New York Comic Con Turns 20 and Fills the Javits Center

New York Comic Con takes over the entire Javits Center from Oct. 8-11 for its 20th birthday party.

The pop culture convention expects 250,000 people across four days, according to Variety. That is a long way from its start in 2006, when 33,000 people turned up for the first edition.

The show is organised by ReedPop. This year it lists more than 500 creators and 650 exhibitors on the floor.

The programming stretches across television, film, comics and books. Thursday brings Marvel Television and Marvel Animation. Friday has a spotlight on author Matt Dinniman. Saturday hosts a Star Trek universe deep dive. Sunday closes with NCIS: New York.

Main-stage panels will stream live on YouTube for fans who cannot get into the room. The full takeover means panels, signings, screenings and the show floor all sit under one roof.

For the anniversary, ReedPop has added a few extras. There is a partnership with Coney Island tied to the 20th year, plus expanded cosplay areas for costume fans. There is also a reduced-price ticket for entry after 3 p.m. on Thursday.

ReedPop is also floating a bigger change. Marie Browne, senior vice president overseeing all consumer events, is teasing a possible Wednesday expansion that would stretch the convention to five days.

For fans, this means planning ahead helps. The venue is the Javits Center at 429 11th Ave, according to New York Comic Con. Early badge pickup runs Oct. 6 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Oct. 7 from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Event-day pickup opens at 7:00 AM on Thursday, Oct. 8 and at 8:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Doors open, costumes on. Twenty years in, the slot is bigger than ever.