A 4-day “festival of fandom” that took place from July 27th to 30th, 2023. Hundreds of fans attended the Raleigh Convention Center to indulge in and meet their favorite celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, entertainers, creators, and panelists in attendance. “What a time to be alive” said a young girl who had just met her favorite anime character, while cosplaying as them.

GalaxyCon is more than just a convention. The fundamental activities are pretty straightforward and well-known. Buying and selling, admiring cosplayers and signing autographs, waiting in lines and capturing photos with your favorite characters, and participating in Q&A sessions with your favorite celebrities. It’s the perfect event for smaller businesses, such as independent publishers and film production companies, toy vendors and comic book dealers, creative artists and authors – to carve out their own niches. You’re bound to be both surprised and impressed by the deep dedication fans have towards their favorite characters.

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Featured Guests: A Star-Studded Lineup

GalaxyCon's organizers did not disappoint when it came to assembling an all-star lineup of celebrity guests. The event included an incredible lineup of actors, directors, writers, and artists who have played pivotal parts in some of the most well-known nostalgic, science fiction, and fantasy franchises.

Among the featured guests were:

1. Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley, and Zach Roerig: The trio known as the immortal Salvatore brothers from "The Vampire Diaries", charmed GalaxyCon goers. With their special appearance and authentic interactions, Ian Somerhalder's captivating charisma, Paul Wesley's filmmaking insights, and Zach Roerig's down-to-earth attitude brought the world of Mystic Falls to life.
   
   
2. Danielle Fishel: As Topanga Lawrence in the hit show "Boy Meets World," Fishel gave a nostalgic touch to GalaxyCon. She had fans of every age stop by her booth and her warm energy was the most inviting.
   
   
3. Paula Abdul: A true star in the entertainment industry, attended GalaxyCon with her radiant presence. From her groundbreaking musical career to her position as a renowned choreographer and judge on "American Idol," Abdul's appearance was nothing short of memorable.
   
   
4. Mae Whitman: With a role in "Arrested Development" and "The Duff," Whitman interacted with her long line of fans with humor and charm.
   
   
5. Tate Donovan: Well known for his appearances in "The O.C." and as the voice of Hercules in Disney's animated picture, Donovan charmed passersby with his kindness and charm. His participation at GalaxyCon provided fans of all ages with a sense of nostalgia.

What to Know When Going to GalaxyCon: A Guide for First-Timers

1. Plan Ahead: Because GalaxyCon can be a chaotic experience, it's essential to plan ahead of time. Examine the event calendar, mark the panels and events you plan to be present in, and allow plenty of time for exploring the exhibit hall.

2. Purchase Your Tickets Early: GalaxyCon is a highly anticipated event, and tickets often sell out quickly. To avoid disappointment, reserve your passes as soon as they become available.

3. Prepare Your Cosplay: If you're a cosplayer, put your creative skills to work and plan your outfit ahead of time. Cosplaying is a terrific opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the event and connect with other fans.

4. Stay Hydrated and Energized: The excitement of the event can be overwhelming, and you'll want to make the most of your experience. Keep hydrated, take advantage of the snack bar and outside food trucks, and take pauses as needed .

5. Connect and Make Friends: GalaxyCon is the ideal environment for making long-term friends who share your interests. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation and enjoy making new connections in the community.

The SAG Strike's Impact on the Convention

While GalaxyCon was undoubtedly memorable, it wasn't immune to the impacts of the 2023 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strike, which has been impacting the entertainment industry. Due to the strike several, if not all guests, were unable to discuss certain ongoing projects or participate in promotional efforts.

Despite these obstacles, the event was a celebration of fandom, creativity, and the power of imagination. GalaxyCon attendees were eager to meet fans, share their excitement for topics they could discuss, and express their gratitude for the support they have received during their careers.

Why You Should Go to the Next Galaxycon

GalaxyCon celebrates everything that makes fans feel special and connected. It's an opportunity to escape into imaginative worlds, meet your heroes, and make memorable experiences with people who understand your fandom like no one else.

The convention provides a safe environment that promotes self-expression, creativity, and acceptance. It's a place where you can be yourself and find others who accept you for it. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard fan, GalaxyCon welcomes everyone and guarantees an amazing event that will have you counting down the days until the next one.

Find tickets to the next one near you here.