If you’ve been itching for a weekend that lets you celebrate everything from comic books to wrestling in one place, Stockton-Con delivered exactly that this past weekend at Adventist Health Arena. The event brought together fans spanning multiple generations—all unified by their love of gaming, comics, and entertainment franchises.
What made this year’s iteration special was the lineup of celebrity guests who showed up to meet fans and share their stories. Anthony Gonzales, the voice of Miguel in Pixar’s Coco, and Lucas Grabeel, who played Ryan in the High School Musical movies, were both in attendance. If wrestling is more your speed, several professional wrestlers were there too. It’s that kind of breadth that makes conventions work—there’s something for everyone, whether you’re there for voice actors, nostalgia, athleticism, or pure fandom energy.
Beyond the meet-and-greets, the real magic of Stockton-Con lies in what happens between the headliners. Local artists and vendors set up shop, giving attendees a chance to discover new talent and snag unique merch. Panels offered deeper dives into the franchises and creators people care about. For a lot of fans, especially younger ones experiencing their first convention, that mix of shopping, learning, and connecting with others who get it is what sticks with you.
Conventions like this are about more than just celebrity sightings or collecting autographs. They’re spaces where passion gets validated, where niche interests become communal celebrations, and where fans can explore new franchises they might never have discovered alone. Stockton-Con clearly nailed that formula this year.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
