Where can you see – in a single weekend – a classic American heavy metal band, a master ice sculptor, a nerd-themed burlesque show and more than 40,000 excited fans, many of them in costume? Houston’s annual Comicpalooza is coming up May 25-27 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Comicpalooza is already Texas’ biggest pop culture festival. But organizers are expecting that attendance at this year’s 10th annual event will break records.
If you’re into comics and gaming and know what cosplay is, Comicpalooza is for you. Otherwise, you may want to steer clear of downtown Houston that weekend, because gamers will be taking over.
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Gaming at Comicpalooza
From the low-tech charm of Dungeons & Dragons to high-tech games involving myriad HDMI cables, all gamers are welcome at Comicpalooza. People of all ages (with parental permission for the youngsters, of course) can play table and electronic games. Top-level gamers compete in tournaments. Non-competitors enjoy playing for fun. Comicpalooza depends on volunteer gamemasters to keep everything rolling. If you’re an expert with a favorite game, consider volunteering.
Film Festival
Comicpalooza’s film fest is a big deal. Filmmakers from around the world submit their work, hoping to be chosen to participate in the festival. Audience members may find themselves sitting next to an international filmmaker in town for Comicpalooza. Judges give awards for best feature, animated feature, director, actor, screenplay, high school film project, and other categories.
Maker’s Space
Comicpalooza is about more than passive entertainment. Attendees have the chance to interact with and take workshops from leading makers groups. Meet well-respected engineers, artists, scientists, and mathematicians. This is the place to get your hands on a 3D printer and other cutting-edge tools.
Celebrity Appearances
Attendees can sign up to have their pictures taken with favorite stars. If your knees get weak looking at the following list, you’re a bonafide fan and should reserve your spot now. Here are just a few of the celebs appearing this year:
- Brent Spiner, android Lieutenant Commander Data from Star Trek
- Tricia Helfer, humanoid Cylon Number Six in the Battlestar Galactica television series and voice of Sarah Kerrigan in the Starcraft 2 trilogy
- Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox of the 1970s TV show CHIPS – yes, you can get your photo taken with both simultaneously
- Krysten Ritter, superheroine Jessica Jones on the Marvel Cinematic Universe series
Getting There
Did we mention that more than 40,000 people attended Comicpalooza last year? So don’t even think about parking in downtown Houston. Instead, your group can book comfortable, hassle-free transportation with AFC. Imagine how good it will feel when your driver drops you off and you walk right in, rather than spending hours looking for a place to leave your car. You can count on AFC for the easiest Comicpalooza transportation possible. Call us today.
