Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo

The costumes, the celebrities, the panels—the sights and sounds of the Calgary Expo can be overwhelming. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for as you dive into nerd paradise.

1. Boombox

This one requires your imagination: John Cusack isn’t going to be holding the iconic prop and blasting “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel, Say Anything...- style, at the Expo. Instead, you can hear him talk about his career at a panel at the Stampede Corral ( Saturday, 1:15 p.m.), grab his autograph ( Friday, 4:05 p.m. and 6:40 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. and 2:05 p.m.) or get your photo taken with him ( Friday, 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, 12:15 p.m.; $80).

2. Stormtrooper Helmet

You could probably fill up a separate card with Stormtrooper variants alone over the weekend, so consider this a bonus square. If you want to knock this one off early, hit the Pow! Parade of

Wonders on Friday morning. Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Stephen Avenue and Olympic Plaza, free.

3. Golden Snitch

Quidditch, the sport of wizards and witches in the Harry Potter universe, has been played off the pages and the screen for a while now—the United States Quidditch Association was founded in 2007. Quidditch 101, weather permitting, will let you get hands-on, and teach you how to tell a quaffle from a bludger. Friday, 2:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11:30 a.m.; and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. outdoors at Coke Stage.

4. Tinted Sunglasses

Last year was supposed to be the last appearance in Canada for 92-year-old comic-book legend Stan Lee and his signature shades, but he returns this year on an invitation from Calgary native (and Expo first-timer) Todd McFarlane. Photo ops: Friday, 8:45 p.m.; Saturday, 1:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.; Sunday, 11:15 a.m. and 3 p.m.; $120. Autographs: Saturday, 10 a.m. and 3:50 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3 p.m.

5. Brony

The most recent iteration of the My Little

Pony cartoon show has gained a large, unexpected following of male fans who call themselves Bronies. You can join in the discussion at this panel, or just marvel at the best-looking Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy costumes. My Little Pony panel: Saturday at Palomino D, 1:15 p.m.