LightBox Expo 2023 Returns to the Pasadena Convention Center October 27 – 29

Dinotopia creator James Gurney to lead kick-off event, Colossal Characters

Pasadena, California (October 9, 2023) - The 5th annual LightBox Expo (LBX) will return to the Pasadena Convention Center, October 27 – 29. The three-day event is expected to draw over 12,000 attendees and over 600 of the best artists across animation, live action, illustration and gamin industries for a celebration of art.

“It’s always a beautiful day in Pasadena, but it is particularly dynamic here when LightBox Expo brings the best artists in the world to our art-centric locale,” said Michael Ross, CEO of the Pasadena Center Operating Company. “This massive celebration of the arts places an important spotlight on the creators behind our favorite television shows, games, movies, and other animated products. It creates opportunities for artists to meet and exchange ideas with the best in the industry, making room for imagination and a lot of fun.”

Attendees can meet the artists behind their favorite animation products, participate in live panels, get a portfolio review, see demonstrations, and more. The expansive show floor will be home to over 100 exhibitors from top companies, schools, and studios worldwide. The artist alley will have over 300 exhibiting artists presenting their art and merchandise for sale. View the full list of participants here.

The event is sponsored by Procreate, Adobe, Schoolism, Sony Pictures Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, Disney Television Animation, Sketchbook, Illumination, Netflix Animation, Pixar, Seneca v vb Polytechnic, Wacom, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Warner Bros. Animation, Lucasfilm Animation, ArtCenter, Riot Games, Supercell, and more. View the full list of sponsors here.

Pictured: James Gurney demonstrates ’plein air’ painting in front of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium at LightBox 2022. (Photo Credit: Keith Acedera)


This year, creator of Dinotopia James Gurney is kicking off the event with Colossal Characters, a live ‘plein air’ painting event from 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on October 27. Taking place in front of the iconic Pasadena City Hall and throughout downtown Pasadena, a dozen top professional artists wearing orange caps will lead the event, which is open to the the public. Artists of all ages and skill levels are invited to draw or paint on location while imagining a giant character visiting Pasadena, with the interaction ranging from playful to apocalyptic.

Event details:

  • Pasadena Convention Center | 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, California 91101
  • Friday, October 27 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.


Single day tickets start at $70.96, including fees; three-day badges are $199.98, including fees; and are available for purchase here. To prepare for your visit to the Pasadena Convention Center, please review these FAQs.

Pictured, Monster City booth inside LightBox Expo 2022 (Photo Credit: Keith Acedera)


About the Pasadena Convention Center

The Pasadena Convention Center is the premier meetings, entertainment, and events venue in the heart of Pasadena. The 130,000 sq. ft. venue accommodates meetings of all sizes with spacious exhibit halls, an expansive ballroom and over a dozen breakout rooms. The Pasadena Convention Center is proud to be a LEED Gold certified facility and is professionally managed by the Pasadena Center Operating Company. In recent years, the Pasadena Convention Center has averaged over 300 events and attracted over 350,000 attendees. For more information, visit www.pasadenacenter.com.


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