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 Kevin Ventura
You never know who you might run into.
