Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC)

Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) was founded in 2003 as a single-day event with about 2,500 attendees at the Seahawks Stadium and has since grown into a massive four-day celebration of comic books, gaming, anime, sci-fi, and fantasy, attracting over 90,000 fans to the Seattle Convention Center every spring. ECCC stands out among major comic conventions for maintaining a strong, dedicated focus on comic creators and artists, boasting one of the largest and most vibrant Artist Alleys in North America. Here, fans can meet independent creators, purchase original artwork, commission drawings, and buy rare collectible comics directly from the source.

Cosplay is another cornerstone of the ECCC experience. The convention is famous for having one of the most welcoming and talented cosplay communities, with hundreds of attendees displaying highly detailed, custom-built costumes from movies, anime, comics, and video games. Dedicated photo meetup spots are set up throughout the convention center, and the annual Cosplay Central Crown Championships showcases world-class costume craftsmanship. Additionally, the show features celebrity panels, autograph sessions, photo ops, and a dedicated family zone, ensuring there is something for every type of pop culture enthusiast.

ECCC takes place in both the Arch and Summit buildings of the Seattle Convention Center. When planning your visit, securing tickets in advance is highly recommended, as weekend passes and single-day Saturday badges frequently sell out. The convention center is highly accessible via public transportation, including the Link Light Rail (get off at Westlake Station). Make sure to budget for Artist Alley purchases, wear comfortable shoes, and pack snacks, as food options inside the convention center are limited and lines can be very long. The surrounding Capitol Hill and Downtown neighborhoods offer excellent restaurants and cafes to unwind after a full day of exploring the show floor.