Think it won’t be worth your weekend? I’d bet you’ll change your mind—there’s too much good stuff packed into the Greater Columbus Convention Center to ignore. I’ll walk you through the must-see panels, cosplay showdowns, dealer-hall gold, and gaming zones, plus survival tips so you don’t melt into a pile of overpriced merch. Stick around—there’s a surprise or two that’ll make you wish you’d booked an extra hotel night.
Event Overview and Dates
If you’ve ever wanted to plunge headfirst into a weekend where fandom rules and realities politely step aside, this is your chance — GalaxyCon Columbus 2026 lands Friday through Sunday, March 20–22, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
You’ll walk in, smell popcorn and fresh lanyards, and feel the buzz. I’ll guide you through event highlights, bright panels, hands-on gaming zones, and a dealer hall that’s treasure-packed.
The schedule overview is tight, three days of nonstop stuff, so pack comfy shoes, snacks, and patience for lines. I’ll drop pointers: hit big panels early, save afternoons for indie artists, and snag merch before it vanishes.
It’s loud, glorious, and worth every caffeinated moment.
Guest Roster and Celebrity Panels
You’re gonna spot the headliners first — I’ll point them out by name, stage presence, and the way their entrance lights up the room, because bragging rights matter.
I’ll run you through the panel schedule highlights so you can plan which Q&As, workshops, and surprise meetups you won’t want to miss, and I’ll flag the best autograph and photo ops, with tips for lining up, what to bring, and how to snag that ideal shot.
Stick with me, you’ll leave with a game plan, a few celebrity stories to flex, and maybe a slightly embarrassing selfie I’ll pretend I didn’t help stage.
Headliner Guests Spotlight
Spotlight time — I’ve got the big names, the panels you’ll circle on your schedule, and the autograph lines you’ll swear are a test of endurance; I’m not kidding, bring snacks.
You’ll see celebrity appearances that stop you mid-photo-op, actors who lean in and ask your name, and creators who sign like their pens are tiny DJs.
I’ll point out who’s best for solo selfies, who actually chats with fans, and who runs the best Q&A energy.
Picture velvet ropes, the smell of coffee, a mic crackle, and someone telling a joke you’ll repeat for days.
I’ll nudge you toward genuine guest interactions, warn about rushes, and admit I once hugged a celebrity by accident.
Panel Schedule Highlights
Okay, now that you know who’ll make you squeal in line and who gives the best surprise hug (true story), let’s talk panels — the live stuff that turns a crowded hall into pure, televised chaos.
You’ll find panel topics listed by day, from backstage anecdotes to craft deep-dives, and you’ll pick favorites like browsing a candy aisle.
The guest roster mixes TV leads, voice actors, and creators; they banter, they roast, they spill secrets you’ll gasp at.
Expect tight moderation, quick-fire Q&As, and heavy audience engagement — clap, shout, ask, laugh, whatever wakes the mic tech.
I’ll warn you: bring comfy shoes, a water bottle, and a journal; you’ll want to write down the lines you’ll quote forever.
Autograph & Photo Ops
Three things to know: lines move, celebs are human (mostly), and bring your best “don’t-mess-this-up” pen.
You’ll queue for autographs with a buzzing mix of nervous energy and that sweet plastic of wristbands, so practice autograph etiquette: one item, one question, don’t elbow the person behind you.
I’ll remind you, smile, breathe, say hi — they’re working, not auditioning for sainthood.
For photo ops, learn photo op tips: pose rehearsals in the pocket mirror, hands where they belong, chin down if the light’s brutal.
Be ready, cash/cards accessible, and don’t hog the frame. If you flub a joke, laugh at yourself; I do it all the time, and honestly, it helps the picture.
Cosplay Events and Contests
If you’ve ever stitched sequins at midnight and sworn your glue gun had a personal vendetta, good — you’re in the right place.
You’ll find panels on cosplay techniques that actually change your game, demos where foam smells like victory and paint fumes, and hands-on workshops that make you grin and curse in equal measure.
Bring varied costume materials, patience, and snacks — trust me, glue dries better after pizza.
Costume contests run the gamut: quick-change races, character-act showcases, and a judged stage where lights catch every bead and sigh.
I’ll nudge you into smaller meetups too, where folks swap tips, fix a strap, and cheer like it’s opening night.
Come ready to craft, perform, and laugh at your own glitter.
Exhibitors, Merch, and Exclusives
When you step into the dealer hall, your eyes will do a happy freak-out — racks of glossy prints, tables piled with enamel pins that wink at you, and boxes of mystery toys begging to be unwrapped; I’ll be there, elbow-deep in merch, mapping out shortcuts to the best swag before you even ask.
You’ll weave between vendor showcases, sniffing fresh screen-printed tees, feeling the snap of a limited tote, and arguing with your wallet like it’s a stubborn sidekick.
Hunt exclusive merchandise at booth corners, flash a grin, haggle for a signed print, and hoard tiny victories in brown paper bags.
I’ll point out rare drops, call dibs on lines, and laugh when we both buy the same ridiculous thing.
Gaming Zones: Tabletop and Video Game Highlights
Because I live for the noise and neon of a good gaming pit, I’ll lead you straight to the rooms where dice clatter like tiny thunder and arcade screens hum with retro glory.
You’ll find dedicated tables hosting tabletop tournaments, organizers calling pairings, timers clicking, and someone dramatically flipping a perfect crit like it’s the finale of a soap opera.
Walk past the painted floor markers and you hit the video game showcases: glowing rigs, indie devs demoing prototypes, speedrunners muttering to themselves before a boss fight.
You’ll grab a controller, inhale salty fries, and join a pickup match.
I’ll point out tips—where to queue, which panels to skip if you want prime playtime—and laugh when you blame me for your lost streak.
Panels, Workshops, and Interactive Experiences
Three standout rooms will steal your attention, and I’ll make sure you don’t wander in only to discover you missed the good stuff.
You’ll slip into panels where creators riff, fans shout, and you learn a new fact that makes you sound smarter at dinner. I guide you to hands-on workshops that teach workshop techniques, and to immersive sessions pushing interactive storytelling so you actually feel the plot.
- Quick Q&A with voice actors, bring your best one-liner.
- Costume repair station, needles, glue, and redemption.
- Choose-your-path live game, shout choices, feel the buzz.
- Writing lab, exercises, brutal edits, friendly applause.
You’ll leave buzzing, fingers inked, and already planning your next con move.
Tickets, Hotels, and Event Logistics
Tickets are your golden ticket—literally, don’t lose it—and I’ll walk you through snagging the right pass so you don’t end up in line watching other people’s cosplay.
First, check ticket pricing early; they ramp up fast, and flash sales hide like bonus levels. Buy a badge, screenshot confirmation, print one copy, tuck another in your wallet.
Next, hotel bookings: reserve near the venue, not a sketchy Uber away, because you’ll want a nap, a costume change, and immediate snack access. I scout deals, read cancellation fine print, then book.
Pack a tiny sewing kit, comfy shoes, and a portable charger. On-site, follow signage, ask staff, and move with purpose—this is your weekend, own it, laugh when plans detour.
Conclusion
You’re going to want to be there. I’ll be honest: you’ll dodge crowded aisles, inhale the sweet chaos of merch fumes and hot pretzel steam, then freeze when a panel drops the surprise you didn’t know you needed. Cosplay will stun, games will bite, and that autograph line? Worth it. Pack comfy shoes, a spare charger, and a grin. March in Columbus—bring curiosity, because I promise, something epic is waiting.