May 25–28, 2017
Phoenix Convention Center
100 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ
KNTR Booth 1078
Celebrating eight years of partnership as the sponsored charity of Phoenix Comicon (PHXCC), Kids Need to Read (KNTR) is thrilled to announce a fantastic line-up of events for Phoenix Comicon 2017! PHXCC has prioritized support for KNTR since the organization’s earliest days, playing a vital role in our ability to impact the lives of children through access to inspiring literacy programs and reading resources. In fact, we recently enjoyed a joint literacy program at JB Sutton Elementary School in Phoenix! Please enjoy this brief video segment from AZTV7’s Daily Mix as PHXCC’s Marketing Director Kristin Rowan explains:
https://youtu.be/JwPZQKHS56w
Thank you to the convention’s staff and volunteers, as well as the sponsors, artists, cosplayers, authors, and KNTR volunteers who contribute their time and talents to support our organization. From children’s activities to nightly parties and creative fundraisers benefiting KNTR, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Thursday, May 25
Ninjas versus Pirates Scavenger Hunt
4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Kids Need to Read Booth 1078
It’s the rematch of the year: Ninjas versus Pirates! Who will reign supreme? Swing by Booth 1078 and play for a $5 donation! Tweet, Facebook, or Instagram your adventures using #NinjasvsPirates to show off your team spirit, taunt your competition, and share the fun that you are having at Phoenix Comicon!
Friday, May 26
Ninjas versus Pirates Scavenger Hunt
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Kids Need to Read Booth 1078
KNTR Build-a-Book Program with Steven Riley, Sponsored by Arizona Coyotes
10:30 AM & 4:30 PM
Phoenix Convention Center West, 101 ABC Event Area
We are thrilled to collaborate with Arizona Coyotes again on this year’s Build-a-Book program with Steven Riley! Children will learn how to create their own stories and illustrations during this highly entertaining and popular program. All Build-a-Book participants receive a special edition Coyotes goodie backpack filled with a brand new book, Highlights magazine, and other treasures.
Star Wars Blast-A-Trooper, Presented by 501st Legion Dune Sea Garrison
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Star Wars Neighborhood, Phoenix Convention Center North, Hall of Heroes
This family favorite game gives children a chance to give Storm Troopers some Nerf trouble. All proceeds benefit KNTR.
Kids Need to Read Charity Poker Tournament, Presented by Lupine Entertainment
7:00 PM Registration
8:00 PM Game Begins
Hyatt Regency Phoenix Ballroom CD
For a $20 donation to Kids Need To Read, you get a seat in a friendly game of No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em. You may even be seated next to a special guest! Special events and surprises all night long! All proceeds benefit KNTR. Cash only. 18+
Drinks with Authors and Creators, Hosted by Kids Need to Read
8:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Phoenix Convention Center North, Room 120CD
Join authors and other creators for a glass (or two!) in an informal setting. We will have door prizes, giveaways, and raffles. All proceeds benefit KNTR. $10 to attend. 18+
Saturday, May 27
Ninjas versus Pirates Scavenger Hunt
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Kids Need to Read Booth 1078
KNTR Build-a-Book Program with Steven Riley, Sponsored by Arizona Coyotes
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Phoenix Convention Center West, 101 ABC Event Area
Youth Fandom Fashion Show, Hosted by Kids Need to Read
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Phoenix Convention Center West, Room 106ABC
See the future of your favorite fandom on stage! Hosted by KNTR, this event is the perfect time for Sidekicks to be the Superheroes we know they all are at this non-competitive costume fashion show for kids age 12 and under. Goodie bags for all participants!
Arizona Avengers Raffle
Noon to 6:00 PM
Arizona Avengers Booth, Phoenix Convention Center North, Hall of Heroes
Enter raffles for Marvel-themed prizes! All proceeds benefit KNTR.
Star Wars Blast-A-Trooper, Presented by 501st Legion Dune Sea Garrison
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Phoenix Convention Center North, Hall of Heroes
Hero Design—Riley Style with Steven Riley, Sponsored by Arizona Coyotes
Special appearance by Howler, Mascot of Arizona Coyotes
4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Phoenix Convention Center West, 101ABC Event Area
Do you sketch and doodle heroic characters? Do you wish you could draw better? Author/illustrator Steven Riley helps kids create exciting heroes with simple drawing techniques. Special appearance by Howler, Mascot of Arizona Coyotes! As with our popular Build-a-Book program, all Hero Design participants will receive a special edition Coyotes goodie backpack filled with a brand new book, Highlights magazine, and other treasures. Sponsored by Arizona Coyotes and presented by Kids Need to Read.
Fan Appreciation Party
7:00 PM to 2:00 AM
The Rose and Crown Pub AZ, 628 E. Adams Street
Play games and win prizes at this Phoenix Comicon after party hosted by Crazy Make ‘Em Ups, 8-Bit Aleworks, 88.7 The Pulse, and The Rose and Crown Pub AZ! Raffles benefit Kids Need to Read.
Blue Ribbon Army Presents: The Dork Knight Rises
9:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Phoenix Convention Center North, Room 120CD
The party that Phoenix deserves and the party that Phoenix deserves right now, Blue Ribbon Army Presents: The Dork Knight Rises is a party that every geek can enjoy! This comic book universe-themed party will feature two DJs, extra bartenders, a photo booth, and tons of cool geeks to hang out with and make friends. All proceeds for this event benefit KNTR. 18+ after hours party, $20 to attend.
Sunday, May 28
Ninjas versus Pirates Scavenger Hunt
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Kids Need to Read Booth 1078
KNTR Build-a-Book Program with Steven Riley, Sponsored by Arizona Coyotes
10:30 AM and 3:00 PM
Phoenix Convention Center West, 101 ABC Event Area
Star Wars Blast-A-Trooper, Presented by 501st Legion Dune Sea Garrison
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Phoenix Convention Center North, Hall of Heroes
Be sure to swing by Booth 1078. Youngsters will love our Trolls coifs! We’ll be hosting the Ninjas vs. Pirates Scavenger Hunt, plus there will be stuffed Reading Buddies available for adoption, KNTR swag, literacy-themed products, fantastic raffles, and free buttons & Highlights magazines for the kiddos! Come learn about our wonderful literacy programs for children!
Additionally, Kids Need to Read will be introducing a new program, The Novel Closet, in the Phoenix Gaymers Diversity Lounge Friday–Saturday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Diversity Lounge is located in Phoenix Convention Center West, Room 212AB. We will have program information and a presentation illustrating the importance of this program to the community! Check it out and help us decorate The Novel Closet will illustrations from the public!
We are so very excited for a fun and eventful con! We look forward to seeing you there.
