If you love Star Wars, FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention 2025 is your hyperspace lane to three days of panels, celebrity encounters, cosplay, collectibles, and community. This guide gives you clear, step-by-step advice to plan your trip, maximize your time on site, and leave with memories (and merch) you’ll treasure.
Dates: September 25–27, 2025
Venue: Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Hours:
- Show Floor: Thurs 1:45–8 PM, Fri 11:45 AM–8 PM, Sat 10:45 AM–7 PM
- Panels & Events: Thurs 2–11 PM, Fri 12–11 PM, Sat 11 AM–11 PM
- Registration: Early badge pickup starts Wednesday (noon–8 PM)
👉 Jedi Tip: If you can, pick up your badge Wednesday evening. It saves hours of waiting Thursday morning.
Quick Links
- Tickets & Access (what to buy + when)
- Getting There & Hotels (SLC & TRAX tips)
- Hours & Badge Pickup (save time in line)
- Star Wars Highlights (guests, panels, meetups)
- Photo Ops & Autographs (how to schedule & not miss out)
- Cosplay & Prop Policy (lightsaber notes)
- Packing Checklist (Star Wars edition)
- Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
- Food, Water & Breaks (survival tips)
- FAQ (ADA, security, money, kids, shipping)
1) Tickets & Access
What to buy:
| Badge Type | Best For | Key Perks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Day | Locals or targeted schedules | Access to show floor & panels on one day | Good if you only need a specific guest/panel |
| Full-Event (3-Day) | Most fans | Best price per day; flexibility | Gives you time to queue, shop, and reschedule |
| VIP | Panel-hunters & autograph chasers | Early entry, priority lines/seating (where offered) | Great for high-demand guests & photo ops |
| Ruby/Top-Tier VIP | Power users | Even earlier entry + premium perks/swag | Consider if you want maximum convenience |
How to buy (step-by-step):
- Purchase your FanX25 badge online as early as possible (VIP tiers sell quickly).
- After checkout, create/confirm your FanX account so Photo Ops/Autographs attach to the same email.
- When Photo Ops and Autographs go live, buy them immediately—popular Star Wars guests can sell out in hours.
- Save all confirmation emails and add barcodes to your mobile wallet or screenshots.
Pro Tip: Treat Photo Ops/Autographs like limited-edition collectibles—if it’s a must-have, don’t wait.
2) Getting There & Hotels
Airport: Salt Lake City International (SLC) is ~15 minutes from downtown.
TRAX Light Rail: Take the Green Line from SLC airport to downtown. Stations near the Salt Palace include Temple Square, City Center, Gallivan Plaza, and Arena. It’s budget-friendly and avoids parking stress.
Ride-share: Uber/Lyft are widely available; consider them for late-night returns after panels.
Where to stay (walkable to the venue):
- Hilton Salt Lake City Center
- Marriott Downtown at City Creek
- Grand America / Little America
Booking tips: Reserve early; FanX draws large crowds and nearby hotels fill quickly. If you plan to cosplay in armor or carry props, prioritize a hotel within a short walk.
3) Hours & Badge Pickup (Save Time)
- Vendor Floor Hours: Thu 1:45–8:00 PM; Fri 11:45 AM–8:00 PM; Sat 10:45 AM–7:00 PM.
- Programming Hours: Typically run into the evening; final times post in the FanX app and Help Desk—always double-check before you go.
- Registration / Badge Pickup: Pre-reg Wed 12:00–8:00 PM; Thu 11:00 AM–8:00 PM; Fri 8:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sat 8:00 AM–7:00 PM.
Time-Saver: If possible, pick up your badge on Wednesday to avoid Thursday morning lines and hit the floor faster.
4) Star Wars Highlights (Guests, Panels, Meetups)
FanX maintains a dedicated Star Wars page with relevant guests and features. Expect a rotating slate of actors, performers, authors, artists, and commentators from across the saga. Recent Star Wars-connected names highlighted by FanX include:
- David Tennant (Huyang in Ahsoka)
- Dee Bradley Baker (the clone troopers in The Clone Wars)
- Chris Bartlett (droid performances in The Mandalorian)
- Kelly Knox (Star Wars crafts/author)
- Clayton Sandell (journalist/Star Wars commentator)
Panels & Programming: Expect Q&As, lore deep-dives, trivia, cosplay gatherings, and more. Schedules are finalized closer to the show—use the FanX mobile app for live updates, room changes, and conflicts.
