A new pop culture convention launched this weekend in San Jose, aiming to fill the gap left by Silicon Valley Comic Con’s closure in 2020.
FandomCon Silicon Valley runs through Sunday at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center on West San Carlos Street. The three-day festival marks the region’s latest attempt to establish a major pop culture event, despite Silicon Valley’s role in creating entertainment-changing technologies.
The convention was originally scheduled for November 2025 but moved to April 2026, with existing ticket holders automatically transferred to the new dates, according to organizers. The current event serves as the debut for the franchise.
More than 40 guests attended the festival, according to ScreenRant, the event’s official media partner. Featured celebrities include David Dastmalchian (Polka-Dot Man from “The Suicide Squad”), Frank Grillo (Crossbones from Marvel films), and Mara Wilson (Matilda from the 1996 film).
Original Power Rangers cast members David Yost (Blue Ranger) and Walter Jones (Black Ranger) from the 1993 “Mighty Morphin” series conducted autograph sessions throughout the weekend. Carla Perez, who played villain Rita Repulsa, opened the festival with a Friday evening panel.
Star Trek representation came through Walter Koenig, who played Chekov in the original 1966 series. Voice actors from “Dragon Ball,” “Attack on Titan” and “Arcane” also appeared.
The main gaming attraction featured a Marvel Rivals tournament where VIP ticket holders competed against the game’s voice actors. Additional activities included retro arcade machines, trading card game tournaments, a horror zone and silent discos in the evenings.
The Foodies Fandom Night Market operated simultaneously at nearby Plaza de César Chávez, featuring more than 40 food vendors. Market admission was free.
Friday tickets started at $28 plus service fees, according to FunCheap, with weekend passes priced higher.
Organizers have not released attendance figures. The company plans events in multiple U.S. cities and Dubai, according to the FandomCon website. The next Silicon Valley convention is scheduled for 2027.
Sunday’s final day runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.