audiences to enjoy.

To purchase passes and explore the robust schedule of FanX, visit FanXSaltLake.com. Single and multi-day passes are available. Infants and children under 10 years of age are free with the purchase of an Adult Pass. Discounts are available for students, teachers, military (active and veteran), first responders, and seniors (60+).

Mask wearing is encouraged

As the world is still grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, sensible COVID-19 precautions will be in place during the event. Guests are encouraged to wear masks, practice social distancing, use the hand sanitizer scattered throughout the Salt Palace. Temperatures will be checked at the door.

Mythbusters Adam Savage discussed his comfort in the COVID precautions in place at a press conference kicking off the event.

“I’m following local guidelines and local guidelines including wearing a mask 98% of the time. It’s lovely to come back out, this is my fifth con in the last month and the biggest one yet. It’s really nice to feel that energy in the hallway,” he said.

Voice actress Ashley Eckstein, the original voice of Star Wars Ahsoka Tano, talked about her comfort in the precautions. She also talked about the importance of participating in events like these because of individuals mental health needs. Those needs have been made even more complicated amid the pandemic. “I feel like what we also need to be talking about are the mental health effects of the past 18 months. And our mental health is just as important as our physical health.” she said, “And it’s been very, very clear that for everyone’s mental health, we need to get out we need to connect again. So I feel like what I can do to help people actually be here in person.”

Celebrities love the FanX Convention

Many returning celebrity guests expressed their excitement about being back in Utah for FanX. They have declared it the best convention in the nation.

Two of these outspoken fans are Jess Harnell and Rob Paulson, actors who voice the brothers Wakko and Yakko Warner in both the Animaniacs television series.

“I can honestly tell you that this is the standard against which all other cons are compared,” Harnell said, with a heartfelt “Amen!” interjected by Paulson.

“The folks are so nice, and so kind, and so giving.” Harnell continued, “We’ve all had lovely encounters with people all over the world, but I’ve had more of them in his city than any other.”

Something to be had for all

There is something for fans of all ages at the FanX. From the big celebrity spotlights, autographs, and photo opportunities, to the highly interactive KidCon area.

And there’s a plethora of small and specialty business vendors. Even KSL NewsRadio’s own Andy Farnsworth will be hosting a live recording of his “Fan Effect” podcast with cohost KSL Podcast’s KellieAnn Halvorsen Saturday afternoon.

All are invited to mask up and nerd out at this weekend’s much-needed escape; FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention.

Read more:

• FanX convention organizers will require masks, temperature check
• Annual Cosplay Games Scavenger Hunt this weekend a preview for FanX 2021