HOUSTON — Thousands of pop culture enthusiasts gathered at the George R. Brown Convention Center over the weekend for Comicpalooza 2025, one of Texas’s largest annual fan conventions.

The three-day event featured a wide variety of attractions, including celebrity panels, cosplay contests, gaming zones, and vendor exhibitions. Organizers said this year’s convention continued to grow in both size and scope, drawing fans from across the region and beyond.

Headliners & Special Guests

Headlining the event was Hayden Christensen, known for his role as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in the Star Warsfranchise. Christensen participated in multiple panels and meet-and-greet sessions with fans.

Other major guests included actor and comedian Patton Oswalt, who discussed his work in television and film, and the comedy duo Cheech & Chong, who appeared to promote their upcoming documentary Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie. Actor Alan Tudyk also attended, alongside members of the cast from the series Resident Alien.

Additional celebrity appearances included Anthony Michael Hall, a member of the iconic 1980s “Brat Pack,” as well as several voice actors, comic book illustrators, and WWE performers, who hosted live demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Exhibits & Attractions

The event’s Exhibit Hall spanned more than 1.1 million square feet and included Artist Alley, the Dealers Room, and hundreds of booths offering merchandise, collectibles, and original artwork.

Interactive exhibits and themed zones included:

• A custom anime car show (Itasha Car Show)
• Retro and tabletop gaming areas
• A craft beer bar
• Cosplay competitions
• An immersive installation by Meow Wolf
• A haunted attraction by the creators of 13th Floor Haunted House
• Kidtopia, a family-friendly area with LEGO activities, martial arts demos, and cooking workshops, sponsored by Kroger

Evening entertainment featured performances and activities such as K-pop shows, dance parties, magic acts, and karaoke sessions.

Programming & Access

Panel programming covered a wide range of topics, including storytelling, art and character design, the future of gaming, anime subcultures, diversity in media, and career paths in entertainment. Guests could choose from dozens of sessions throughout each day.

General admission included access to the exhibit floor and most panels, with day passes ranging from $55 to $74, and weekend passes starting at $105. Anime speed passes were available for $145, and children’s weekend passes were priced at $6. VIP pass holders were granted early entry and preferred seating at select events.

Attendees were encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and download the event’s mobile app for real-time schedule updates, vendor tracking, and event alerts.

Outlook

Organizers say the event continues to expand in attendance and programming diversity each year. With a packed schedule, high-profile guests, and extensive fan engagement, Comicpalooza remains a cornerstone of Texas’s pop-culture convention scene.