GalaxyCon Columbus 2024: Where Fandom Takes Center Stage

Photojournalist: Antonina Schubert

From December 6–8, 2024, Columbus, Ohio, once again became a vibrant epicenter of fandom as GalaxyCon Columbus returned, bringing together more than 40,000 fans for three unforgettable days. The Greater Columbus Convention Center pulsed with excitement as fans of all ages gathered to celebrate the stories, characters, and creators that mean so much to them. From elaborate handmade cosplay to heartfelt fan interactions, GalaxyCon Columbus 2024 was a powerful reminder that fandom is built on passion and connection.

Every panel and Q&A throughout the weekend showcased just how deeply fans care about their favorite worlds. These sessions offered more than just stories from set; they created moments fans will remember for years to come. Attendees eagerly lined up at microphones, many brimming with excitement, to ask questions ranging from favorite on-set memories to cherished fan encounters. For countless fans, stepping up to the mic became a core memory in itself.

One of the most packed and electric panels of the weekend was the Hazbin Hotel Q&A, featuring Alex Brightman, Amir Talai, Blake Roman, Joel Perez, Kimiko Glenn, Krystina Alabado, Lilli Cooper, Sam Haft, and Daphne Rubin-Vega. Every seat in the main stage area was filled, and when chairs ran out, fans lined the walls just to remain in the room. The energy was undeniable, a shared love for the series that turned the panel into a communal celebration.

Nostalgia played a major role throughout the weekend as well. The Halloweentown Q&A with Kimberly J. Brown, Daniel Kountz, and Judith Hoag brought together fans who grew up with the film and those discovering it anew.

That same sense of shared history carried into the Twilight Q&A with Kellan Lutz and Peter Facinelli, where fans reflected on the franchise’s lasting impact and the characters that helped shape a generation of viewers.

Laughter echoed through the convention center during the Ted Lasso Q&A with Phil Dunster, thanks to a particularly wholesome moment when a fan approached the mic in full Ted Lasso cosplay and delivered an impression that had the entire room smiling. Moments like that perfectly captured the joy of GalaxyCon. Fans are not just watching, but actively participating and immersing themselves in the experience.

Additional panels featuring Thomas Lennon, Kiefer Sutherland, Stephen Kramer Glickman, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Weird Al Yankovic continued to draw enthusiastic crowds, each offering a different tone but the same level of fan devotion and excitement.

Beyond the panels, the convention floor was alive with creativity. Cosplay was truly out of this world, with fans showcasing breathtaking craftsmanship and imagination at every turn. From casual hallway encounters to the costume contest, each outfit reflected countless hours of work and a deep love for fandom. The awe and admiration exchanged between fans made the space feel welcoming and inspiring.

GalaxyCon Columbus 2024 also stood out for its wide range of activities. From gaming demos and trivia to karaoke, lightsaber training, wizarding sorting ceremonies, AEW wrestling, a live Psych podcast recording with Maggie Lawson & Timothy Omundson, and even on-site tattoo and piercing options, there was truly something for everyone. Families, longtime fans, and first-time attendees alike found ways to engage and feel included.

The seamless execution of the weekend only enhanced the experience. From the ribbon cutting featuring Martin Kove, Jonathan Freeman, Corbin Bernsen, Cooper Andrews, and Peter Facinelli, to the knowledgeable panel moderators, friendly staff, and easy-to-use app and printed schedules, GalaxyCon’s organization made navigating such a massive event feel effortless.

In the end, GalaxyCon Columbus 2024 was more than just a convention; it was a gathering fueled by love for fandom. The excitement, kindness, and enthusiasm shared between fans and guests alike created an atmosphere that felt genuinely special. After attending for a second year, it’s clear that GalaxyCon isn’t just growing, it’s thriving. And it is thanks to the fans who bring their whole hearts with them through the doors.

GalaxyCon continues to host conventions all around the US. You can see if one will be near you and when at https://galaxycon.com