In this spirit, Tempe Public Library embraces its nerdy nature every January with its annual Tempe FanCon.
The free, family-friendly event at the Tempe Public Library celebrates pop culture, gaming, costuming and comic books. Melissa Quillard, a library spokesperson, told Phoenix New Times in 2020 the con’s geeky bent is a natural fit for the library.
“There's certainly a lot of synergy between the library and comic books, cosplay, and all those fun activities," Quillard says. “Comic books especially tap into some key literacy components. When you're reading one, you've got to slow down to connect the images to what's written in the little bubbles, so it allows people to comprehend the story.”
This year’s Tempe FanCon takes place on Saturday. Geeks of all ages can experience an outdoor marketplace with dozens of vendors, artists and exhibitors. There’s also a costume contest for prizes, sword-fighting demonstrations, a board gaming lounge and music from geek rapper Mega Ran.
When and where is Tempe FanCon 2025?
Tempe FanCon is on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Rd. in Tempe. What time is Tempe FanCon?
The event runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.Can anyone attend?
Absolutely. Tempe FanCon is a family-friendly event open to all ages. Pets aren’t allowed, though — leave Krypto and G'nort at home.Parking at Tempe Public Library
It’s free to park at Tempe Public Library, with hundreds of spaces available. Keep in mind, arriving early will allow you to park closer. 
Tempe FanCon 2025 schedule
Most activities kick off promptly at 10 a.m. and continue into the early afternoon. Check out the full schedule below:- 10 to 10:30 a.m., Mordhau Historical Combat and sword-fighting performance
- 10 a.m. to noon, Tempe FanCon scavenger hunt and Pokemon TCG Challenge
- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., costume contest registration
- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Board Gaming Room opens and Fun Factory Activities
- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., photo booth
- Noon to 1 p.m., Mega Ran performs in the courtyard
- 1 p.m., prize drawings for scavenger hunt and grand prize (winners must be present).
- 1:30 p.m., costume contests
Vendors
Brenner says more than 80 vendors will participate in this year’s event. The lineup includes craftspeople (Raven's Bazaar, Strong Leather Goods, Vixen's Baubles ‘n' Bling), retailers (Collectors Marketplace, Kei Collective), authors (Matthew O. Duncan, Mindy Tarquini), illustrators and comic artists (Jeff Pina, Dominic Glover), and publishers (Small-Tooth-Dog).
Costumes and cosplay
FanCon visitors are encouraged to don capes, cowls, or any creative costumes they can dream up. As with any local geek event, costumes aren’t just welcomed — they’re practically mandatory. Dress as your favorite characters from comic books, movies, anime, video games, sci-fi, or fantasy, or debut your latest cosplay creation. Just keep it family-friendly, bub.A costume contest is at 1:30 p.m. with registration from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the entrance to the Tempe History Museum. There will be four different categories (youth, teen, adult, and group). Winners in each category will score tickets to Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 in June.
Food and drink
Tempe FanCon 2025 will showcase a curated selection of local food trucks and vendors, including vegan and gluten-free options. And for those with a sweet tooth, Girl Scout cookies will also be on sale. Here’s the lineup:- Burgers Amore
- Cactus Corn
- Eis Cafe
- Hayden's Ferry Girl Scouts Troop 2069
- Mustache Pretzels
- Queso Good
- Stadium on Wheels
- Tzikii Food Truck
