It’s time to charge your lightsabers, dust off your capes, and prep your cosplay — Comicpalooza is back June 20-22 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, and it’s bigger, bolder, and better than ever.
Whether you’re a hardcore Jedi, casual anime fan, or just someone who loves a good haunted house and a throwback dance party, Comicpalooza delivers three jam-packed days of fan-fueled fun. It’s a celebration of everything pop culture under one very enthusiastically air-conditioned roof.
Photo by Kevin Ventura
A star-powered celebrity lineup
Let’s start with the star power. This year’s guest list reads like a nerd’s dream journal. Leading the charge is Star Wars legend Hayden Christensen, alongside fellow galactic icons Ming-Na Wen and Temuera Morrison. That’s right: Anakin Skywalker, Fennec Shand, and Boba Fett will all be in the building.
Need more reasons to nerd out? Patton Oswalt is bringing his Ratatouille charm and razor-sharp wit, while Adam Savage, the brains behind MythBusters, will have fans geeking out over gadgets. And comedy legends Cheech & Chong will be there to light up the nostalgia (and probably the room).
Fans of SYFY’s Resident Alien are in for a treat, with Alan Tudyk, Corey Reynolds, Sara Tomko, and Alice Wetterlund appearing for panels and signings. Plus, Dragon Ball Z fans can power up with voice actor Sean Schemmel.
Explore the ultimate fandom playground
Along with celebrity selfies and autograph hunts, Comicpalooza is a full-on playground for pop-culture lovers.
Hit the sprawling show floor to browse everything from rare comics and anime merch to custom art and collectibles you didn’t even know you needed.
Photo by Edward Hall
Pop into the Okashi Japanese Arcade for a hit of Tokyo-style nostalgia, or brave the bone-chilling thrills of the brand-new 13th Floor Haunted House walkthrough, because it's never too early for Halloween.
You’ll also want to plan your schedule around the many live panels featuring Q&As with celebs, industry insiders, and content creators who are just as obsessed with your favorite fandoms as you are.
After dark = after-party
When the sun goes down, the real party begins. Comicpalooza After Dark is strictly 18+ and 100% epic.
On Friday night, the “Throwback to the Millennium” bash will teleport you back to the early 2000s with the best jams from the TRL era — bring your low-rise jeans and frosted-tips energy.
On Saturday, the rave returns with a vengeance, thanks to Club Kaijuu and its lineup of anime DJs spinning beats straight out of your favorite opening themes.
Something for everyone
Bringing the kids? There’ll be no shortage of family fun. Kidtopia will be buzzing all weekend with hands-on activities like the Kroger Chef Junior demos, where budding chefs can get their hands dirty (in a good way) while whipping up tasty treats.
Creative souls will want to check out Comic Couture, a stunning fashion show featuring original designs inspired by comic books and anime, all dreamed up by students from UHD and HCC.
Photo by Emerson
Photo by Amial Velasquez
Find your people here.
And no visit to Comicpalooza is complete without catching the iconic Cosplay Contest on Saturday night. This all-out display of craftsmanship, creativity, and cosplay bravado is sure to inspire next year's getup.
Oh, and did we mention the wrestling? That’s right: Texas All Star Wrestling will be bringing the heat as fighters clash in the ring for the coveted Comicpalooza Dragon Belt. It’s high-flying, body-slamming, spandex-wearing chaos in the best way possible.
Why you won't want to miss it
Comicpalooza isn’t just Houston’s biggest pop culture convention — it’s a high-energy celebration of all the weird, wild, and wonderful corners of fandom. From anime to sci-fi, horror to wrestling, and cosplay to cuisine, it’s a weekend where you can be unapologetically you, whatever that looks like.
So whether you're a Jedi master, a Marvel maniac, or just someone who loves an epic party with a few thousand of your new best friends, grab your tickets, plan your costume, and get ready to nerd out hard.
