Tempe FanCon 2026: What to know about the free library geek fest

This weekend, Tempe Public Library sheds its mild-mannered everyday role and transforms into a nerdy wonderland filled with heroes, villains and other colorful characters. The library hosts Tempe FanCon, its free, all-ages geek event, on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The popular annual event celebrates cosplay, comics and pop culture, with a full slate of programming taking place inside and outside the library. Programming includes costume contests, live demonstrations, gaming, vendors and hands-on activities.

Here’s everything to know about Tempe FanCon 2026 on Saturday.

When and where is Tempe FanCon?

Tempe FanCon takes place on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road. The library is located at the southwest corner of Rural Road and Southern Avenue.

What time is Tempe FanCon 2026?

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with five hours of vendors, cosplay, live entertainment and fandom fun.

How much is admission?

Admission to Tempe FanCon is completely free.

Who can attend Tempe FanCon?

Tempe FanCon is an all-ages and family-friendly event. Leave your pets at home, though. Tempe FanCon is for humans only. No familiars, animal companions or emotional support dragons allowed.

Parking at Tempe Public Library

The library offers hundreds of free parking spaces. They tend to go quickly, so arriving early improves your chances of scoring a spot closer to the event instead of trekking across the lot.

Tempe FanCon 2026 schedule

Many activities begin promptly at 10 a.m. Here’s the full schedule for this year’s FanCon:

• 10 to 11 a.m., Phoenix Society for Historical Swordsmanship demonstration
• 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., costume contests sign-up
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Superhero Academy in the north parking lot
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pokemon TCG Tournament for ages 6 to 16 in the Museum Community Room
• Noon to 1 p.m., Superhero Fun Adventure interactive performances
• 1:15 p.m., costume contests lineup begins west of the stage
• 1:30 p.m., costume contests begin
• 3 p.m., Tempe FanCon 2026 wraps up

Costumes and cosplay

As the event’s geeky bent suggests, cosplay is heavily encouraged at Tempe FanCon. Attendees can dress as heroes, villains and other characters from video games, anime and, of course, comic books.

Organizers ask that costumes remain safe and appropriate for all ages. Confetti and glitter are not allowed. Wooden props are permitted, but metal props or items with sharp edges are prohibited. Martial arts weapons, firearms and projectile weapons are also banned. Toy plastic guns with nonremovable orange tips and no moving parts are allowed.

One of the biggest draws at Tempe FanCon is the annual costume contest. Cosplayers compete in four categories: youth (ages 12 and under), teen (13 to 18), adult (18 and over) and group. Prizes include tickets to Phoenix Fan Fusion.

Registration is required and runs from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. near the Tempe History Museum entrance. Participants can line up at 1 p.m. and the contest starts at 1:30 p.m.

Vendors

More than 100 vendor tents will fill Tempe FanCon’s outdoor areas. The lineup includes authors Tabitha Shipley and David Alyn Gordon, local artists, retailers, cosplay groups such as the New Arizona Republic, and a wide range of fan-focused organizations.

Food and drink

Heroes won’t get hungry at the event. Tempe FanCon 2026 will feature a mix of local food trucks and vendors, including vegan and gluten-free options. The lineup includes:

• Tzikii Greek Food Truck
• Mobile Pizza Company
• Outta Town Pop
• Cactus Corn
• Mustache Pretzels
• Eis Café
• Sabor a Mi