CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- McCormick Place turns into a fantasy realm this weekend, as one of the largest pop culture conventions in the Midwest returns to Chicago welcoming fans of comic books, science fiction, and fantasy alike.
At one time C2E2, or Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, was considered a comic book convention, but now that comic books are intellectual property that's worth billions of dollars spread out across movies, streaming TV shows, and video games, C2E2 is calling itself the largest pop culture convention in the Midwest.
"Whether you’re a fan of comic books, cosplay, video games, anime, TV shows, movies, books, wrestling, comedy, or anything else – C2E2 is your home for good and geeky times," organizers said.
C2E2 opens Friday, Dec. 10 and runs through Sunday, Dec. 10. It takes place in the South Building at McCormick Place, located at 2301 South Lake Shore Drive, in Chicago.
Some of the celebrity guests include Giancarlo Esposito of Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian; Hayden Christensen, who played Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequels; and WWE Superstar John Cena.
All guests will need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for entry. For unvaccinated attendees, antigen COVID-19 tests must be taken within 24 hours of the event start time, and PCR COVID-19 tests must be taken within 72 hours of each day of entry to the event. The test must be administered by a medical provider. C2E2 will not accept at-home or self-administered tests.
Additionally, everyone is required to wear an approved face covering while attending the C2E2. This policy will apply to all attendees, including cosplayers, exhibitors, guests, artists, and staff.