Fans Bring Multiverse to Life at Vaca-Con

Annual pop culture convention in Vacaville draws cosplayers, celebrity guests, and a galaxy of fandoms.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:35pm

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A striking abstract illustration composed of bold, geometric shapes and silhouettes in high-contrast colors, representing the diverse array of pop culture characters and fandoms present at the Vaca-Con convention.Vaca-Con's vibrant celebration of cosplay, fandom, and community brings the multiverse to life in Vacaville.Vacaville Today

Vaca-Con 2026, the annual pop culture convention in Vacaville, California, saw a diverse array of costumed fans and celebrity guests over the weekend. Attendees dressed as characters from 'Star Wars,' Marvel, 'Gravity Falls,' and more, posing for photos and exploring vendor booths filled with collectibles. Despite some rainy weather, the event drew over 800 pre-sale tickets and featured panels with actors like Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Tia Carrere.

Why it matters

Vaca-Con has become a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the vibrant cosplay and fandom communities in the Bay Area. The convention's growth over the years reflects the enduring popularity of franchises like 'Star Wars' and the expanding reach of niche fandoms, as well as the demand for local events that bring these passionate communities together.

The details

The convention featured a range of costumed characters, from classic 'Star Wars' villains like Darth Vader and Boba Fett to more obscure figures like Bill Cipher from 'Gravity Falls.' Attendees also spotted Mandalorians, Spiderman, and Mario roaming the Ulatis Community Center. One standout cosplayer was Keith Gales of Citrus Heights, who came dressed as the comic book antihero Spawn, with a billowing red cape and other custom-made elements. Meanwhile, vendor booths offered Funko Pops, comic books, action figures, and even custom-built lightsabers from Kyber Cave.

  • Vaca-Con 2026 took place over the weekend of April 11-12, 2026.
  • The convention has been running for the past 5-6 years, according to a member of the 501st Legion costuming group.

The players

Keith Waechtler

A member of the Golden Gate Garrison of the 501st Legion, a costuming group that has supported Vaca-Con for several years.

Keith Gales

A cosplayer from Citrus Heights who attended Vaca-Con dressed as the comic book character Spawn, with a custom-made costume featuring a billowing red cape.

Typhanie Ricci-Western

The Recreation Supervisor for the event, who noted that Vaca-Con 2026 had over 800 pre-sale tickets and a strong turnout despite some rainy weather.

Austin Legay

The owner and creator of Hero Ready Creative Lab, who made a highly detailed Buzz Lightyear costume using 3D printing that was on display at the convention.

Christopher Mintz-Plasse

An actor known for his role as McLovin in the film Superbad, who held a panel at Vaca-Con 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We've supported this event for the past 5-6 years. We just like supporting community events, being out here, and meeting Star Wars fans and cosplayers.”

— Keith Waechtler, Member, Golden Gate Garrison of the 501st Legion

“I just enjoy the community and seeing the surprise on people's faces because Spawn is a very niche character to a certain extent. You don't see a lot of Spawn cosplayers, so I like to stand out in my own positive way.”

— Keith Gales, Cosplayer

“Yesterday we had over 800 pre-sales, which was great for us. We've had a lot of foot traffic. We're a little surprised, we didn't know how it was gonna go with the rain.”

— Typhanie Ricci-Western, Recreation Supervisor

“We were at the forefront of starting Vaca-Con. It's awesome to see how it started out as a one-day event and how it's now a full weekend. I love it here, and Vaca-Con is a second home to Sacramento for me because I'm here quite often.”

— Austin Legay, Owner, Hero Ready Creative Lab

What’s next

The two-day Vaca-Con event will continue on Sunday with more celebrity panels, a cosplay contest, and Lucha Libro wrestling.

The takeaway

Vaca-Con has grown from a one-day local event to a full weekend celebration of pop culture fandoms, reflecting the enduring appeal of franchises like 'Star Wars' and the vibrant cosplay community in the Bay Area. The convention's ability to attract high-profile celebrity guests and draw large crowds, even in inclement weather, underscores its status as a must-attend destination for fans.