Gathering aficionados and pop culture junkies, take note — Collect-A-Con is making its grand return to Houston next week, packing the George R. Brown Convention Center with everything from trading cards to anime merch. Scheduled for November 2 and 3, the convention is a haven for collectors and enthusiasts alike, as per the Houston Chronicles.
Diving into the nitty-gritty, attendees can expect a treasure trove of collectibles—think Pokemon, sports cards galore, those ever-popular Funko Pops, and an array of anime goods that would make even the most stoic Otaku crack a smile. This isn't just a repeat performance either, the event previously descended upon Houston in April, and it was quite the shindig, according to FOX 26 Houston.
Star power isn't lacking, with names like martial arts icon Chuck Norris, DJ slash cake-thrower Steve Aoki, and voice actor Dan Green slated for appearances. If a close encounter with Norris fires you up, tickets are up for grabs at $300 a pop — but if it's Aoki you're after, tough luck; his meet and greet tickets are already sold out following his November 2 performance at 2:30 p.m
What's the damage to join the geeky festivities? General admission tickets are going for $30 for Saturday, and a slightly less $25 for Sunday. For those looking to double down on the fun, a two-day pass sits at $45, and for the high-rollers, a VIP fast pass will set you back $100. But here's the kicker, kids 7 and under can frolic amongst the fandoms for free.
Nostalgia runs rampant with celebrity guests, a lineup that's seen the likes of Ray Park — bringer to life of Darth Maul — and Star Trek's dynamic duo: Jonathan Frakes and Brent Spiner. Voice acting royalty graced the stage, too, with Terri Hawkes and Erica Schroeder amongst others answering the call of duty for fans. And for those who like their conventions with a side of hip hop, The Ying Yang Twins delivered a special performance, ensuring April's gathering was one for the books.
Whether it's the thrill of the hunt for that one elusive card, the joy of shaking hands with a childhood hero, or simply the desire to soak in a community as colorful and diverse as the paraphernalia it celebrates, Collect-A-Con is the place to be early next week.
