Because of C2E2, a bunch of my nonlocal friends stayed at Hyatt McCormick Place. Even though I live just north of Chicago, I joined them, knowing I’d be spending so much time there all weekend.

Since debuting in 2010, Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo has grown into one of Chicago’s biggest conventions, as well as one of the largest comic cons in the country. Organizer ReedPop runs about 30 other events worldwide, including New York Comic Con, also one of my yearly comic con stops.

While C2E2 features a big celebrity guest lineup, panels, contests, vendors and more, I am most interested in Artist Alley. Over the years I have become friends with many creative artists and authors. Since most live out of town, C2E2 is a perfect place to catch up and also to see their new projects.

K Lynn Smith

Dirk Manning

Art Baltazar

II Culaccino was our dining highlight. A couple blocks away from McCormick Place, its airy, casual but elegant vibe was a great change of pace from the fun chaos of C2E2. Splitting several dishes, I enjoyed portions of Shrimp Fra Diavolo, the signature Chicken Giardiniera and Chicken Vesuvio. All were light, with multilevel flavors.

While my friends were busy at C2E2, I roamed downtown. Within nearby Grant Park, I took a close look at Agora, a sculpture comprised of 106 nine-foot-tall headless torsos. Deriving its name from the Greek word for meeting place, cast iron sculptures stand in groups.

I happened to find Stan’s Donuts. Since 2014 Stan’s has become a beloved Chicago institution. While I do not usually eat donuts, I had to try one, and lemon pistachio old fashioned did not disappoint. I also bought a pretzel bun for later, but it smelled so good, I ate it on the way back to C2E2.

— John Wroblewski, online writer