Adventure Awaits

Comicpalooza is back to unite collectors, cosplayers, and fans for one epic Houston weekend

Mega-fans, cosplayers, and collectors, get ready for the return of Comicpalooza, Texas' largest pop-culture festival, happening May 24-26 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

From panels discussing an array of fan topics to an exhibition floor featuring unique art and handcrafted goods from artists, #starstruck moments with celebrity line-ups to a thrilling cosplay competition, there is never a dull moment at Comicpalooza.

There's so much to do and see during the weekend, you'll want to have a plan going in. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

Celebs galore
Each year, rising stars and beloved legends from film, television, comic books, and more come to Comicpalooza. This year’s growing lineup includes:

Back to the Future duo Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd
WWE star and actor John Cena
Charmed trio Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, and Rose McGowan
The Office's Creed Bratton, Andy Buckley, and Oscar Nuñez
Napoleon Dynamite stars Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez
Obi-Wan Kenobi star Vivien Lyra Blair
Nightmare on Elm Street stars Robert Englund, Amanda Wyss, and Ronee Blakely
Orange is the New Black star and voice actor Kimiko Glenn
Actress and model Rebecca Romijn
And more — see the full lineup here.

Shopping mecca
Build in time to walk the exhibition floor and shop unique handmade products, rare collectibles, and marvelous merchandise from artists and craftsmen who specialize in leatherworking, novels, art, sculptures, dolls, and jewelry.

You'll also find resellers with all kinds of comic books, collectibles, clothings, accessories, toys, videos games, board games, and so much more.

Take a moment to scan the floorplan and browse the list of vendors online before the big weekend, or download the official Comicpalooza app for access on-the-go.

Entertainment for all
Map out your own adventure with an array of track activities and programming covering everything from anime to gaming.

The new Friday Night Rave features a killer lineup of anime DJs from Club Kaiju, each incorporating their own unique style and some of your favorite anime series and characters. Expect eccentric lights, an illuminating dance floor, and good vibes.

Also on Friday night is Texas All-Star Wrestling, where hopefuls battle it out for the Comicpalooza Dragon Belt.

Cheer on others or strut the runway yourself in the cosplay competition (there's also a special 12 and under contest!).

Discuss your favorite manga and meet new friends at any of the diverse panels that cover a plethora of fandoms. Partake in various tabletop games or catch a demo of the latest tech. Pause for a magical photo opp with a life-size Appa statue from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Throughout the weekend, Itasha Showdown: A Car Runway Experience is a must-see, too, with the coolest cars and motorcycles on the block.

General info
Whether you’re an avid collector, devoted anime fan, aspiring cosplayer, or simply looking to make some memories, there's a place for you at Comicpalooza.

There are different levels of passes, from one-day General Admission to VIP and Speed passes. Photographs and autographs are not included in the price of your passes.

Head here to determine which pass is right for you, and find other helpful tips to make the weekend magical.

Photo by Michael Lucio

Get ready to shop all weekend long.

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remember the alamo

Houston's last Alamo Drafthouse quietly closes, will reopen with new owner

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It's a sad day for film lovers in Houston. On Saturday, February 7, Alamo Drafthouse announced they would close the LaCenterra location in Katy, ending the chain's tenure in the city.

"Our franchise partner Triple Tap Ventures, which operates four locations in Texas (Houston, El Paso, East El Paso, and Lubbock), will no longer operate these theaters under the Alamo Drafthouse brand," the company said in a statement. "We’re grateful to the teammates and guests in El Paso, Katy, and Lubbock for their support over the years and wish them all the best. We hope to return to these communities in the future."

Founded in 1997 in Austin, Alamo Drafthouse became a leading name in cinemas thanks to their pioneering restaurant format, unique programming, hybrid live events, and dedication to indie films. The chain expanded to Houston in 2003, opening a location in the West Oaks Mall. The LaCenterra location followed in 2018.

In 2024, Sony Pictures acquired the chain amid closures and bankruptcies all over Texas. It was part of a slew of studio-owned cinemas that sprang up after the fall of the Paramount Consent Decrees in 2020, but it appears even Sony's support was not enough to save the Houston cinema.

The good news is that the theater will be reopening. Rob Saucedo, former head of programming who now operates the River Oaks Theatre in much the same way he did Alamo, posted a bittersweet statement to Facebook after the closure was announced.

"It feels weird for these theaters I spent so much time and energy into building a community around to suddenly close," he writes. "It’s a reminder that nothing is permanent. The locations will be reopened soon under a new brand and folks will still be able to see movies there. Graveyard Shift, the weekly horror series I created, will be dead though. So will so many other practices I built, big and small."

Alamo Drafthouses across Texas remain open, including in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio.

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