Record-Breaking Economic Impact and Star-Studded Lineup Highlight This Year’s Convention
GalaxyCon, the largest independently owned consumer and fan engagement company, is thrilled to announce its return to the Raleigh Convention Center from July 24 to July 27, 2025. This year’s event promises to be the largest yet, solidifying its status as the convention center’s most significant annual gathering and one of GalaxyCon’s flagship events nationwide.
GalaxyCon StreetFest: A Free Outdoor CelebrationIn an exciting first, GalaxyCon is introducing the GalaxyCon StreetFest, a free outdoor extravaganza set to take place on July 26 in City Plaza. Open and free to the public, GalaxyCon’s StreetFest will feature a vibrant array of vendors, live music, wrestling, dynamic performances, appearances by celebrity guests, and much more, offering an immersive experience for all attendees.
“GalaxyCon Raleigh is more than just a convention; it’s a full-scale celebration of fandom and community,” said Mike Broder, founder and president of GalaxyCon. “Every year we’re blown away by the energy, enthusiasm, and support from fans and the city alike. With this year’s expanded programming and the launch of the StreetFest, we’re bringing even more magic to downtown Raleigh and creating new ways for everyone to be part of the experience.”
Economic Impact and Community Engagement
Building upon the success of previous years, GalaxyCon continues to make a substantial economic impact on the Raleigh community. The 2024 convention generated an impressive $9.75 million in direct economic benefits, while the Animate! convention held in January 2025 contributed an additional $1.6 million. These figures underscore GalaxyCon’s role as a significant driver of local tourism and economic activity.
“GalaxyCon has become one of Raleigh’s signature events, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and creating a real sense of excitement downtown,” said Mayor Janet Cowell. “The addition of StreetFest makes this year’s celebration even more special, offering something for everyone-whether you’re a lifelong fan or just out exploring the city. We’re proud to partner with GalaxyCon and look forward to another unforgettable weekend.”
Celebrity Guests
GalaxyCon Raleigh 2025 boasts an impressive lineup of celebrity guests from various genres. Attendees can look forward to meeting their favorite stars, discovering new artists, and participating in cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, and more. To accommodate the continued growth of the show, additional show events can also be found at the Raleigh Marriott Center City and Sheraton Raleigh Hotel.
Some of the featured guests include:
● Ben Schwartz – Jean-Ralphio Saperstein (“Parks and Recreation”), voice of Sonic (“Sonic the Hedgehog”), Ben Schwartz & Friends Improv Group
● Academy Award Winner Geena Davis – Thelma Dickinson (“Thelma & Louise”), Dottie Hinson (“A League of Their Own”), Barbara Maitland (“Beetlejuice”)
● Giancarlo Esposito – Gustavo “Gus” Fring (“Breaking Bad”), Moff Gideon (“The Mandalorian”), Tom Neville (“Revolution”)
● Juliette Lewis – Mallory Knox (“Natural Born Killers”), Danielle Bowden (“Cape Fear”), Natalie (“Yellowjackets”)
● The Rocky Horror Picture Show Stars
○ Susan Sarandon – Louise Sawyer (“Thelma & Louise”), Janet Weiss (“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”), Sister Helen Prejean (“Dead Man Walking”)
○ Barry Bostwick – Brad Majors (“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”), Mayor Randall Winston (“Spin City”), George Wickham (“Pride and Prejudice”)
○ Nell Campbell – Columbia (“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”), Nurse Ansalong (“Shock Treatment”), Sandra (“The Killing Fields”)
○ Patricia Quinn – Magenta (“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”), Dr. Nation McKinley (“Shock Treatment”), Livilla (“I, Claudius”)
● Marvel Cinematic Universe Stars
○ Clark Gregg – Agent Phil Coulson (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), Richard Campbell (“The New Adventures of Old Christine”), FBI Agent Mike Casper (“The West Wing”)
○ Michael Rooker – Yondu Udonta (“Guardians of the Galaxy”), Merle Dixon (“The Walking Dead”), Rowdy Burns (“Days of Thunder”)
○ Sean Gunn – Kraglin Obfonteri (“Guardians of the Galaxy”), Kirk Gleason (“Gilmore Girls”), Weasel (“The Suicide Squad”)
○ Ross Marquand – Aaron (“The Walking Dead”), Red Skull (“Avengers: Infinity War”), Ultron (“What If…?”)
