Events
All Geeked Up at MegaCon Orlando
At Some Point, MegaCon Orlando Stops Feeling Like an Event and Starts Feeling Like Another World.
March 19th – 22nd, 2026
From manga, anime, and comics to sci-fi, tabletop games, and even maid cafes, Orlando’s MegaCon stands as one of Florida’s premier events where fandoms come together to celebrate what they love. Drawing more than 195,000 fans to the Orange County Convention Center, the four-day convention is packed with interactive experiences, celebrity Q&A panels, and behind-the-scenes conversations, giving attendees something to dive into at every turn. After attending, it’s easy to see why this has become a can’t-miss annual tradition.
Each day, the hallways buzzed with energy, panel rooms filled to capacity, and every corner offered something memorable. The talent show gave attendees a chance to showcase their skills, including a performance of A Show About Death from Beetlejuice. The Drunken Debates, featuring matchups like Wolverine vs. Cyclops, had the entire room laughing. The cosplay scene alone turned the show floor into a living gallery, with fans not just wearing costumes, but fully embodying their favorite characters. From One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen to Power Rangers, no fandom felt underrepresented, highlighting the creativity across the convention.
That creativity reached another level with organized showcases like the Cosplay Red Carpet and the Masters of Cosplay Grand Prix, where competitors from across North America brought cinematic-level craftsmanship to the stage. By the time the Grand Finale wrapped, with top-tier cosplayers competing for a $10,000 prize, it was clear this wasn’t just dress-up. It was performance, design, and storytelling all rolled into one.
Major panels throughout the weekend drew massive crowds, as fans laughed, asked thoughtful questions, and shared moments with the creators and actors they admire. One of the highlights was a One Piece panel featuring the English voice cast, whose Q&A kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Elsewhere, nostalgia hit hard with reunions that felt larger than life, including The Lord of the Rings cast celebrating 25 years of Middle-earth magic. Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd didn’t just appear. They created moments longtime fans will carry with them.
Celebrity appearances stretched across generations and genres. From icons like William Shatner and John Cena to stars like John Boyega, Diego Luna, and Brendan Fraser, the convention floor constantly felt like it was one turn away from a surprise encounter. Cena, in particular, brought a mix of humor and sincerity during his live session, connecting with fans in a way that felt genuine.
For those looking beyond the spotlight, the tabletop gaming area and artist alley offered a different rhythm. These spaces slowed things down just enough for real conversations, whether it was discovering a new game, supporting an independent artist, or simply bonding with someone over a shared interest.
Even outside the convention walls, MegaCon found ways to extend the experience. An after-hours event at Universal Orlando Resort gave attendees the chance to explore the parks at night alongside fellow fans, blending fandom with theme park thrills in a way that felt uniquely Orlando.
While anime and comics may feel more mainstream today, that wasn’t always the case. That history helped shape the tight-knit community on display throughout the weekend. Whether attending for a specific fandom or simply exploring something new, MegaCon feels less like an event and more like a community in motion, driven by creativity, passion, and connection.
Somewhere between the panels, the cosplay, and the chaos, MegaCon stops feeling like a convention and starts feeling like a world you don’t want to leave.
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole ©South Florida Insider
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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