A cosmic collision of fandoms at celebration of pop culture, celebrities, cosplay

Samantha Granados, Contributing Writer

Cosplayers, artists, anime fanatics, pop culture lovers and more gathered at the Greater Richmond Convention Center this past weekend, Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17 for the three-day festival of fandom: GalaxyCon.

GalaxyCon is a celebration of pop culture, comic books, sci-fi, anime, gaming and cosplay, according to Sarah Dale, the marketing manager of the GRCC. It brings fans together to celebrate their passions, meet creators and celebrities, participate in panels and workshops and enjoy the company of others who share their interests. This year over 41,000 people were in attendance. 

The event had over 70 celebrity and voice actor guests, 14 wrestling guests, 60 creator and industry guests and 24 entertainment guests and hosts, according to the event’s program. Celebrity guests included James Murray from Impractical Jokers, Christopher Sabat, who is a voice actor from Dragon Ball Z, William Shatner from the Star Trek franchise and many more.

The GRCC has hosted GalaxyCon since 2019 when the event first came to Richmond, according to Dale. They will also host their Nightmare Weekend event at the convention center in the fall. 

“Events like GalaxyCon are vital to the Richmond community and broader fandom communities because they provide a safe space for celebration, networking, learning and entertainment,” Dale said.

Not only does the event boost tourism, allowing Richmond’s restaurant scenes to thrive and providing an additional source of entertainment for local residents, but it’s primarily a form of placemaking, Dale said. 

“For the fandom communities it’s important because it fosters and nurtures a sense of community and belonging with fans of all universes,” Dale said. “It helps them connect, show off their cosplay skills, explore new and old interests and can even drive the attendees to keep going.”

GalaxyCon promotes more creativity and unity which only happens when people come together for an event like this, according to Dale. 

“It’s hard to replicate or even explain, it can only be experienced,” Dale said. 

Dale said she believes it’s a fantastic way to “meet like-minded individuals, and experience the creativity and passion that drives these communities.” 

Luna Monroe, a first-time attendee, was drawn to the event for the celebrities and pop culture, she said. She has also always wanted to dive into cosplaying because of how warm and inviting the fandom is. 

Her favorite part of the event was running into Matt Hardy, a professional wrestler, who complimented her Shego cosplay from the show “Kim Possible,” she said. 

Monroe also enjoyed seeing people in panels she grew up watching on TV or in movies such as Anthony Michael Hall, an actor in films like “Sixteen Candles” and “The Breakfast Club,” she said.

Monroe believes GalaxyCon is convenient for Richmond locals as they won’t have to travel out of state or the city for this convention, she said. 

Sukesha Ray, an artist who had an artist exhibitor booth at the event, sold prints of her work, custom pieces and merchandise. 

Ray has held an exhibitor booth at the event since GalaxyCon Richmond initially launched in 2019, she said. 

“To give a place for all these artists to flourish and be great, I think it’s very much a blessing,” Ray said. 

GalaxyCon is ideal for nerd pop culture and cultivates a safe space for people who love the fandom, according to Ray. She believes most people on the street aren’t so accepting of cosplayers while the event welcomes them.

“I love how it’s become more mainstream and I think GalaxyCon gives a place for all the fans to connect and have fun,” Ray said. 

Ray used her booth as a way to promote her art and connect with fans and different industry people, she said. 

Ray loves the fact she can meet new and familiar fans who appreciate her work. She also enjoys how she can be a nerd with no one to judge, she said.

She encouraged those who may be hesitant in attending in the future to come and participate in the event.

“Come and you’ll understand what GalaxyCon really is and the fun and the non-judgment,” Ray said. “Even if you’re on the edge I still say come because it’s a lot of fun.”

Tickets for GalaxyCon in 2025 can already be purchased on its website. Tickets for Nightmare Weekend on October 11 to 13 can also be purchased on its website with a 20% discount.