For the legions of comic book fans who have spent weeks (or let’s not kid ourselves, months) preparing their costumes for this weekend’s Boston Comic Con, the excitement is probably up there with those heady days before the premiere of a “Star Wars” movie.
But how do you help make sure your experience is a total “Empire Strikes Back” and not just a terrifying “Star Wars: Episode I” ordeal?
Even if you’re not planning on going, consider this a guide explaining what the heck is happening to the city this weekend.
The event
This year’s Boston Comic Con is expected to draw 45,000 people, according to one of its organizers. And the convention includes panels, contests, shopping and other activities — check out a schedule here.
Costumes
The convention encourages attendees to show up as their favorite character — just follow the rule of thumb on its website: “If you can’t take it on a plane, then it’s probably best to leave it at home.”
The convention bans any weapons, including ones that don’t function, as well as with gear that could easily hurt someone else, including baseball bats, metal props, and skateboards. Toy guns are acceptable, but you should probably read over the rules before trying to bring one along.
Convention organizers also ask that costumes “cover up those naughty bits” — aim for creative, but family-friendly, attire.
What to bring
Yes, you can bring backpacks, but Comic Con organizers strongly suggest you don’t — and bags will be searched at the door.
Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are acceptable, but leave the coolers and big containers at home. Don’t bring alcoholic drinks into the venue — they’ll be taken away.
Tickets
At the door, tickets for all three days of the convention cost a total of $135 (although you can save a few dollars buying them ahead of time online). Fans who want to attend special events featuring “Star Trek” actor William Shatner and comic artist Frank Miller can expect to pay a bit more: $350 for the “William Shatner VIP Experience” and $150 to $995 for one of four Frank Miller “VIP packages.”
Children 10 and under are allowed in free on Friday. For Saturday and Sunday, children five and under are allowed in for free.
It’s worth mentioning that if you plan on buying swag at the convention, you’ll need to bring extra money.
Getting there
The Boston Comic Con will be at the Seaport World Trade Center, which is located at One Seaport Lane in Boston. The MBTA’s Silver Line SL1 and SL2 offer service between South Station and the trade center, and for those planning on driving, parking is available. Check the trade center website for details on parking rates.
Dates and hours
Boston Comic Con runs from Friday, Aug. 12, through Sunday, Aug. 14 at the Seaport World Trade Center. Friday hours are 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
John Hilliard can be reached at john.hilliard@globe.com