Friday Schedule Highlights

We have some great things happening all weekend including a variety of panels ranging across the Pop-Culture realm, Celebrity Q&A's, live podcasts, Entertainment events, Special Attractions, Cosplay Contests, comedy shows, and so much more! Check out our App to get the latest and plan your day!

Friday Schedule Highlights

Comic Couture - The Collection (2nd Floor, Avenida Balcony) - 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Prepare to step into a world where fashion transcends boundaries and imagination knows no limits! Comic Couture is a groundbreaking fashion showcase that seamlessly blends the realms of fashion with the passion of comic book and anime heroes and villains. Inspired by Disney Bounding, Disney Adults, and the ever-more developing influence between comics and anime with fashion seen in comics such as Hellfire Gala. View designs from the esteemed HCC Fashion Department students and alumni and vote on your favorite designs!

Storytelling of Star Trek – Room 350DE – 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM

Since 1966, stories from the Star Trek universe have touched our lives. With the new shows, the possibility of a movie, and other tidbits and speculation, a lot is going on in the Star Trek franchise. Let’s jam about the new stories and how they all fit into the Trek tradition. Join panelists Dominick D'Aunno, Margo Bond Collins, C. Stuart Hardwick, and Kelly Lynn Colby.

Ancient and Contemporary Black Religion in Comics – Blue Topaz Stage – 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM

This panel explores the portrayal of Black religion in comic books and strips across time, from ancient traditions to contemporary practices. Discover how comics provide a unique platform to examine the spiritual beliefs, rituals, and cultural significance within Black communities.

Let’s Explore the World of Cooking – Presented by Kroger Chef Junior - Kidtopia (1st Floor, Hall D) - 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Calling all young chefs! Join us for the Kroger Chef Junior Experience inside Kidtopia at Comicpalooza. Your kids can learn the joy of cooking WAFFLE BITES! Let our chefs guide your kids through exciting and delicious recipes each day. Registration is free, but spots are limited. Sign up today using the link below! https://krogerchefjunior.com/

Fight Club: Video Game Free Play! - Room 371 - 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Welcome to Comicpalooza Fight Club a collaborative annual series brought to you by Comicpalooza, Turnip Cafe and Kaboom! Comics. Come play Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, and Smash Ultimate in one of 50+ set ups. Pull up and challenge a friend!

Pod Houston Presents The Art of Community: Building Engaged Podcast Audiences - Room 330 – 3:00 – 3:45 PM

Join Pod Houston for an educational panel designed to equip podcasters with the skills to cultivate vibrant communities around their shows. Seasoned podcasters will discuss how to craft compelling content, leverage social media, and nurture loyal listeners.

Eureka Heights Beer Utopia: Star Wars-Themed Pub Trivia - Eureka Heights Beer Utopia (1st Floor, Hall D) - 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Join your beer buds at Eureka Heights Beer Utopia for Star Wars-themed trivia.

Photo Scramble – Ballroom Prefunction – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

If you are looking for a Comicpalooza Photo Scramble partner, a 45-minute meetup will take place before the official contest. Cosplayers and photographers alike are welcome to gather and form alliances. Feel free to show up and share some of your interests with other potential team members.

Voice of Combo Panda: Q & A – Room 340 – 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Come and meet Combo Panda from Ryan's World! Voice Actor Bradley William Smith will be answering any questions fans may have about Combo Panda or being a YouTuber.

How to Become an Anime Content Creator With NCHammer3 – Pink Pearl Stage – 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Hear from one of the biggest anime-based content creators, NCHammer23, as he shares tips and tricks on how you can launch your career as a content creator. There will also be a Q and A component at the end of the panel for fans to ask questions.

Shogeki Sumo – Shogeki Sumo Dojo (1st Floor Hall A) – 4:45 PM to 5:45 PM

Dive into the thrilling world of Shōgeki Sumo, where we're flipping the script on sumo wrestling! Our head coach and Oyakata, Nicholas Ton, is on a mission to bring out the samurai warrior in all of us, focusing on discipline, strength, community, and the art of combat. While stepping into the ring isn't mandatory, we will allow audience members who sign waivers to participate in live Sumo matches under our supervision to get a feel for what Sumo Wrestling is!

Skywalking Through Neverland Presents: Star Wars Trivia Challenge Strikes Back! - Room 330 – 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM

Star Wars Trivia Challenge Strikes Back! Teams compete in spirited rounds of Star Wars trivia hosted by Richard and Sarah Woloski. Each side of the room will work as a team answering quirky trivia questions. Contestants will receive a raffle to win prizes! May the Force be with all of us!

Texas All Star Wrestling: Title for the Dragon Belt! – General Assembly – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Cheer for your favourite wrestlers and be present to wrap the belt around Comicpalooza's inaugural champ!

Meet Your Match – Grand Ballroom B – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Looking to find your fandom? Having trouble finding more members for your flock? Then come by our newly created speed friending event and get an opportunity to meet tons of folks you may never have met before.

Sassterpiece Theater – Room 372AB – 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM

This panel is 18+ Premier movie-mocking group Sassterpiece Theatre returns to Comicpalooza for their live comedy commentary of Dune! No, not Dune. Not even *that* Dune. The Sassters will be riffing and cracking wise against the ultra-rare Alan Smithee version of what was formerly a David Lynch movie. End your convention day with 90 minutes of belly laughs and be sure to join us for part two!

Friday Night Rave – Ballroom C – 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM

We’re switching things up with the debut of the Friday Night Rave featuring a killer lineup of anime DJs from Club Kaiju. Starting at 8:30 p.m. and spinning into the early morning hours (or late night) of 2 a.m., Kenzie Black, Kawaii Club, Reno Loves You and C-Vince will amp the crowds with their enthralling mixes, each DJ incorporating their own unique style and some of your favorite anime series and characters. Expect eccentric lights, an illuminating dance floor, good vibes, and most of all, expect a good time as we go into Comicpalooza weekend. This event is 18+, before attending make sure you are adhering to our cosplay rules and code of conduct.