Bring out the superhero capes: StocktonCon Summer 2025 is here.
The annual summer event will take place on July 12-13 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. both days at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton. The weekend attracts fans of all kinds, from anime watchers to WWE enthusiasts.
According to Mike Millerick, StocktonCon’s president and founder, vendors are coming from 72 unique cities this year.
“We have folks that are representing at least 72 different cities from around California,” Millerick said. “It’s a really cool thing.”
The event will be action-packed with all the exhibitors and celebrities in attendance. Even Stockton City Councilmember Michael Blower joins in on the fun. The District 3 representative attends regularly, often with his two daughters, who’ve been going since they were young kids.
“(Ages) 12 and under is free,” Blower said. “I think that’s a great benefit for people. It’s a really fun event to take your kids to.”
With so many cosplayers, young ones enjoy meeting their favorite characters. Blower has seen recreations of R2D2 from “Star Wars,” John Snow from “Game of Thrones” and Rick Grimes of “The Walking Dead.”
In addition to the countless cosplayers stopping by, StocktonCon invites special guests and celebrities. This year, famous visitors include Lou Diamond Phillips from “La Bamba,” professional wrestler Booker T and more.
Over the years, Blower said that he’s met people from “The Office,” the star of “Napoleon Dynamite,” and more.
Not only do guests get to meet celebrities and cosplayers, but they also get to make a positive impact with ticket sales. StocktonCon started as a nonprofit and still donates to charities following each event. This year, part of the proceeds will benefit the Child Abuse Prevention Council.
“We try to help folks that need help,” Millerick said. “We’ve helped others in the past as well.”
Ticket prices range from $15-$30. Ticketmaster fees and a $3 facility fee are added onto the bill. Autographs can range from $30-$100, depending on the celebrity and type of package chosen.
If cosplayers aren’t your thing, the event poster mentions comics, games, action figures, Funko Pops, toys, video games, card games, manga, pro-wrestling, a costume contest and more.
“There’s something for everybody,” Blower said. “A lot of cool pop culture people come. So yeah, I think it’s great.”
