From July 24 to 27, convention attendees can immerse themselves in comic books, pop culture, anime, cosplay, and more. Enjoy exclusive panels, Q&A sessions, autograph signings, and photo opportunities with favorite stars as well as participate in cosplay contests and gaming events.
ABC11 News was there on Thursday, when they cut the ribbon to officially start the three-day event.
See where you can park here. See where to stay here.
StreetFest
This year's convention is introducing its' first ever StreetFest, which is described as a free "outdoor extravaganza," featuring an array of vendors, live music, wrestling, performances, celebrity guest appearances and more. It will be held on July 26 in City Plaza.
"GalaxyCon Raleigh is more than just a convention; it's a full-scale celebration of fandom and community," Mike Broder, founder and president of GalaxyCon, said. "Every year we're blown away by the energy, enthusiasm, and support from fans and the city alike. With this year's expanded programming and the launch of the StreetFest, we're bringing even more magic to downtown Raleigh and creating new ways for everyone to be part of the experience."
Economic Impact
GalaxyCon is anticipated to have a substantial economic impact on Raleigh, similar to last year. The 2024 convention generated $9.75 million, while the Animate! convention in January 2025 contributed $1.6 million.
"GalaxyCon has become one of Raleigh's signature events, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and creating a real sense of excitement downtown," Mayor Janet Cowell said. "The addition of StreetFest makes this year's celebration even more special, offering something for everyone-whether you're a lifelong fan or just out exploring the city. We're proud to partner with GalaxyCon and look forward to another unforgettable weekend."
Who will you see at GalaxyCon?
There is a star-studded lineup of celebrity guests across several genres. More show events can also be found at the Raleigh Marriott Center City and Sheraton Raleigh Hotel.
Ben Schwartz - Jean-Ralphio Saperstein ("Parks and Recreation"), voice of Sonic ("Sonic the Hedgehog"), Ben Schwartz & Friends Improv Group
Academy Award Winner Geena Davis - Thelma Dickinson ("Thelma & Louise"), Dottie Hinson ("A League of Their Own"), Barbara Maitland ("Beetlejuice")
Giancarlo Esposito - Gustavo "Gus" Fring ("Breaking Bad"), Moff Gideon ("The Mandalorian"), Tom Neville ("Revolution")
Juliette Lewis - Mallory Knox ("Natural Born Killers"), Danielle Bowden ("Cape Fear"), Natalie ("Yellowjackets")
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Stars
Susan Sarandon - Louise Sawyer ("Thelma & Louise"), Janet Weiss ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show"), Sister Helen Prejean ("Dead Man Walking")
Barry Bostwick - Brad Majors ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show"), Mayor Randall Winston ("Spin City"), George Wickham ("Pride and Prejudice")
Nell Campbell - Columbia ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show"), Nurse Ansalong ("Shock Treatment"), Sandra ("The Killing Fields")
Patricia Quinn - Magenta ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show"), Dr. Nation McKinley ("Shock Treatment"), Livilla ("I, Claudius")
Marvel Cinematic Universe Stars
Clark Gregg - Agent Phil Coulson ("Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."), Richard Campbell ("The New Adventures of Old Christine"), FBI Agent Mike Casper ("The West Wing")
Michael Rooker - Yondu Udonta ("Guardians of the Galaxy"), Merle Dixon ("The Walking Dead"), Rowdy Burns ("Days of Thunder")
Sean Gunn - Kraglin Obfonteri ("Guardians of the Galaxy"), Kirk Gleason ("Gilmore Girls"), Weasel ("The Suicide Squad")
Ross Marquand - Aaron ("The Walking Dead"), Red Skull ("Avengers: Infinity War"), Ultron ("What If...?")
