Downtown San Antonio turns into a pop-culture playground this weekend as Big Texas Comicon sets up shop at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center from Friday, October 9, through Sunday, October 11. The three-day event mixes celebrity autograph sessions, vendor booths, cosplay photoshoots and gaming tournaments under one roof, drawing fans who want face time with actors and wrestlers alike.
The convention bills itself as a pop culture convention for the whole family, according to Big Texas Comicon's own event information, and it will occupy Hall 4 along with Meeting Rooms 205-214 at the convention center. As reported by KSAT, the weekend brings together a wide range of movie and television names, part of what the station describes as a star-studded lineup for the annual gathering.
Among the names fans can expect to line up for are Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, both tied to The Vampire Diaries, along with Bryce Dallas Howard, known for her role in Jurassic Park. Former WWE performers are also part of the guest roster this year, adding a wrestling flavor to the comic-book and sci-fi crowd.
Photo Ops and Autograph Lines Fill the Celebrity Area
Fans hoping for a signature or a selfie will find celebrity autographs sold directly at each guest's table in the Celebrity Area throughout the weekend, per the event's own listing. Professional photo opportunities run through a separate vendor, Celeb Photo Ops, and each purchase includes a downloadable digital copy of the image.
The Eventeny listing for the convention shows priority line access for Ian Somerhalder's photo-op and autograph sessions available Saturday and Sunday; Paul Wesley is also listed for line access. Paul Wright, a former WWE superstar, has his line access scheduled for Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., while Bryce Dallas Howard's autograph and selfie combo is listed as available all three days of the convention, Friday through Sunday.
Celebrity meet-and-greet packages are sold separately from general admission to Big Texas Comicon itself — that's a separate ticket.
Costume Contest, Panels and a Full Weekend Schedule
Beyond the celebrity tables, the convention floor features a costume contest, Q&A panels with celebrity guests, gaming console tournaments, vendor booths and cosplay photoshoots, giving attendees plenty to do between autograph lines. The event runs Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and wraps up Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online, at the door each day of the convention or through the Ticketmaster box office at the Alamodome, the convention's own site states. Ticketmaster separately offers both individual day passes and weekend passes for those who want to plan their visit around specific guests or activities.
A Family-Friendly Convention
The annual gathering brings celebrity guests and vendors to San Antonio, with this year's lineup spanning film, television and wrestling.
For families weighing whether to carve out a few hours this weekend, the mix of costume contests and big-name autograph tables gives them several ways to enjoy the convention.
What to Know Before You Go
Authentic weapons are strictly prohibited on the convention floor. Attendees with accessibility needs can consult the event's accessibility/ADA assistance information.
For the complete lineup, schedule details and ticket options, organizers point fans to the official Big Texas Comicon website for the most current event information.
