Houston’s biggest multi-genre and pop culture festival returns to the George R. Brown Convention Center June 20-22, 2025 for a weekend of entertainment, special attractions, programming, celebrities representing a myriad of fandoms, and much more. The countdown to Comicpalooza 2025 is on in Houston! Avid collectors, devoted anime fans, aspiring cosplayers, and those looking to make some memories with loved ones will head to The GRB, which will be packed with artists, vendors, cosplayers, celebrities, and fans from all over. This unique pop culture event unites, inspires, and entertains thousands of people every year in Houston. If you plan to attend, hurry to buy your passes HERE.

What to Do at Comicpalooza

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Comicpalooza Cosplayers

 

The GRB will be buzzing with excitement as attendees immerse themselves in a thrilling lineup of pop-culture activities right from the start. Going through the weekend, attendees can expect a rumbling exhibition floor showcasing unique art and collectables, engaging panels highlighting popular fandoms, live podcast recordings, special attractions, entertaining acts, a haunted house, arcade games, and even a cosplay contest.

Daily special events will usher a new adventure starting off with the Friday Night Rave, gaming and more. Dance and theater performances, magic shows, live podcasts, free play retro gaming, and Retro World Series tournaments. Tabletop gaming (including D&D Adventurer’s League), kid-friendly programming at Kidtopia, Cosplay Photo Scramble Contest, literature workshops and so much more round out day one.

A premier guest lineup featuring cast members from the award-winning Sci-fi TV show Resident Alien Alan Tudyk, Corey Reynolds, Sara Tomoko and Alice Wetterlund; Smile actress Sosie Bacon; Star Wars Episode II and Episode III star Hayden Christensen; The Mandalorian’s Temuera Morrison; comedian and star of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, The Secret Life of Pets, and more Patton Oswalt; MythBusters star Adam Savage; WWE Superstars The Godfather, Victoria, and Torrie Wilson. Gaming guests include Grant Kirkhope and Daisuke Tsuji while featured anime guests will include James Cheek, Sean Schemmel, Keith Silverstein, and Spike Spencer. Comic/Manga guests include Joe Eisma, Carl Horn, and Marc Silvestri with a stellar lineup of cosplay and literature guests rounding out the talent for the event.

 

Comicpalooza

 

Don't miss special attractions, including Comic Couture, a fashion student showcase, Eureka Heights Trivia, Dagorath, a Final Fantasy VII photo booth featuring the iconic save bench, and even a Jurassic Park Motorpool. Additionally, guests will enjoy the Houston Public Library Planetarium, Itasha Showdown: A Car Runway Experience, LEGO - Houston Brick Club, MechCorps, Okashi Japanese Arcade, RC Car Expo, and more.

In the Kidtopia area, kid-focused programming features family-friendly activities, including Dungeons and Dragons sessions, geeky-fun trivia contests, plus the return of the annual Kids Cosplay Contest. Combo Panda Reading Session, a Ghostbusters Slime Lab, Kids Karate Classes, and much more fun for the young Comicpalooza fans in your life.

Where to Stay Near Comicpalooza

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Marriott Marquis

 

If you want to stay really close to Comicpalooza, there are two hotels to consider: Hilton Americas and Marriott Marquis (photo above). Both are connected to the GRB via skywalks, making them ideal choices for taking a break from your activities at Comicpalooza and relaxing in your room or at the pool. The Four Seasons Hotel is another luxury option right across the street from the convention center. With more than 30 hotels in Downtown Houston, you have plenty of places where to stay located within walking distance from the GRB, including Embassy Suites Downtown Houston (0.3 miles), Hampton Inn Downtown Houston (0.3 miles), Homewood Suites by Hilton Downtown Houston (0.3 miles), The Westin Houston Downtown (0.3 miles), Cambria and Le Meridien Hotel Downtown Houston (both 0.4 miles), among many others. Check out all hotels in Downtown Houston and view Hotel Deals to save.

Where to Eat Near Comicpalooza

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The Rustic

 

Comicpalooza requires quite a bit of walking. Luckily, the area around GRB has plenty of options to hydrate and feed your body. Every restaurant and bar on this list is a stone’s throw from the GRB, so make sure you wear comfy sneakers. Just around the corner, you will find The Rustic with free live entertainment every day, Pappasito's, Brasserie Du Parc, Xochi, Phoenicia, and MKT Bar. If your palate has other cravings, then head over to EaDo (east of downtown) just behind the convention center. It is a newly-developed neighborhood with loads of kitchens to choose from, including Kim Son, Leeland House, J-bar-M Texas BBQ, Around The Corner, Nancy’s Hustle, Tiny Champions, District 7 GrillBrass Tacks, and Koffeeteria to fuel your body with caffeine and pastries. One great thing about Houston is there are always options nearby to satisfy your needs.

What to Do Near Comicpalooza

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Kinder Lake en Discovery Green

 

Relax on the grass at Discovery Green across the street from the GRB, visit POST, or check out the Graffiti Park (on the corner of Leeland St. and Saint Emanuel St.) and take photos for your IG stories. Pop into a few of these bars for a cold one or a stiff cocktail, and you will be treated as a family with Dirt Bar, Reserve 101, True Anomaly Brewing, and Pitch 25. If you still have some energy after all the daytime festivities, we have the nightlife poppin’ at Sekai Night & Day, The Secret Group, Nickel CityHouse of Blues, Truck Yard, and Lustre Pearl.

 

Graffiti Park Houston

 

We hope you enjoy your stay during Comicpalooza and see you back next year!