GALLERY: Friday at Fan Expo Chicago 2025

Photographers: Julian Ramirez, Marielle Bokor, CC Staff

We're showing our hometown stripes (stars, really) but IYKYK -- while we've heard tales of conventions and other giant events like music festivals, what have you having beautiful weather, clear skies and that breeze that reminds you why life is so sweet - that's not a thing for Chicago.

Oh sure, you think May is delightful even in the Midwest, or that a nice October trip would be just fine Life finds a way and in this case it means, if you're at Fan Expo Chicago 2025, it's HOT.

Like, the kind of hot where you're like "it wasn't supposed to be this HOT" where everyone's putting a premium on cold drinks and Kirby fans.

Fortunately for the roving group of photographers and writers here at Culture Combine, what else is fire is the cosplay.

Don't take our word for it, though. Check it out! Then come back for day two and three on the following days, cuz we can do this all weekend long!