GalaxyCon Raleigh returns to downtown Raleigh from Thursday, July 23, through Sunday, July 26, 2026. The four-day pop-culture convention brings celebrity guests, voice actors, comic creators, professional wrestlers, cosplay, gaming, vendors and late-night entertainment to the Raleigh Convention Center.

Whether you’re attending for one day or spending the entire weekend downtown, this guide covers the essential details you need before visiting GalaxyCon Raleigh 2026.

GalaxyCon Raleigh 2026: Essential Information

• Dates: Thursday, July 23–Sunday, July 26, 2026
• Location: Raleigh Convention Center
• Address: 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601
• Admission: Ticket required
• Official website: GalaxyCon Raleigh⁠

GalaxyCon Raleigh 2026 Hours

GalaxyCon offers programming throughout the day and late into the night. The convention’s published operating hours are:

• Thursday: 2 p.m.–1 a.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m.–1 a.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m.–1 a.m.
• Sunday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

The exhibit hall closes earlier:

• Thursday: 2–8 p.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Sunday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

These separate hours are important if shopping, Artist Alley or vendor booths are among your priorities. View the official event information⁠.

GalaxyCon Raleigh 2026 Celebrity Guests

The 2026 guest lineup includes performers from major science-fiction, superhero, horror, comedy, television and movie franchises.

Scheduled celebrity highlights include:

• Hayden Christensen — Friday and Saturday
• Rosario Dawson — Saturday and Sunday
• Ke Huy Quan — Friday and Saturday
• Karl Urban — Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• JC Chasez — Friday and Saturday
• Vincent D’Onofrio — Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• William Shatner — Friday and Saturday
• Ralph Macchio — Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• Rainn Wilson — Saturday and Sunday
• Angela Kinsey — Saturday and Sunday
• Cheech Marin — Friday and Saturday
• Tommy Chong — Friday and Saturday
• Lizzy Caplan — Saturday and Sunday
• Pam Grier — all four days
• Skeet Ulrich — Saturday and Sunday
• David Arquette — Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• Rose McGowan — Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Guest appearances are limited to specific days and can change because of professional obligations. Review the official GalaxyCon Raleigh guest list⁠ before purchasing a pass for a particular celebrity.

Voice Actors, Wrestling Stars and Creators

GalaxyCon Raleigh extends beyond film and television celebrities. The guest list also features popular voice actors, comic-book creators, cosplay personalities and professional wrestlers.

Scheduled voice actors include Tara Strong, Christopher Sabat, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Johnny Yong Bosch, Zach Aguilar, Sarah Natochenny, Taliesin Jaffe, Liam O’Brien, Sam Riegel, Ray Chase, Robbie Daymond and Max Mittelman.

Professional wrestling guests include Chris Jericho, Adam Scherr—known to wrestling fans as Braun Strowman—Mick Foley, The Godfather, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Gangrel and Jimmy Hart.

Because each guest has an individual appearance schedule, confirm the correct day before finalizing your plans.

GalaxyCon Raleigh Ticket Prices

Published single-day admission prices are:

• Thursday: $45
• Friday: $65
• Saturday: $80
• Sunday: $70
• Four-day pass: $155
• Four-day Deluxe pass: $180
• Four-day VIP pass: $465

Single-day passes generally provide admission from opening until closing on the selected day. Certain VIP events, premium celebrity experiences, autographs and professional photo opportunities require separate purchases.

Children ages 5–9 receive free admission on Thursday and Friday. Saturday and Sunday children’s passes are listed at $20 per day. Prices and availability can change, so check the official GalaxyCon Raleigh ticket page⁠ before buying.

Autographs and Celebrity Photo Opportunities

A general admission badge does not automatically include celebrity autographs or professional photo opportunities. These are typically sold separately, and prices vary by guest.

Before purchasing, check:

• The guest’s scheduled appearance days
• Autograph and photo-op prices
• Whether advance reservations are available
• The professional photo-op schedule
• Any restrictions on personal items or photography
• Whether the experience requires an additional event ticket

Popular guests may sell out, so advance planning is recommended.

Panels and Special Events

GalaxyCon programming includes celebrity question-and-answer sessions, fan panels, workshops, costume events and after-dark entertainment.

A featured Friday program is An Evening with Hayden Christensen, an exclusive question-and-answer session scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on the Main Stage. General admission reservations are listed as free, while priority packages and premium experiences cost extra. Convention admission is still required. Review GalaxyCon’s special-event information⁠.

Some special events are included with admission when seating is available. Others require separate tickets. Read the terms carefully before purchasing an upgrade.

Cosplay at GalaxyCon Raleigh

Cosplay is one of the convention’s biggest attractions. Attendees can expect elaborate costumes, meetups, photo opportunities and competitions throughout the weekend.

