Flame Con is moving to the Marriott Marquis in Times Square for its next edition, set for August 15–16, 2026. Organized by Geeks OUT and billed as the world’s largest LGBTQ+ comic convention, the event is taking a big step into Manhattan after several years of rotating NYC venues.
Why the move
Rising attendance and a growing slate of programming created pressure for more room—bigger panel spaces, a larger Artist Alley, and dedicated areas for workshops and gaming. The Marriott Marquis offers the centralized hotel capacity and ballroom footprints that can support that scale, while putting Flame Con squarely in the Broadway theater district—a visible sign of the convention’s increasing cultural footprint.
What this means for attendees and exhibitors
– Tickets: Sales are live through the official Flame Con portal. Expect early-bird passes, standard badges, and single-day options. Pricing will reflect badge type and access rather than specific room locations.
– Exhibitors: Table sales begin in March. The convention will use a partially juried model to balance open access with curated selections; returning vendors and community-led projects will be prioritized. Booth dimensions, power details, and move-in windows will be published in the exhibitor packet.
– Volunteers: Applications open in mid-April for roles staffing panels, the show floor, and programming support.
– Logistics: The event will include enhanced accessibility services, expanded security, quiet areas, and negotiated hotel room blocks nearby. Refund, transfer, and resale policies will be posted with ticketing—read them carefully if you plan to buy on the secondary market.
– Crowd management: Organizers say they’ll monitor capacity and program density to avoid overcrowding and protect programming quality as attendance grows.
Youth Day and community access
Sunday, August 16, will be Youth Day: fans aged 21 and under get in free for the day. That initiative continues Flame Con’s focus on creating welcoming entry points for younger queer fans and nurturing emerging creators.
On the show floor
Expect a lively mix of exhibition rows, creator tables, and interactive zones spread across the Marriott’s footprint. Flame Con has a track record of drawing notable guests from comics and illustration—past names include ND Stevenson, Jen Bartel, and Phil Jimenez. Returning features such as the Gaymer Lounge (tabletop and video gaming) and an expanded Artist Alley aim to give creators more selling space and improve traffic flow for attendees.
After-hours and social life
Evenings will stretch beyond panels into signings, casual meetups, and community parties. The signature Fire Ball afterparty offers high-energy celebration, while the Camp Fire social gives people a quieter place to connect. Those moments often turn into networking opportunities and meaningful collaborations—sometimes more productive than a single formal panel.
Curatorial approach and impact
The partially juried exhibitor model is meant to increase the range of represented styles and backgrounds while keeping Curators are shifting emphasis toward works that explore identity, belonging, and genre boundaries—bringing underrepresented voices into view and creating pathways to collectors, editors, and industry connections. Exposure at the festival can open doors, but lasting career gains usually require follow-up resources—mentorship, distribution, and introductions—if visibility is to turn into sustainable progress.
Practical tips
– Plan travel and lodging early; Times Square fills up fast around big weekends.
– Artists: review juried submission guidelines when table sales open in March.
– Volunteers: watch for mid-April announcements.
– Attendees: check FlameCon.org for guest reveals, ticket links, and updated exhibitor information.
Final notes
Moving to the Marriott Marquis is both a practical answer to growth and a statement of intent: Flame Con is expanding its reach while trying to preserve the curated, community-centered spirit that made it stand out. Expect two days of panels, play, and celebration in the heart of Manhattan—just be ready, plan ahead, and bring your fandom.