Shoppers and fans are already buzzing , Flame Con, the largest LGBTQ+ pop culture convention, lands this Saturday and Sunday at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square, bringing queer creators, colourful cosplay, panels and community energy to the heart of Manhattan. If you’ve got a ticket, here’s what to know before you go.

Essential Takeaways

  • When and where: Flame Con runs Saturday and Sunday at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square, opening at noon each day.
  • What’s inside: Panels, exhibitors, fandom spaces and a strong cosplay presence , expect loud colours, handmade props and friendly vibes.
  • Accessibility and press: The con offers press and exhibitor registration options; accredited media will be on site taking photos and interviews.
  • Family-friendly, queer-centred: The event focuses on LGBTQ+ creators and stories, with programming for a range of ages and interests.
  • Practicalities: Busy hotel venue, so arrive early for registration lines, pack water and comfortable shoes, and plan for crowded floors.

Why the Marriott Marquis feels like a big step for Flame Con

Flame Con is moving into a prominent Times Square hotel, and that change is immediately noticeable in the atmosphere , the space feels sleek and central, with a busy, elevator-hopping energy that matches the con’s buzzy, colourful tone. Organisers at Geeks OUT have grown the show into the largest queer pop-culture convention in the US, and the Marriott Marquis gives that momentum room to breathe.

The choice of venue also signals a push toward wider accessibility and visibility. According to Flame Con’s official announcements, the relocation aims to welcome more exhibitors and larger crowds. For attendees that means more stalls to browse and more panels to stumble into, but it also means planning ahead for queues and navigation inside a major hotel.

If you’re used to smaller, single-floor spaces, expect vertical movement , maps and clear signage are worth keeping at hand. And if you’re photographing cosplay, the hotel’s bright corridors and art-deco touches make for unexpectedly great backdrops.

What’s on the schedule and who’s showing up

Flame Con’s programme blends panels, creator tables, workshops and community events, with a guest grid that highlights queer artists, writers and performers. The organisers publish a guest roster and a full schedule online, so it’s easy to target must-see talks and autograph sessions before you arrive.

For fans who love discovery, the exhibitor hall is where the heart of the con lives: indie zines, merch tables and artisan makers share space with community groups and advocacy booths. According to the event’s press and registration pages, there are dedicated spaces for panels, community programming and quiet zones, making it easier to pace yourself across the day.

Plan your priority list: spot the panels that have limited seating, note any ticketed events, and leave gaps for wandering , some of the best finds happen between scheduled items.

Cosplay, photos and etiquette , what to expect on the floor

Cosplay at Flame Con tends to be warm and inclusive, with builders showing everything from polished armour to soft, playful costumes. Expect a friendly crowd and lots of photo requests; if you’re the one taking pictures, be ready to ask before you shoot and respect anyone who declines.

Photographers and accredited press often set up quick portrait spots near high-traffic corridors, and the Marriott provides some striking interiors that help costumes pop. If you’re in a large build, check venue rules about props and safety; organisers usually publish prop policies and bag checks in the press information.

A practical tip: carry a small prop repair kit , glue, safety pins and tape , because con floors are where the unexpected happens, and a quick fix keeps you in the game.

Tickets, accreditation and planning logistics

If you haven’t grabbed tickets, check the Flame Con site for availability and any day-specific caps; some panels or events may require separate sign-up. The organisers maintain a press registration page and exhibitor coordinator information for professionals, so accredited media and vendors should follow those processes well in advance.

Travel-wise, the Times Square location is brilliant for public transport but busy on foot, so give yourself extra time for check-in and security. If you need quieter spaces, look into the con’s accessibility guides and family-friendly programming mentions to map a calmer route through the schedule.

Packing essentials: comfortable shoes, a portable charger, water and a small bag for purchases , the exhibitor hall can tempt the best of us.

What Flame Con’s growth means for queer fandom spaces

Flame Con’s move to a marquee hotel highlights a wider shift: queer-focused fandom events are scaling up, drawing larger crowds and professionalising operations while keeping community at the core. Organisers at Geeks OUT have steered that growth, balancing celebratory programming with outreach and visibility.

That expansion brings pros and cons , more vendors and higher-profile guests, but also the need for better crowd management and careful curation to keep the con’s queer-centred ethos intact. If you attend, you’ll likely feel the energy of something growing into its next chapter, full of creativity and a bit of organised chaos.

Bring curiosity and patience, and be ready to savour the moments that make queer cons uniquely joyful.

It's a small change that can make every visit feel fresher and more colourful.

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