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GalaxyCon Raleigh 2024 has come and gone and just like that, the “Con Depression” slowly sinks in! It’s ok though, as I get to relive the great time I had here with you. There were almost too many things to list here in one article for a person to enjoy, but I’ll try my best. Whether you’re into cosplay, gaming, celebrities, comics, toys, or wrestling, there was a spot on the exhibition floor and in several panel rooms for you!
Let the GalaxyCon Raleigh Commence!
Doors opened at 1pm on Thursday, but the exhibition floor would wait for another hour. At 2pm a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring the founder Mike Broder, Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin, Jodi Benson, and GalaxyCon mainstay Barry Bostwick would initiate the opening ceremonies! There was talk of a convention center expansion, as well as an agreement to continue GalaxyCon Raleigh through 2031!
After the ceremony, the floor flooded with fans looking for that special collectible, art piece, or any other merchandise related to their favorite fandom. Speaking of which, there was plenty of that to go around. Clothing, cosplay pieces, TTRPG supplies, comics, toys, art, jewelry, props…I could take up this whole article listing things but I’ll stop there for the sake of time.
The Stars Shine Bright at GalaxyCon Raleigh!
GalaxyCon can be a nerd shoppers dream, but what really draws the fans are the celebrity guests. Each year is lead by a franchise or two. Last year was the Vampire Diaries and Clerks, the year before that brought Star Trek and classic cartoon voices. This year was the stars of Scream, Netflix’s Daredevil, as well as the animated and live action casts of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Matthew Lillard, Jamie Kennedy, Charlie Cox, and John Bernthal commanded huge crowds of fans waiting for an autograph, picture, or just a kind word. Each group had fantastic panels that relived the godd times and looked towards the future!
Photos are courtesy of Garrett House
Alternative Events and Activities for the Weary!
If you’ve been to a major con, you know that the lines for these celebrity experiences can be long and the crowds on the floor can be unbearable at times. The beauty of GalaxyCon Raleigh is that the events outside of those areas can be a great change of pace. A video game room, ttrpg tables, boardgames, card games, and other fan exhibitions can be found in the surrounding hotels. These areas offer a cool and calm place to sit and relax, or just converse with other attendees as you admire exhibits from Star Wars, Doctor Who, and cosplay group meet-ups.
As I’ve stated before, one of the most unique aspects of GalaxyCon is Fantasy Super Cosplay Wrestling. Unfortunately for me this year, I had to miss it due to a conflict with my Deadpool & Wolverine screening. From what I heard though, the show was as amazing as ever!
One of the newer events I attended this year was a MCU Music Competition. Everyone in the audience was able to join via a mobile device and answer multiple choice questions on what song went with which movie. It was a great time just listening to some of the iconic songs that graced the films of Marvel. In case you were wondering, no, I did not win. Not. Even. Close.
What Makes GalaxyCon Raleigh Different?
Celebrities, music, cool merchandise, entertaining panels, and a plethora of alternative free activities to pass the time with friends…what else could there be? FOOD! I know the food at Cons are expensive. It’s pretty serious. The special thing about Raleigh GalaxyCon is the amount of food options within walking distance. Walk out any door of the Raleigh Convention Center and you can throw a Funko Pop and hit a restaurant. Not only that, Food Trucks line the streets for a couple of blocks!
One of the last points I’ll make about why GalaxyCon stands head and shoulders above other Cons is the “After Dark” part of the show. There are so many things to do: Concerts, dance parties, 18+ markets, video game tournaments, and panels that range from social meetups to just watching fun movies. All of these events can run well over midnight if that’s your thing!
Photos courtesy of Matthew Smith
An Experience Like No Other
I think I’ve gushed over the 4 day festival of fun that is GalaxyCon Raleigh long enough. I know it’s a lot, but that’s the beauty of it all. There is a space for everyone and it brings so many people together to share their hobbies, crafts, or just their love of whatever it is that brings them joy. With that comes new worlds and people to discover and it’s all under one roof. It’s hard to put a price on an experience like that. So to all of the fans, geeks, and nerds reading this, just know that whatever it is that makes you smile, even it’s it’s just for a moment, embrace that with pride and stand tall.