● Dolph Lundgren – Ivan Drago (“Rocky IV”), He-Man (“Masters of the Universe”), Gunner Jensen (“The Expendables”)
● Wayne Knight – Newman (“Seinfeld”), Dennis Nedry (“Jurassic Park”), Don Orville (“3rd Rock from the Sun”)
● The Cast of Beverly Hills: 90210
○ Jennie Garth – Kelly Taylor (“Beverly Hills, 90210”), Valerie Tyler (“What I Like About You”), Charlie Contour (“Mystery Girls”)
○ Jason Priestley – Brandon Walsh (“Beverly Hills, 90210”), Richard “Fitz” Fitzpatrick (“Call Me Fitz”), Matt Shade (“Private Eyes”)
○ Ian Ziering – Steve Sanders (“Beverly Hills, 90210”), Fin Shepard (“Sharknado”), Blue Devil (“Swamp Thing”)
○ Brian Austin Green – David Silver (“Beverly Hills, 90210”), Derek Reese (“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”), Sean Healy (“Anger Management”)
○ Tori Spelling – Donna Martin (“Beverly Hills, 90210”), Violet Bickerstaff (“Saved by the Bell”), herself (“Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood”)
○ Gabrielle Carteris – Andrea Zuckerman (“Beverly Hills, 90210”), President (“SAG-AFTRA”), Nurse Amy (“Code Black”)
● Scott Patterson – Luke Danes (“Gilmore Girls”), Agent Peter Strahm (“Saw IV”), Michael Buchanan (“The Event”)
● The Cast of Psych
○ Timothy Omundson – Carlton Lassiter (“Psych”), King Richard (“Galavant”), Cain (“Supernatural”)
○ Maggie Lawson – Juliet O’Hara (“Psych”), Terry Gannon Jr. (“Back in the Game”), Natalie Flynn (“Two and a Half Men”)
○ Corbin Bernsen – Arnie Becker (“L.A. Law”), Henry Spencer (“Psych”), Roger Dorn (“Major League”)
○ Kirsten Nelson – Chief Karen Vick (“Psych”), Sister Mary Loquacious (“Good Omens”), Danielle Bishop (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)
○ Kurt Fuller – Woody the Coroner (“Psych”), Zachariah (“Supernatural”), Russell (“Wayne’s World”)
● Jodie Whittaker – The Thirteenth Doctor (“Doctor Who”), Beth Latimer (“Broadchurch”), Beverley (“Venus”)
● Travis Willingham – Roy Mustang (“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood”), Thor (“Avengers Assemble”), Knuckles (“Sonic the Hedgehog”)
● Laura Bailey – Abby Anderson (“The Last of Us Part II”), Jaina Proudmoore (“World of Warcraft”), Black Widow (“Avengers Assemble”)
● The Cast of Scream
○ Matthew Lillard – Shaggy Rogers (“Scooby-Doo”), Stu Macher (“Scream”), Dean Boland (“Good Girls”)
○ Skeet Ulrich – Billy Loomis (“Scream”), FP Jones (“Riverdale”), Chris Hooker (“The Craft”)
○ Jamie Kennedy – Randy Meeks (“Scream”), B-Rad (“Malibu’s Most Wanted”), Tim Avery (“Son of the Mask”)
○ Allen Robinson – Acclaimed Stuntman from movies like “Scream,” “Forrest Gump,” and “Batman Forever”
○ Roger L. Jackson – Voice of Ghostface in the “Scream” franchise, Mojo Jojo (“The Powerpuff Girls”), Hol Horse (“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure”)
● The Cast of Twilight
○ Jackson Rathbone – Jasper Hale (“Twilight”), Sokka (“The Last Airbender”), Nicholas Fiske (“The O.C.”)
○ Kellan Lutz – Emmett Cullen (“Twilight”), Hercules (“The Legend of Hercules”), Poseidon (“Immortals”)
○ Peter Facinelli – Dr. Carlisle Cullen (“Twilight”), Donovan “Van” Ray (“Fastlane”), Mike Dexter (“Can’t Hardly Wait”)
● The Cast of Terrifier
○ David Howard Thornton – Art the Clown (“Terrifier”), The Grinch (“The Mean One”), The Joker (“Nightwing: Escalation”)
○ Lauren LaVera – Sienna Shaw (“Terrifier 2”), Ciara (“Iron Fist”), Lexi (“MacGyver”)
○ Elliott Fullam – Jonathan (“Terrifier 2”), Young Bruce Wayne (“Gotham Knights”), Sam (“The Stand”)
● Star Trek Franchise Stars
○ William Shatner – Captain James T. Kirk (“Star Trek”), Denny Crane (“Boston Legal”), T.J. Hooker (“T.J. Hooker”)
○ Brent Spiner – Data (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Dr. Brackish Okun (“Independence Day”), Ned Vanderhoff (“Night Court”)
○ Gates McFadden – Dr. Beverly Crusher (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Dr. Caroline Ryan (“The Hunt for Red October”), Lisa Malone (“Taking Care of Business”)
● Nick Swardson – Terry Bernadino (“Reno 911!”), Jeff (“Grandma’s Boy”), Bucky Larson (“Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star”)
● Adrienne Barbeau – Stevie Wayne (“The Fog”), Maggie (“Escape from New York”), Catwoman (voice) (“Batman: The Animated Series”)
Attendees can enjoy exclusive panels, Q&A sessions, autograph opportunities, and photo ops with their favorite stars. GalaxyCon Richmond also features incredible events like Cosplay Competitions & Meetups, Tabletop Gaming & Tournaments, Video Games & Tournaments, Galaxie Ink Tattoo and Piercing, Exhibitors, Shopping, Artist Alley, a Kid’s Zone, & so much more!
For ticket information and a complete list of celebrity guests and event details, please visit the official GalaxyCon Raleigh 2025 website: galaxycon.com/pages/galaxycon-raleigh