Events
MegaCon’s Fandom Strikes Back in Orlando
Celebrities converge, costumes conquer, and comic culture flourishes at MegaCon Orlando’s weekend of unparalleled proportions!
February 1st – 4th, 2024
My first venture into MegaCon Orlando was nothing short of spectacular, leaving me with a newfound appreciation for why it’s aptly named MegaCon. Having attended other conventions before, the colossal venue, A-list celebrities, and the sheer magnitude of the crowds combined to create an unparalleled experience. Opting for a Saturday visit, the most expensive and crowded day, added an extra layer of excitement to the adventure.
The Orange County Convention Center, MegaCon’s sprawling venue, lived up to its name. While the journey from parking to the entrance was a lengthy one, the pleasant weather and beautifully landscaped grounds made the trek enjoyable. Shuttles and bikes were available for those who preferred an easier commute. The scale of the event was evident as throngs of people navigated through the aisles, brimming with souvenirs, artists, celebrities, and delectable treats.
Celebrities of all generations graced MegaCon, from iconic figures in classics like Harry Potter, The Princess Bride, Back to the Future, Star Trek, Goonies and Star Wars to stars from contemporary hits like Stranger Things, Loki, Better Call Saul, Gotham and The Mandalorian. The star-studded lineup featured luminaries such as William Shatner, Paul Bettany, Danny Trejo, Tom Hiddleston, Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Ke Huy Kuan, Geena Davis, Marisa Tomei, Giancarlo Esposito, Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Katey Sagal, Cameron Monaghan and Gina Carrano. Meeting these celebrities came at an extra cost, but for devoted fans, the opportunity for autographs or photos was well worth the investment.
Danny Trejo poses with fans at MegaCon Orlando. photo by Angelia “Rose” Capalbo
However, Anime enthusiasts were also treated to the presence of renowned voice actors, including Maile Flanagan (Naruto) and the cast of “My Hero Academia.” Meanwhile, workshops and panels hosted by comic industry stars like Jim Shooter, Stanley Artgerm Lau and Clayton Crain added an educational dimension to the event.
The sheer size of the crowds occasionally resulted in shoulder-to-shoulder congestion, especially when maneuvering through the myriad of souvenirs, artists’ stalls, and food vendors. Despite the expense of some items, the chance to engage with diverse artists and observe the imaginative costumes worn by attendees made the experience truly memorable. People-watching became a favorite pastime, as the creativity on display in the costumes left me in awe.
MegaCon’s impact extends beyond individual and group costumes, souvenirs, and celebrity encounters. It is a multifaceted event encompassing comic, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming genres. At the event, guests can join in workshops, a diverse array of programming, shopping opportunities, anime showcases, cosplay contests, video game tournaments, and immersive attractions.
The weekend was a dynamic blend of fandom, creativity, and shared passion, making MegaCon Orlando an experience that transcends the ordinary. For those who revel in the convergence of pop culture, MegaCon stands as a must-attend event. For more information visit www.megaconorlando.com.
Veggies Made Great helped fuel a family-friendly weekend of free workouts, paddleboarding, coffee, small bites, and feel-good fun at 96th Street Park.
May 18, 2026
Surfside brought the good vibes this weekend with Paddletopia 2026, a two-day wellness and outdoor lifestyle event that turned 96th Street Park into a sunny little hub for movement, community, and family-friendly fun.
Held on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event welcomed kids, adults, fitness lovers, coffee drinkers, paddleboarders, and anyone looking for a fresh-air weekend by the water. The best part? So many of the experiences were free, making it easy for families and locals to drop in, move around, and enjoy the day without overthinking it.
The workout classes were a highlight, bringing plenty of energy to the park with approachable, upbeat sessions that made wellness feel fun instead of intimidating. Between the fitness classes, paddleboarding, live music, wellness activations, and relaxed outdoor atmosphere, Paddletopia had that perfect South Florida mix of active and easygoing.
Of course, no great weekend event is complete without good bites. Veggies Made Great, an official event partner, kept guests fueled with complimentary samples of their veggie-packed favorites, including the Spinach Egg White Frittata and Lemon Blueberry Muffin. The samples were a smart fit for the day: light, wholesome, tasty, and easy to enjoy between activities. Paired with coffee and other small bites available throughout the event, it made for the kind of simple, satisfying spread that both kids and adults could get behind.
The event also had a thoughtful environmental angle through the “Paddle for Plastic” initiative with Plastic Fisherman, encouraging attendees to help clean Surfside canals in exchange for eco-friendly rewards. It added a meaningful layer to the weekend, blending wellness, community, and environmental care in a way that felt natural for a coastal town like Surfside.
Overall, Paddletopia 2026 felt like exactly what a South Florida weekend should be: outdoorsy, welcoming, active, delicious, and just a little bit sun-kissed. From free fitness classes to better-for-you snacks and community-focused fun, Surfside gave families a reason to get outside and enjoy the best of wellness by the water.
To bring a little of that Paddletopia feel-good energy home, check out more of the veggie-packed muffins, frittatas, and easy breakfast favorites from Veggies Made Great at https://www.veggiesmadegreat.com/
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