This is a list of comic festivals and alternative comics conventions . These cons primarily cater to vendors selling self-published, small press, and independently published works; large, mainstream publishers typically have a small or non-existent presence at these events. These events are often artist-run initiatives, and focused on the art and literature of comic books as a medium. Consequently, these events are frequently more analogous to art book fairs and zine festivals than they are to traditional comic book conventions.
The list is divided up by location, and each convention includes dates during which it is typically held in parentheses. The dates listed are approximate or traditional time periods for each convention.