You’re walking down Lincoln Street and suddenly a seven-foot-tall Wookiee is checking his phone next to a Stormtrooper grabbing a latte. That’s the vibe. It’s weird, it’s loud, and honestly, it’s the best weekend in the Midlands. Most people think these conventions are just for hardcore collectors hiding in basements, but Soda City Comic Con Columbia SC 2025 proved that narrative is dead.
It’s about community. Pure and simple.
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The 2025 event, held on August 23rd and 24th at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, wasn't just another trade show. It was a massive, sweat-inducing, high-energy explosion of pop culture that took over the Vista. If you missed it, or if you're planning for the next one, you need to know that this isn't some corporate, soulless "con." It’s got a local heart.
The Guest List Nobody Saw Coming
People usually assume smaller city cons get the "leftover" guests. Not here. The 2025 lineup was actually kind of insane. We’re talking about Katee Sackhoff—yes, Bo-Katan herself—headlining the show. Seeing fans' faces when they realized the pilot of Battlestar Galactica was sitting twenty feet away from a booth selling vintage Spider-Man issues? Priceless.
Then you had Jon Heder. Everyone still wants him to sign Napoleon Dynamite posters, and he does it with a smile. It brings a specific kind of nostalgia that hits differently in a venue like the CMCC. Randy Quaid was there too, which added a layer of "wait, is that actually him?" energy to the floor.
The voice acting roster was equally stacked.
- Kaitlyn Robrock (the voice of Minnie Mouse)
- Matthew David Rudd * Kent Williams * Pam Dougherty
The schedules for these pros were tight. Professional photo ops started as early as 1:00 PM on Saturday, with Sean Legacy and Randy Quaid kicking things off. If you didn't have your ticket printed or your QR code ready, you were basically watching the clock tick down while standing in the "I should have planned better" line.
Why the "Soda City" Label Actually Matters
Columbia isn't San Diego. It isn't New York. And that is its secret weapon.
Because the venue is more intimate, the interactions with creators aren't just "move along, please" assembly lines. You can actually talk to the artists. The "Artist Alley" in 2025 was packed with talent from across the Southeast. You’d find a guy who’s worked on indie horror comics sitting right next to someone doing high-end watercolor portraits of Pokémon.
The local flavor extends to the food too. You aren't stuck with just convention center hot dogs. You can walk out the doors and hit Market on Main or Cantina 76. Most attendees did exactly that, creating this surreal scene where half the people eating tacos were wearing hand-stitched Mandalorian armor.
The Clear Bag Reality
Let’s talk about the boring stuff because it actually matters for your experience. The clear bag policy was strictly enforced in 2025. It caught a few people off guard. Basically, if your bag wasn't clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, or a tiny clutch the size of your hand, you weren't getting in.
Safety? Sure. But it also made the security lines move way faster. No one likes waiting an hour to see a Q&A because security had to dig through someone's backpack full of loose dice and half-eaten granola bars.
Gaming: More Than Just Joysticks
One thing most people get wrong about Soda City Comic Con is thinking it’s only about "books." The 2025 show leaned heavily into the "Soda City Arcade." We’re talking over 50 pinball and arcade machines all set to free play.
You pay your entry fee, and you can play Ms. Pac-Man or The Addams Family pinball until your thumbs give out. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s glorious. They even had the "Retro Reaction" room with original Nintendo and Sony systems. For a lot of us, that's a trip back to 1994 that no 4K remake can replicate.
The VR Villa was another standout. It was a newer addition that let people try out high-end virtual reality without the thousand-dollar price tag of owning the gear. It’s these little "extra" touches that make the ticket price feel like a steal.
Surviving the Floor: Real Talk
If you’re going to hit a con in Columbia in August, you have to respect the South Carolina heat. Even inside the air-conditioned convention center, 5,000 people in polyester costumes generate a lot of BTU.
- Hydrate or die. Not literally, but you’ll feel like it by Sunday afternoon.
- Cash is still king. While many vendors take cards or Venmo, the Wi-Fi in large concrete buildings can be spotty. When the signal drops and you’re trying to buy that rare X-Men #101, you’ll be glad you have twenties in your pocket.
- The "Kid Pass" is a lifesaver. At $5 for kids aged 6-12 (and free for those 5 and under), it’s one of the most affordable family outings in the city. The Children’s Cosplay Contest is usually the highlight of Sunday—seeing a four-year-old Hulk try to smash a stage is peak entertainment.
What Really Happened With the Tickets?
There was a bit of a scramble in early 2025. Early Bird 2-Day passes were only $35 until the end of May. After that, the price jumped. By the time the event rolled around in August, 2-day passes were $40, with Saturday-only tickets at $30 and Sunday at $20.
A lot of people complained on social media about the "at the door" prices being higher, but honestly? Just buy them online. It saves you five bucks and about forty minutes of standing in the humidity on Lincoln Street.
The VIP experience was a different beast. For $75, you got the shirt, the lanyard, and the "preferred seating" for panels. Was it worth it? If you were there specifically to see Katee Sackhoff or Jon Heder speak, yes. Not having to hover at the back of a crowded room makes a massive difference in how much you actually enjoy the Q&A.
The Verdict on Comic Con Columbia SC 2025
This event has grown from a small gathering into the "premiere pop culture event in the Midlands." It’s no longer just a hobbyist show; it’s a legitimate economic driver for the Vista.
What makes it work is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. You’ll see world-class cosplayers who spent six months on their outfits standing next to a guy in a "This is my costume" t-shirt. Both are having the same amount of fun.
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The 2025 show proved that Columbia can handle big-name talent while keeping that "hometown" feel. It’s a delicate balance. If they get too big, they lose the charm. If they stay too small, they can't afford the stars. Right now? They’re in the sweet spot.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you missed the 2025 madness, don't just wait until next August to think about it. The community is active year-round.
- Follow the Official Socials: Soda City Comic Con is notorious for "stealth" guest announcements. If you aren't following them, you'll miss the early bird ticket windows.
- Check the Clear Bag Policy Early: Don't wait until the morning of the show to realize your favorite bag isn't allowed. Buy a regulation clear bag now and keep it in your "con kit."
- Support Local Shops: Visit Columbia Comics or other local vendors who sponsor the show. These are the people who keep the scene alive when the big trucks leave the convention center.
- Plan Your Cosplay Now: If you're building something for 2026, start today. The humidity in SC is no joke—test your adhesives and your paint early to make sure your hard work doesn't melt the moment you walk across the Gervais Street Bridge.