Photojournalist: Antonina Schubert

GalaxyCon Columbus 2024 once again proved why it is one of the most magical and community-driven events of the year. Across three jam-packed days, the Greater Columbus Convention Center was transformed into a vibrant haven of fandoms, creativity, and shared passion. With over 40,000 attendees, the event was a testament to the unyielding love fans have for their favorite characters, shows, and creators.

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From the moment the ribbon was cut by Stinger, the Columbus Blue Jackets’ mascot, who officially kicked off the weekend alongside Martin Kove, Jonathan Freeman, Corbin Bernsen, Cooper Andrews, and Peter Facinelli, it was clear this was going to be an unforgettable experience. The energy throughout the convention center was electric as fans, many of whom had traveled from far and wide, eagerly poured in ready to celebrate their fandoms and make lasting memories.

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The passion of the attendees was on full display in countless ways. Handmade costumes brought beloved characters to life, from intricately detailed armor to whimsical animated favorites. Cosplayers gathered for meetups, photo ops, and spectacular costume contests, with Saturday’s main contest showcasing out-of-this-world costumes and awarding $2,500 in prizes. The creativity and effort put into these outfits were a shining example of the love fans pour into their craft.

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Beyond cosplay, fans showed their enthusiasm by attending Q&A panels, lining up for photo ops with celebrity guests, supporting exhibitors, and participating in a diverse array of activities. From lightsaber training and wizard sorting ceremonies perfect for kids to karaoke every night, themed trivia, gaming demos, and more, GalaxyCon truly offers something for everyone. Families could enjoy countless activities together, ensuring that even the youngest attendees felt the magic of the event.

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The Q&A panels were a highlight of the weekend, offering fans the opportunity to interact with their favorite stars and ask their burning questions. These sessions were filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and even a few surprises.

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A standout was the packed Hazbin Hotel panel, where fans filled every chair, lined the walls, and overflowed into the back of the room, eager to hear from the cast. It was a beautiful sight to see so many people united by their shared love for the show.

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My favorite panels of the weekend would have to be the Halloweentown and Ted Lasso Q&As. Kimberly J. Brown, Daniel Kountz, and Judith Hoag from Halloweentown brought nostalgia to life when they took the stage on Friday. As someone who grew up watching the movies with my sister, and still does every year around Halloween, it was such a special moment to hear stories about filming and the cherished memories they shared with each other and the late Debbie Reynolds.

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Meanwhile, the Ted Lasso Q&A with Phil Dunster was full of laughs on Sunday. A funny and wholesome moment during the Q&A was when a fan approached the mic dressed as Ted Lasso and delivered a pitch-perfect impression, filling the room with laughter and applause.

While I attended panels for shows like Twilight, Ted Lasso, and Halloweentown, there were so many more to choose from, including My Hero Academia, Miraculous Ladybug, Psych, and Cobra Kai. No matter your fandom, there was a panel or event to celebrate it.

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One of the most impressive aspects of GalaxyCon Columbus is its sense of community. This was my second year attending, and I’ve only grown more enamored with the event. The staff’s dedication to creating a seamless and enjoyable experience was evident at every turn. From the friendly volunteers answering questions to the knowledgeable moderators guiding panels, every detail was thoughtfully executed. The easy-to-access schedule, available both in the app and in free magazines, made it simple to navigate the convention’s vast offerings.

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Whether you were there to attend Q&As, the big AEW wrestling match, get a tattoo at the pop-up shop, participate in gaming tournaments, or simply soak in the incredible atmosphere, GalaxyCon delivered. It’s a rare event that can bring together such a wide array of interests under one roof and make each attendee feel welcome and valued. Fans’ passion and love for their fandoms were not only celebrated but amplified, creating an environment where connections and friendships flourished.

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GalaxyCon Columbus 2024 wasn’t just a convention—it was an experience. From the electrifying energy of the opening ceremony to the heartfelt goodbyes on the final day, every moment felt like a celebration of fandom and community. As I reflect on the weekend, I’m reminded of the incredible power these events hold to unite people and inspire creativity.

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If you’ve never been to GalaxyCon, I can’t recommend it enough. Not only does it bring this magic to Columbus, but it also hosts events across the United States, including other themed experiences like GalaxyCon Animate! and Nightmare Weekend. GalaxyCon is a place where you can lose yourself in the magic of your favorite stories and find yourself in the shared joy of others who love them just as much as you do. Here’s to many more years of celebrating the fans who make GalaxyCon the unforgettable event that it is.

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From intricately detailed armor to whimsical animated favorites, handmade costumes brought beloved characters to lifeYou can find more information on all the events they host at https://galaxycon.com/pages/live-events

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Columbus Convention Center | Columbus, OH | December 6-9, 2024