5 Reasons Why Soda City Comic Con 2025 Is The Must-Attend Event Of The Summer: Guests, Tickets & Gaming
The countdown has officially begun for the biggest pop culture event in the Midlands: Soda City Comic Con 2025. Set for August 23-24, 2025, this two-day convention is gearing up to be the most star-studded and activity-packed installment yet, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for comic book fans, gamers, and cosplayers across the Southeast. Unlike many cons that focus solely on comics, Soda City Comic Con offers a unique blend of celebrity meet-and-greets, a massive free-to-play gaming zone, and a vibrant artist community, all conveniently located in the heart of Columbia, SC.
As of today, December 25, 2025, the organizers have released a stellar lineup of featured guests, detailed ticketing options, and confirmed several major attractions that will take place at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Whether you’re hunting for a rare autograph, planning your award-winning cosplay, or simply looking to dive into a sea of nostalgia with classic arcade games, this guide provides all the fresh, up-to-date information you need to plan your ultimate convention weekend.
The Star-Powered 2025 Featured Guest Lineup
Soda City Comic Con 2025 is bringing serious star power to Columbia, SC, with a diverse list of celebrity guests spanning iconic film, television, and voice acting roles. The opportunity for autographs, photo-ops, and engaging panel discussions with these industry veterans makes the event a pilgrimage for dedicated fans. Below is a list of the top announced guests for the August 23-24 weekend:
- Katee Sackhoff: Best known for her iconic, Peabody Award-winning role as Lieutenant Kara "Starbuck" Thrace on Sci-Fi’s hit series Battlestar Galactica, and more recently as Bo-Katan Kryze in the Disney+ Star Wars series The Mandalorian.
- Jon Heder: The star of the cult classic comedy Napoleon Dynamite, Heder’s appearance is a massive draw for film fans looking for a taste of early 2000s nostalgia.
- Randy Quaid: A veteran actor with a long career, Quaid is recognizable from blockbuster hits like Independence Day and the beloved National Lampoon’s Vacation series.
- Derick Snow: A dynamic voice actor celebrated for voicing the hero Shinra Kusakabe in the popular shonen anime Fire Force.
- Pamela Dougherty: A veteran voice actress whose work includes roles in popular anime and video games, making her a key figure in the "Voices Behind the Controller" panels.
- Macy Anne Johnson: A prominent voice actor featured in the "Voicing the Grand Line” panel, focusing on the world of anime.
- Matthew David Rudd: Another featured voice actor participating in the anime-focused panels throughout the weekend.
- Brian Mathis: A creative guest and voice actor rounding out the impressive lineup of industry professionals.
- Jackson Drake: A featured creative guest offering fans a chance to meet emerging talent in the industry.
Fans should note that celebrity experiences like autographs and photo opportunities (selfies) are typically purchased separately from admission tickets, either online in advance or at the guest's table on the day of the event.
Essential Ticket Information and VIP Badges
Securing your badge early is the best way to guarantee entry and access to the best perks. The organizers have made tickets available for the 2025 event, with a focus on providing value for the ultimate fan experience.
General Admission vs. VIP Pass
While one-day tickets are available for purchase online and at the door, the most popular option for dedicated attendees is the Two-Day VIP Pass, which bundles several exclusive items and provides full access to both days of the convention.
- Two-Day VIP Pass: Priced at $75, this badge grants admission for both Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24. It also includes an exclusive 2025 Soda City Comic Con T-shirt, a VIP badge, and an exclusive Soda City Comic Con lanyard. This is the best value for fans planning to attend all weekend.
- General Admission: One-day passes will be available for purchase online and at the door, offering flexibility for those with limited availability.
The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center will be the central hub for all activities, including panels, guest signings, the exhibitor hall, and the gaming zone. Given the high-profile guest list for 2025, purchasing your tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid long lines on the day of the event.
The Massive Retro & VR Gaming Zone
One of the features that truly sets Soda City Comic Con apart from other regional conventions is its dedication to interactive gaming. The 2025 event promises to deliver the largest and most diverse gaming experience in the convention's history, catering to both retro enthusiasts and modern tech fans.
Retro Reaction and Pinball Paradise
The convention proudly hosts "Retro Reaction," a unique gaming experience that offers a vast collection of retro and modern gaming systems. Attendees can dive into classic childhood favorites, indie games, and even rare, one-off titles. More impressively, the event will feature the largest pop-up pinball arcade in the state of South Carolina. This arcade offers over 50 pinball and arcade games set to free play, meaning your admission ticket is your all-access pass to unlimited gaming fun.
The Free-to-Play VR Zone
For those looking to step into the future of gaming, the 2025 con includes a dedicated Free to Play VR Zone, often hosted by entities like VR Villa. This area allows attendees to experience the latest in virtual reality gaming, providing an immersive and educational look at modern gaming technology. This variety ensures that whether you prefer a classic joystick or a VR headset, the Soda City Comic Con gaming floor has something for you.
Cosplay, Panels, and the Artist Alley Experience
Beyond the celebrity guests and gaming, the heart of any comic convention lies in its community, and Soda City Comic Con excels at fostering a creative and welcoming environment for all fandoms.
The Family-Friendly Cosplay Contest
Cosplay is a huge part of the weekend, and the convention is particularly focused on its youngest fans. The Children’s Cosplay Contest is a major event, with registration kicking off at 12:00 pm on Saturday, August 23, 2025, and officially closing at 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Organizers strictly adhere to a kid/family-oriented event policy, requiring all costumes to be appropriate and prohibiting any adult materials on display. This focus ensures a safe and fun environment for the entire family to enjoy the creativity of costume design.
Over 150 Vendors and Artists
The Exhibitor Hall will be packed with over 150 artists, vendors, and creative guests. This is the place to find everything from rare comic books and vintage collectibles to unique, hand-crafted artwork and merchandise. For artists and vendors looking to participate, the official website provides a straightforward process: simply download the registration form, email or mail it back, and once approved, you’re in. This streamlined process makes it easy for local and regional creators to secure a spot.
Navigating the Convention Center & Logistics
The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (CMCC) is a modern, centrally located venue that is easy to access. Planning your logistics in advance will ensure a smooth and stress-free convention experience.
Parking and Directions
The CMCC is conveniently located near downtown Columbia. The facility has an adjacent parking lot that is often available to attendees, sometimes at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. However, parking availability is subject to change, especially during a large event like a comic con. It is highly advisable to check the official CMCC website closer to the event date for any special event parking instructions. The City Parking Services Department also works closely with the CMCC to provide additional parking options nearby, including street parking and garages in the surrounding downtown area.
Local Amenities and Dining
The CMCC’s location in Columbia, SC, places it within easy walking distance of numerous hotels, restaurants, and local attractions. Attendees are encouraged to explore the vibrant Soda City area for dining options, from quick-service cafes to sit-down restaurants, making it easy to grab a meal before heading back for an afternoon panel or an evening gaming session. Planning your accommodation and dining reservations early is recommended, as the city will be bustling with fellow comic con enthusiasts.
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