Dolph Lundgren - Ivan Drago ("Rocky IV"), He-Man ("Masters of the Universe"), Gunner Jensen ("The Expendables")
Wayne Knight - Newman ("Seinfeld"), Dennis Nedry ("Jurassic Park"), Don Orville ("3rd Rock from the Sun")
The Cast of Beverly Hills: 90210
Jennie Garth - Kelly Taylor ("Beverly Hills, 90210"), Valerie Tyler ("What I Like About You"), Charlie Contour ("Mystery Girls")
Jason Priestley - Brandon Walsh ("Beverly Hills, 90210"), Richard "Fitz" Fitzpatrick ("Call Me Fitz"), Matt Shade ("Private Eyes")
Ian Ziering - Steve Sanders ("Beverly Hills, 90210"), Fin Shepard ("Sharknado"), Blue Devil ("Swamp Thing")
Brian Austin Green - David Silver ("Beverly Hills, 90210"), Derek Reese ("Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles"), Sean Healy ("Anger Management")
Tori Spelling - Donna Martin ("Beverly Hills, 90210"), Violet Bickerstaff ("Saved by the Bell"), herself ("Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood")
Gabrielle Carteris - Andrea Zuckerman ("Beverly Hills, 90210"), President ("SAG-AFTRA"), Nurse Amy ("Code Black")
Scott Patterson - Luke Danes ("Gilmore Girls"), Agent Peter Strahm ("Saw IV"), Michael Buchanan ("The Event")
The Cast of Psych
Timothy Omundson - Carlton Lassiter ("Psych"), King Richard ("Galavant"), Cain ("Supernatural")
Maggie Lawson - Juliet O'Hara ("Psych"), Terry Gannon Jr. ("Back in the Game"), Natalie Flynn ("Two and a Half Men")
Corbin Bernsen - Arnie Becker ("L.A. Law"), Henry Spencer ("Psych"), Roger Dorn ("Major League")
Kirsten Nelson - Chief Karen Vick ("Psych"), Sister Mary Loquacious ("Good Omens"), Danielle Bishop ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer")
Kurt Fuller - Woody the Coroner ("Psych"), Zachariah ("Supernatural"), Russell ("Wayne's World")
Jodie Whittaker - The Thirteenth Doctor ("Doctor Who"), Beth Latimer ("Broadchurch"), Beverley ("Venus")
Travis Willingham - Roy Mustang ("Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood"), Thor ("Avengers Assemble"), Knuckles ("Sonic the Hedgehog")
Laura Bailey - Abby Anderson ("The Last of Us Part II"), Jaina Proudmoore ("World of Warcraft"), Black Widow ("Avengers Assemble")
The Cast of Twilight
Jackson Rathbone - Jasper Hale ("Twilight"), Sokka ("The Last Airbender"), Nicholas Fiske ("The O.C.")
Kellan Lutz - Emmett Cullen ("Twilight"), Hercules ("The Legend of Hercules"), Poseidon ("Immortals")
Peter Facinelli - Dr. Carlisle Cullen ("Twilight"), Donovan "Van" Ray ("Fastlane"), Mike Dexter ("Can't Hardly Wait")
The Cast of Terrifier
David Howard Thornton - Art the Clown ("Terrifier"), The Grinch ("The Mean One"), The Joker ("Nightwing: Escalation")
Lauren LaVera - Sienna Shaw ("Terrifier 2"), Ciara ("Iron Fist"), Lexi ("MacGyver")
Elliott Fullam - Jonathan ("Terrifier 2"), Young Bruce Wayne ("Gotham Knights"), Sam ("The Stand")
Star Trek Franchise Stars
William Shatner - Captain James T. Kirk ("Star Trek"), Denny Crane ("Boston Legal"), T.J. Hooker ("T.J. Hooker")
Brent Spiner - Data ("Star Trek: The Next Generation"), Dr. Brackish Okun ("Independence Day"), Ned Vanderhoff ("Night Court")
Gates McFadden - Dr. Beverly Crusher ("Star Trek: The Next Generation"), Dr. Caroline Ryan ("The Hunt for Red October"), Lisa Malone ("Taking Care of Business")
Nick Swardson - Terry Bernadino ("Reno 911!"), Jeff ("Grandma's Boy"), Bucky Larson ("Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star")
Adrienne Barbeau - Stevie Wayne ("The Fog"), Maggie ("Escape from New York"), Catwoman (voice) ("Batman: The Animated Series")