Pennsylvania Pop Culture Guide
Anime, Gaming & Film: Philly Cons, Pittsburgh Gaming & East Coast Thrills.
East Coast Pop Culture Hub
Pennsylvania is a solid East Coast hub for pop culture IP, blending Philadelphia's major conventions and urban energy with Pittsburgh's strong indie gaming scene (anchored by Carnegie Mellon).
From the historic "Rocky" steps to the high-tech VR labs of Pittsburgh, the state offers a unique mix of cinematic history and future-forward gaming innovation, topped off with world-class thrill rides at Hersheypark.
Major Conventions & Fan Events
FAN EXPO Philadelphia
Official Site →May 29–31, 2026 | Pennsylvania Convention Center
A massive multi-genre convention drawing tens of thousands. Features celebrity autographs, comic creators, cosplay contests, and a huge gaming zone.
Tekko
Official Site →July 23–26, 2026 | David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Pittsburgh's premier anime convention. Known for its strong musical guests, J-fashion shows, VTuber panels, and passionate cosplay community.
Steel City Con
Official Site →April 10–12, 2026 | Monroeville, PA
One of the largest comic cons in the US, held at the Monroeville Convention Center. Famous for its massive vendor hall and retro toy focus.
Gaming & Interactive Industry Hubs
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
Pittsburgh, PA
Home to the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC). A global powerhouse for game design, VR/AR innovation, and the birthplace of Jesse Schell's 'Schell Games'.
Schell Games
Pittsburgh, PA
The largest full-service education and entertainment game development company in the US, known for 'I Expect You To Die' and 'Among Us VR'.
Philadelphia Indie Scene
Philadelphia, PA
A thriving community of indie devs and studios like Cipher Prime and Flyclops, supported by active IGDA chapters and university programs at UPenn and Drexel.
Anime & Pop Culture Districts
Brave New Worlds
A staple in the Philly comic scene with locations in Old City and Willow Grove. Massive selection of comics, manga, graphic novels, and figures.
Philadelphia, PA
Anime World
Located in Robinson Mall, this shop is a dedicated haven for anime fans in Pittsburgh, stocking figures, plushies, and imported goods.
Pittsburgh Area
New Dimensions Comics
One of the largest comic chains in the region with multiple locations (Pittsburgh mills, etc.), offering extensive back issues and pop culture merch.
Multiple Locations, PA
Film & TV Production Districts
Philadelphia Downtown & Old City
Philadelphia, PA
Run the 'Rocky' steps at the Museum of Art, explore the historic streets seen in 'The Sixth Sense' and '12 Monkeys', and feel the gritty urban energy of countless modern productions.
Theme Parks & Thrills
Hersheypark
Hershey, PA
The sweetest place on earth with world-class coasters like Fahrenheit and Candymonium, plus an 11-acre water park.
Dorney Park
Allentown, PA
Home to Steel Force and Wildwater Kingdom, with light DC/Looney Tunes branding.
Creative Tech
Pittsburgh Tech Hub
Pittsburgh, PA
Led by CMU's robotics and interactive media programs, fueling a surge in VR/AR startups and game design innovation.
University Labs
UPenn and Drexel in Philly are also key players in digital media and animation research.
Pennsylvania Itineraries
One-Day Philly Tour
- AMBrave New Worlds (Old City) + Rocky Steps.
- LunchReading Terminal Market.
- PMVR/AR experience or Escape Room.
Weekend Convention + Thrills
- Days 1-2: Steel City Con (PGH) or FAN EXPO (Philly).
- Day 3: Hersheypark or Dorney Park for coasters.
Visitor Tips
- Tickets: Book con tickets months in advance.
- Transport: SEPTA for Philly; Car for Hershey/Parks.
- Seasons: Spring/Summer for parks & cons.
Explore by Region
Philadelphia & Metro
FAN EXPO, Film Sites, History
Pittsburgh & Western PA
Tekko, CMU, Indie Games
Hershey / Allentown
Theme Parks & Thrills