Reasons Why You Should Go to StocktonCon in Stockton, California

In the city dubbed the "official birthplace of the Fantastic Four" by Marvel Comics and Stan Lee himself, it's only right that we have a massive, comics & pop culture-infused celebration—and it happens FOUR TIMES a year (including Lodi Comic Con)!

StocktonCon is the largest two-day pop culture celebration in Stockton, California for fans of comic books, superhero movies, anime, and all things nerd! Face it: It's cool to be a nerd now. Since its inception in 2012 at the University of the Pacific’s Spanos Center, the convention has grown considerably in size. So much so that it moved to its current home, the Adventist Health Arena, in order to accommodate its growing number of fans!

The convention takes place four times a year: in February (StocktonCon Winter) and August (StocktonCon Summer) here in Stockton, as well as in Lodi in May (Lodi Comic Con Spring) and September (Lodi Comic Con Fall). It attracts thousands of fans from across the region—many of whom will be coming in costumes and explore pop culture in an entirely new way. The event’s mission is to raise awareness of outstanding artists in the Central Valley and to give attendees the chance to experience the ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. If you have never visited StocktonCon or know little about it, let us lure you in and give you reasons why you should attend this year.

See Cos-Players in Action!

StocktonCon is like no other event in the area when it comes to dressing up as your favorite characters. You will find that the majority in attendance have taken the time and effort to look their very best during this two-day celebration. Fans come dressed up as their favorite superheroes, villains, and cartoon characters. From Superman and Batman to Spongebob Squarepants and Patrick, you are almost certain to find your favorite character here.

BONUS: The comic convention holds two fun costume contests: One for ages 13 and up and the other for ages 12 and under—both held in the Adventist Health Arena Panel Room. So come in your most creative costume to StocktonCon and you just might walk away with cash or other fun prizes. To register, go to the StocktonCon Information and Merchandise booth by the main entrance at Adventist Health Arena.

Meet Famous People!

This year’s convention guest list has an exciting mixture of talent, including artists, actors, voiceover talent, wrestlers, and more—including WWE legends Trish Stratus, Lita, & Hacksaw Jim Duggan as well as SpongeBob Squarepants star Tom Kenny, Stranger Things star Andrey Ivchenko, and artist Kai Lun Qu.

The best part? Attendees will get to meet their idols, check them out in panels, and even snag a photo or autograph! Just be sure to plan ahead and hashtag #VisitStockton on that Instagram-worthy photo! Some fees for autographs and photos apply.

Below are just a few of the past special guests that have attended StocktonCon over the years:

Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon I-IV, The Color Purple, Saw, Jumanji: The Next Level)
Ron Pearlman (Beauty & The Beast series, Blade II, Alien: Resurrection, Hellboy, Sons of Anarchy)
Martin Kove (Rambo: First Blood Part II, The Karate Kid franchise, Cobra Kai)
Stockton native Nakia Burrise (Power Rangers Zeo, Power Rangers Turbo)
Artist Nick Dragotta (East of West, Fantastic Four)
Artist Scott Koblish (Deadpool)
Artist Dan Brereton (Batman, Nocturnals)
Artist Justin Greenwood (Stumptown, The Last Siege)
Stockton's own artist Ramon Villalobos (Nighthawk, WildCATs)
Brian Baumgartner (The Office)
Kliq & nWo members Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Sean "X-Pac" Waltman
Olympic gold medalist and WWE & TNA legend Kurt Angle
WCW & WWE legend Booker T
Steve Whitmire (Kermit the Frog’s puppeteer)
Bret Iwan (Official voice of Mickey Mouse)

Check out the guest list for StocktonCon Winter—happening February 24 & 25, 2024—right here!

Snag some Memorabilia!

Sure, finding merchandise related to your favorite fiction series online is easy peasy, but it can be a little questionable. At StocktonCon, you can see it, touch it, and put aside any worries about the purchase. Plus, there is an abundance of vendors covering the arena floor—many of which sell products such as hard-to-find comic books, popular graphic novels, a wide selection of action figures, limited edition memorabilia, and much more. You might need an extra bag (and some extra cash!) because you are sure to find some unexpected collectibles and with such a wide variety of vendors, there’ll be a keepsake for everyone.

Bonus: You should definitely attend StocktonCon while rockin' our collector's edition Fantastic Four t-shirt... just sayin'.

Experience Stockton’s Waterfront!

The waterfront! If you’ve been paying attention to Downtown Stockton in recent years, you’ve probably noticed how much it’s been growing! The Adventist Health Arena sits along the waterfront and is surrounded by numerous downtown attractions, from Weber Point Events Center to flavorful dining destinations, bars, and the Regal Cineplex. Stroll along the Stockton Marina for a picturesque view of Downtown and enjoy countless treasures in the vicinity through the eyes of various artists. The proximity of Downtown and the waterfront makes it easy for attendees at StocktonCon to visit nearby stops after the convention and make it a full-fledged Stockton experience!