If you plan to cosplay:

• Review the convention’s costume and prop policies
• Choose footwear suitable for long periods of walking
• Carry a repair kit for last-minute costume problems
• Avoid blocking hallways while taking photographs
• Ask permission before photographing another attendee
• Allow extra time for security screening

The GalaxyCon Raleigh cosplay competition is scheduled for Thursday, July 23. Competition participants must also hold a valid admission ticket.

Video and Tabletop Gaming

GalaxyCon’s gaming area features more than 50 gaming stations, a Japanese-style arcade, retro games, casual play and competitions such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Street Fighter 6. Explore the official gaming information⁠.

Tabletop programming and premium tournaments may take place in nearby partner hotels. Some gaming packages only grant access to designated gaming areas and do not include admission to the Raleigh Convention Center. Check exactly what a ticket includes before buying.

Vendors, Artist Alley and Collectibles

The exhibit hall is a major part of the GalaxyCon experience. Visitors can shop for:

• Original artwork
• Comics and graphic novels
• Collectibles
• Anime merchandise
• Clothing and accessories
• Handmade crafts
• Toys and games
• Autographed memorabilia

Popular merchandise can sell out early. Serious collectors should consider arriving near the exhibit hall’s opening time.

Getting to the Raleigh Convention Center

The Raleigh Convention Center is located at 500 S. Salisbury St. in downtown Raleigh.

Nearby public parking decks include facilities on:

• Lenoir Street between Salisbury and Fayetteville streets
• Lenoir Street between Salisbury and McDowell streets
• Davie Street between McDowell and Dawson streets
• Cabarrus Street between McDowell and Dawson streets
• Salisbury Street between Cabarrus and Davie streets

Accessible parking is available on the first level of each listed garage. Parking rates are set by the garage operators, not the Convention Center.

Drivers should also note that construction-related closures and detours are affecting the area around the Convention Center. The westbound Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard exit ramp to northbound McDowell Street is scheduled to remain closed through December 31, 2026. Check current directions and parking information⁠ before leaving home.

Public Transportation

The R-LINE downtown circulator stops near the Raleigh Convention Center. Raleigh Union Station is also located downtown and serves Amtrak’s Piedmont and Carolinian routes.

Public transportation, rideshare services or parking farther from the venue may help visitors avoid congestion during the busiest periods.

Accessibility Information

The Raleigh Convention Center provides accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms and parking accommodations. Visitors with specific accessibility needs should review venue information in advance and contact the convention when additional assistance is required.

Crowds can be especially heavy on Saturday. Attending Thursday, Friday morning or Sunday may offer a more manageable experience for visitors who prefer lighter crowds.

What to Bring to GalaxyCon Raleigh

Consider packing:

• Admission badge or ticket confirmation
• Government-issued identification
• Portable phone charger
• Refillable water bottle, if permitted
• Comfortable shoes
• Small cosplay repair kit
• Protective folder or tube for artwork
• Backpack or tote that complies with event policies
• Autograph items
• A planned schedule saved to your phone

Review GalaxyCon’s current safety and bag policies before arriving.

Tips for Attending GalaxyCon Raleigh 2026

Build Your Schedule Before Arriving

Identify your highest-priority guests, panels and photo opportunities first. Leave time between activities for lines and travel through the venue.

Confirm Every Guest’s Appearance Day

A four-day event does not mean every guest appears for all four days. Choose your ticket based on the people and programs you most want to see.

Arrive Early

Security, badge pickup and parking can take time, particularly on Saturday. Arriving early reduces the chance of missing a scheduled panel or photo opportunity.

Budget Beyond Admission

Your total cost may include parking, food, merchandise, autographs, photo opportunities and special-event upgrades.

Expect Downtown Raleigh to Be Busy

GalaxyCon draws large crowds into the city center. Restaurants and parking facilities near the Convention Center may be especially busy, so make reservations when possible.

Is GalaxyCon Raleigh Family-Friendly?

Much of the daytime convention programming is appropriate for families, including cosplay, gaming, vendors and many panels. However, some evening programs are designed for mature audiences.

Parents should review individual program descriptions and age restrictions before attending late-night events with children.

Plan Your GalaxyCon Raleigh Weekend

GalaxyCon Raleigh is one of downtown Raleigh’s largest annual entertainment events. With major celebrity appearances, gaming, cosplay, comics, vendors and programming that continues into the night, planning ahead can make a significant difference.

Purchase the appropriate pass, confirm guest schedules and special-event requirements, and allow extra time for downtown traffic, parking and admission lines.

Schedules, guests and prices are subject to change. Always verify details through GalaxyCon before attending.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for everything Raleigh.

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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |