Sunscreen Fantastic Fest and Comic-con

Sunscreen Fantastic Fest: Film Fest Gone Mad!

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SCHEDULE AND TICKETS

Get ready for the inaugural Sunscreen Fantastic Fest, a one-day celebration of horror, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, comics, cosplay, gaming, collectibles, and independent filmmaking!

Presented by the team behind the 21-year-running Sunscreen Film Festival, Fantastic Fest combines the excitement of a genre film festival with the energy of a Comic-Con-style fan convention. Spend the day discovering incredible independent filmmakers, meeting creators, shopping unique vendors, and celebrating everything fantastic.

SPONSORED BY: Visit St. Pete Clearwater and Creative Pinellas

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SCHEDULE AND TICKETS

Event Details

📅 Date
Saturday, November 28, 2026

📍 Location
Coastal Creative
2201 1st Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712

🕘 Hours

• Doors Open: 9:00 AM
• Film Screenings Begin: 9:30 AM
• Vendor Marketplace: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Film Screenings & Programming: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• Awards Ceremony: 10:00 PM – 10:30 PM

Admission

Vendor Area - FREE! No ticket required, just show up!

🎟️ Day Pass: $25

🎓 Student Day Pass: $10 (Valid Student ID Required) student code: STUDENT

Your festival pass includes:

• All film screenings
• Filmmaker Q&A sessions
• Workshops and demonstrations
• Cosplay Contest
• Panels
• Access to the Vendor Marketplace

Your Day Includes

🎬 40 Officially Selected Genre Short Films

• Horror
• Science Fiction
• Fantasy
• Thriller
• Dark Comedy
• Creature Features
• Supernatural

Each screening block will be followed by filmmaker Q&A sessions, giving audiences the opportunity to meet the creators behind the films.

🎭 Cosplay Costume Contest
Dress as your favorite character or come dressed in your own original creation. Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or trying it for the first time, everyone is welcome to participate.

🎨 Comic-Con Style Vendor Marketplace
Browse dozens of vendors featuring:

• Comic Books
• Original Artwork & Prints
• Pokémon & Trading Cards
• Collectibles & Toys
• Books & Independent Authors
• Horror & Sci-Fi Merchandise
• Handmade Crafts
• Board Games
• Pop Culture Memorabilia

The Vendor Marketplace is FREE to the public, so friends and family can shop without purchasing a festival pass.

🎤 Workshops & Live Demonstrations
Learn from industry professionals with presentations covering:

• Horror Filmmaking
• Independent Film Distribution
• Special Effects Makeup
• Behind-the-Scenes Filmmaking
• Panels featuring filmmakers and creators

🤝 Meet the Creators
Meet filmmakers, comic creators, artists, authors, and fellow fans throughout the day while exploring one of Tampa Bay's newest pop culture events.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SCHEDULE AND TICKETS

About Sunscreen Fantastic Fest

Fantastic Fest is a brand-new event from the producers of the Sunscreen Film Festival, celebrating more than two decades of supporting independent filmmakers. Designed as an annual celebration of genre entertainment, the festival brings together films, fandom, creators, artists, and pop culture under one roof for an unforgettable day in downtown St. Petersburg.

Whether you're a horror fan, sci-fi enthusiast, filmmaker, comic collector, cosplayer, or simply looking for a unique weekend experience, Sunscreen Fantastic Fest has something for everyone.

Join us for a Film Fest Gone Mad!