When it was announced back in December that Pop Culture Classroom was cancelling the 2021 Denver Pop Culture Con, it appeared that it was going to be two full years before fans of all things comics, science fiction and fantasy were able to get together. But like Thanos himself once said, fandom is inevitable.

Now, Fan Expo Denver: Special Edition is here, thanks to a partnership with Pop Culture Classroom, an organization that uses pop culture to increase educational opportunities, inclusivity and diversity, and Fan Expo HQ, the largest comic con producer in the country.

“We’ve all stayed inside, supported our healthcare heroes, and done our part to keep our communities safe, and now, we’re thrilled to finally come back together, stronger than ever,” said Adam Kullberg, interim Executive Director of Pop Culture Classroom, in a provided statement. “Fan Expo Denver: Denver will give our community a chance to come together and celebrate creativity and pop culture in ways we haven’t been able to for a while. We’re overjoyed to be able to bring that connection back to Denver this October.”

I’ve gathered what you need to know about the event to ensure you have a safe and fun time:

The basics:

Fan Expo Denver will from Friday, Oct. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 31 at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St. in Denver.

The event is open from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The event will be 75 percent of the size of the normal event, but will still include vendors and artisans, workshops and panels and celebrity and creative guests.

Tickets and information can be found at www.fanexpodenver.com.

Celebrity attendees:

The lineup includes:

William Shatner - Star Trek and real-life space traveler

Christopher Eccleston - Doctor Who and “The Leftovers”

Giancarlo Esposito - “The Mandalorian” and “Breaking Bad”

Billie Piper - Doctor Who and “Penny Dreadful”

Zachary Quinto - Star Trek and “Heroes”

Michael Rooker” - “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Walking Dead”

Safety measures:

Masks are mandatory when attending the event, and an approved mask is required to be worn always covering the nose and mouth, except while eating and drinking when stationary. This applies to all people age 2 and older. According to provided information, approved masks must:

Have two or more layers of breathable fabric.

Completely cover the nose and mouth.

Fit snugly against the sides of the wearer’s face and have no gaps.

Other Covid-19 rules include: advising guests to stay home if they’re not feeling well; attendees should wash or sanitize their hands often; and when possible, keep a safe distance for other guests.

Levys get together to celebrate ‘Schitt’s Creek’

It’s been about a year-and-a-half since Schitt’s Creek aired its last episode and I still miss the hilarity, heart and one-liners the show delivered better than almost anyone in recent memory. The Rose family was always a delight to spend time with and at least part of that came from the fact that it was a family affair in many ways.

Eugene and Dan Levy, the father and son duo behind the camera and in front, have written a book called “Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: The Story of Schitt’s Creek.” To launch the book Barnes and Noble is hosting a one-night event with the authors at New York’s Beacon Theatre which will be livestreamed at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25. With the Levys doing their thing, you know it’s going to be absolutely hilarious.

A ticket to the livestream includes a copy of the book. Get a ticket at onlocationlive.com/product/best-wishes-the-story-of-schitts-creek-warmest-regards.

Denver’s Union Station invites pumpkin carvers

You really can’t go wrong spending time in Denver’s Union Station, but one thing you probably wouldn’t expect to work on there is your pumpkin carving skills. But you can do just that at the Carving and Cocktails event held at the station, 1701 Wynkoop St. in Denver, from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24.

Tickets for the 21-and-older event include a pumpkin, Jack-o-Lantern carving tools and one seasonal cocktail. Those in attendance can practice the holiday ritual of adding some personality to their pumpkins, enjoy the atmosphere and meet some new people. Reserve a spot at https://unionstationindenver.com/event/carving-cocktails-2021/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Dr. Dog at the Ogden Theatre

Philadelphia’s Dr. Dog are the kind of indie rock band that owe as much to The Band as they do alt-rock legends Pavement. The group has been together for around 20 years but recently announced that they’re not going to be touring anymore - that doesn’t mean they’re breaking up or stopping live performances. Its just not going to be tours that take them all over the country and world anymore.

With that in mind, you really shouldn’t miss their Last Tour stop at the Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24. This will be a great venue for their blend of folk rock and garage influences and I’m sure it’ll be an emotional farewell to life on the road.

For tickets, visit www.axs.com/events/404679/dr-dog-tickets.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.