Last weekend, science fiction fans from San Antonio and beyond gathered at the Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall to navigate through the Spacecon 2026 intergalactic experience. From celebrity meet-and-greets to artisanal vendors and cosplayers, the event featured an array of out-of-this-world experiences to ensure attendee satisfaction.
DAY 1
Sci-fi fanatics eagerly waited beneath the blazing summer sun to go inside the Expo Hall, brandishing lightsabers and dressed in alien attire and chrome outfits. Attendees received their corresponding event badges upon entrance, then walked through a small arcade and outside to the door of Expo Hall 2. Once inside, attendees could take pictures with replicas of “Star Wars” characters such as Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO. Patrons walked through the “Artist Alley” market, where small businesses and artists sold fascinating fan artworks.
“I came from New York to support my sister,” an exhibitor commented. “She does crocheting; it’s all handmade. Usually I go to comiccons and I’m on the other end of it, so coming here and being part of the exhibitor’s end is a new world.”
Behind the vendors market, attendees ran to listen to their favorite actors answer fan questions in the many panels taking place. The cast of “Smallville” with Tom Welling, Erica Durance and Laura Vandervoort; the cast of “The Boys,” including Giancarlo Esposito and Karl Urban; and the headlining appearance of actor Tom Hiddleston were main attractions of the cast panels. After answering questions, members of the panels held photo opportunities and autographs in a nearby room filled with eager fans.
DAY 2
Saturday was the most crowded day of Spacecon. Elaborate fan cosplays took the stage for a showdown, battling for a $1,000 cash prize. Frontrunners included Obi-Wan Kenobi — whose uncanny resemblance made audience members do a double take — and Darth Maul from “Star Wars,” yet Aloy from “Horizon” took first place as her incredibly detailed cosplay caused an uproar of applause as soon as she walked in.
After the show, hundreds of “The X-Files” fans eagerly awaited the cast’s panel. Fans welcomed Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny and Mitch Pileggi with applause, and the actors discussed their experiences on set. Duchovny was the least talkative, seemingly tired and with an expression of annoyance. Pileggi and Anderson were in a very easygoing mood, sharing their experiences on the set in Vancouver, remembering in detail episode names and what happened during filming of each.
The Paisano asked the cast if it was difficult to jump back into their iconic characters for the revival seasons.
“I actually found it really hard in the first season to find [Agent Scully] again,” Anderson reminisced. “I had assumed that she’d be second nature, but I had to go digging.”
Next up was John Cena’s panel. A new set of fans dressed up as the legendary wrestler waited impatiently for 30 minutes for Cena to appear on stage. Cena’s time was limited, as he arrived late but still planned to leave on time. The event moderators shared Cena’s request for live audience questions, so thrilled fans formed a long line and asked their questions into a microphone.
Cena paced menacingly through the stage — rushed by the 30-minute timer in front of him — answering questions as fast as he could before he left the panel doing his well-known “you can’t see me” hand motion.
After Zachary Quinto’s almost empty panel, event coordinators rushed to set up for the main event — a pre-paid panel featuring “Star Wars” actors Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid and Jimmy Smits. Fans, dressed up as their favorite characters of the franchise, ran to grab the closest seats to the stage. While waiting for the cast to arrive, event coordinators played game 5 of the NBA Finals on the big screens.
A collective “Aw” of disappointment was heard when coordinators turned the game off, but it was quickly replaced by a loud round of applause for the actors.
The actors gleefully answered questions, thanking fans for attending and reminiscing about the franchise and their experiences on their various sets. McDiarmid cracked jokes, and Smits looked in awe of the number of fans cheering. Christensen, wearing a Spurs cap, happily reminisced about playing Anakin Skywalker, although he left halfway through the panel to catch the NBA Finals game at the Frost Bank Center next door. Smits and McDiarmid continued the panel, ending the night in a stellar success.
DAY 3
The last day at Spacecon was astronomically tranquil compared to the previous two thanks to the smaller turnout. People navigated the convention center with utmost curiosity and an intent of buying from each booth, others attentively watched the morning panels featuring “Guardians of the Galaxy” actor Sean Gunn followed by Emily Vancamp who talked about their respective times working for the “Marvel” franchises. Celebrities speedily scribbled autographs and posed with countless fans during photo opportunities. Fans wore huge grins on their faces after meeting their favorite actors, watching the panels, buying creative fan merch and overpriced pizza slices in the annual event.
Along with being ideal for all sci-fi fanatics in San Antonio, the star-studded event is an unforgettable weekend that celebrates the well-known movies and shows that have inspired and entertained millions of people all around the world. Fans beam when meeting the actors they grew up watching, and the excitement of shaking their hands and sharing a quick chat is unmatched. Actors bring an insightful perspective of the filming process and give an answer to what fans have always wondered in the immersive experience. The event is held every year during the summer, with next year’s being in June 2027 at the Freeman Coliseum.