5) Photo Ops & Autographs (Don’t Miss Your Window)
- Watch announcements for your preferred guest.
- Buy Photo Ops/Autographs online the day they’re released (slots are finite).
- When schedules drop, note your report time and location—these aren’t flexible.
- Arrive early to the queue with your barcode ready (screenshot it in case of bad reception).
- Bring a sturdy poster tube or top-loader to protect signed art/photos.
Heads-up: Some guests allow personalization; others don’t. If you want a specific quote or pen color, ask the handler politely—be brief to keep the line moving.
6) Cosplay & Prop Policy (Lightsabers!)
FanX is cosplay-friendly, and Star Wars outfits are always crowd favorites—Jedi, Sith, Mandos, troopers, and droids abound.
- Lightsabers: LED sabers are generally permitted. Charge batteries the night before and carry a spare cell/pack if your hilt supports it.
- Blasters/Weapons: Realistic firearms props and metal blades are typically restricted. When in doubt, choose foam/3D-printed props.
- Cosplay Contest: Finals are on Saturday evening in the Grand Ballroom. If you’re competing, read the rules and arrive for call-time.
Pro Tip: Want your saber to look great in photos? Bring a short blade (32–36″) for tight halls and a microfiber cloth to keep the blade clean.
7) Star Wars Packing Checklist
- ✅ Badge, photo ID, digital barcodes (and screenshots)
- ✅ Lightsaber (fully charged), spare batteries/charger
- ✅ Comfortable shoes + blister bandages
- ✅ Portable power bank + cables
- ✅ Water bottle + quick snacks (protein bar, nuts)
- ✅ Cash + card (some artists prefer cash)
- ✅ Poster tube / top-loader for autographs and prints
- ✅ Small sewing/repair kit (cosplay fixes), gaffer tape, safety pins
8) Suggested 3-Day Itinerary (Star Wars-First)
Wednesday, Sept 24: Land, check in, pick up badges, scout food options, finalize your plan in the app.
Thursday, Sept 25: Use early entry (if VIP) to hit vendors and low-line guests first; catch an afternoon Star Wars panel; light exploration and photos in Cosplay Central.
Friday, Sept 26: “Big guest” day—stack your Star Wars Photo Ops/Autographs and high-demand panels. Schedule breaks between ops to avoid conflicts.
Saturday, Sept 27: Morning shopping sweep for last-minute exclusives; afternoon meetups/photos; Cosplay Contest in the evening; post-show dinner with friends.
9) Food, Water & Breaks (How to Survive Long Days)
- Hydrate constantly: Salt Lake is dry. Refill your bottle whenever you pass a fountain.
- Eat smart: Lines spike 12–2 PM & 5–7 PM. Pack a snack and aim for off-peak meals.
- Plan rest stops: Use quiet rooms to decompress and avoid con-crash.
- Merch management: Bring a foldable tote. If you buy big prints/models, ask artists about protective sleeves or optional shipping.
10) FAQ & Good-to-Know
Is the app required? It’s the easiest way to handle schedule changes, maps, and alerts—download it in advance.
ADA & Accessibility: FanX provides ADA registration info and on-site support. Arrive early for seating at popular panels.
Security & Bag Checks: Expect inspections on entry. Travel light and use clear, small pouches inside your bag for quick screening.
Money: ATMs are on site, but fees and lines happen. Carry a mix of cash and card for Artist Alley.
Kids & Families: Check out KidCon programming and consider earmuffs for little Padawans—celebrations get loud.
Shipping Purchases: Ask vendors about shipping heavy items; many can help you send collectibles home safely.
Bonus: Make It a Star Wars Pilgrimage
- Clark Planetarium – IMAX and space exhibits to keep the sci-fi vibes going.
- Local Eats: Book dinner near City Creek or Gallivan to reduce walking after a long day.
Gear Up Your Cosplay (Optional Links)
Need a convention-ready saber or want to compare cores before you go?
Hours, guests, and programming can change. Always verify in the FanX app and official channels as your travel date approaches.
