programming preview

Get a first look at some of the panels, cast reunions, live performances, competitions and interactive experiences coming to PCX Austin. Explore programming highlights by day below, with more still to be announced. Exact times and room locations will be released with the full schedule closer to the show. Programming is subject to change, so please check this page regularly for the most up-to-date information.

Red Dead Redemption II: Legends fo the Van Der Linde Gang Saddle up and ride into the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 for a lively discussion celebrating one of gaming’s most beloved western franchises. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about bringing the Van der Linde gang to life, learn about the acting process, and discover how the game’s unforgettable characters were created. If you’re a longtime outlaw or experiencing the consequences of Blackwater for the first time, this is an unforgettable chance to connect with the performances behind the iconic characters that made Red Dead Redemption 2 a modern classic. Roger Clark (Arthur Morgan), Rob Wiethoff (John Marston), Benjamin Byron Davis (Dutch van der Linde), Peter Blomquist (Micah Bell), and Kaili Vernoff (Susan Grimshaw)

John Francis Daley: From Screen to Script Join actor, writer and director John Francis Daley for an entertaining live discussion about his incredible career in film and television. With iconic appearances in Freaks and Geeks, Bones and Waiting…, John has built an impressive career both in front of and behind the camera. His acclaimed work includes Spider-Man: Homecoming, Game Night and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and he is currently writing and directing a new Star Trek film alongside longtime creative partner Jonathan Goldstein. Hear behind-the-scenes stories from his acting career, insights into writing and directing blockbusters, and what it’s like to bring memorable characters and stories to life.

Silent Charity Art Auction featuring Live Drawing! PCX Austin is honored to partner with the One Step Closer Foundation for a silent charity art auction at 7:00 PM on Saturday. The auction will feature original artwork donated by participating artists, with select artists creating pieces live during the event. Place your bids and take home something meaningful while supporting programs, research and resources for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

The Baka Boys Live Podcast: Anime Debates. Trivia & Hot Takes! Join The Baka Boys Podcast with hosts Jordan Lichstinn & Simon Betancourt for an interactive hour of anime games, debates, trivia, and audience participation. Whether you’re a lifelong anime fan or just getting started, you’ll have the chance to jump into the conversation, test your knowledge, and represent your favorite series!

Cosplay Showcase and Competition Take center stage and honor the imagination, skill, and enthusiasm of the cosplay community! All skill levels are welcome to join, regardless of whether you’ve spent months crafting every detail or are making your first costume debut. In front of a panel of judges, contestants will be given the chance to showcase their costumes on stage. The judges will honor exceptional creations in areas like workmanship, inventiveness, appearance, and overall presentation. Throughout the event, fans are encouraged to support their favorite cosplayers, and prizes will be given to select winners.

James Marsters Concert Don’t miss an unforgettable evening with James Marsters as he takes the stage for a special live concert featuring music fans have loved for decades. Known around the world for his iconic role as Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, James is also an accomplished musician whose performances blend heartfelt songwriting, rock-inspired melodies, and engaging stories from his life and career. If you’ve followed his acting career for years or know him through his music, this concert offers a rare opportunity to experience James Marsters in a whole new way. See the Special Events Page for full details

From Devil to Champion: Chinese Superheroes in American Culture American superhero entertainment has long struggled with diversity and authentic representation. In this panel, Frank Hui examines nearly a century of Chinese and broader Asian representation, including the harmful stereotype of the “inscrutable monster,” the emergence of iconic heroes, and the progress still needed to create authentic characters and stories.

Superhero Science Join Joy Lin, author of the popular TED-Ed animated series If Superpowers Were Real and creator of the webcomic Alloy Comics, for a fun and fascinating look at the real-world science behind superpowers. Could the Invisible Woman actually see if light passed through her eyes? Would Ant-Man’s tiny punch feel less like a knockout and more like a needle prick? Explore the surprising physical consequences and scientific challenges that might come with the powers we all wish we had.

The Buffyverse Lives on!: A Buffy The Vampire Slayer & Angel Reunion Join James Marsters (Spike), Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia Chase), Julie Benz (Darla) and James C. Leary (Clement) for a celebration of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Revisit unforgettable episodes, the characters fans continue to love, and the enduring legacy of the Buffyverse in this special reunion with three of the franchise’s most beloved cast members.

The Grand Line Docks At PCX Austin: A One Piece Reunion Join Jeff Ward (Buggy the Clown), Steven John Ward (Dracule Mihawk), Mikaela Hoover (Tony Tony Chopper), and John Gremillion (the English voice of Dracule Mihawk) for a celebration of the world of One Piece. Bringing together from Netflix’s live-action series and the English anime dub, this special panel explores the unforgettable characters, the journey of bringing them to life, and the global phenomenon that continues to unite fans around the world.

Lego Speed Build Challenge Think you can build under pressure? Put your skills to the test in the LEGO Speed Build Challenge hosted by two-time LEGO Masters champion Krystle Starr! Participants will race against the clock and their fellow builders to complete a LEGO set before a live audience. See the Special Events Page for full details

Inside the world of Hollywood stunt work with Preston Corbell Join Preston Corbell, one of Hollywood’s top stunt performers, for an intimate conversation about his career. From his early days as a stuntman to working on some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, Preston will share behind-the-scenes stories, career insights, and what it really takes to bring movie action to life. He has a 5 min stunt reel – will need to show

From Tabletop to Bestseller: Building The Nosam Chronicles in 12 Months Join father-daughter writing duo Erich and Daniella Sanchack as they share how The Nosam Chronicles grew from tabletop inspiration into an Amazon bestselling fantasy series, beginning with Orphans of Nilad. This panel explores their 12-month journey of story development, character creation, and worldbuilding, with a special focus on how two different generations blended their perspectives, instincts, and voices into one cohesive narrative across 12 books. Hear how collaborative imagination, family dynamics, and fantasy storytelling came together on the page.

Getting the Art Finished! Veteran illustrator Mike Fisher offers practical, nuts-and-bolts tips for finishing your comic artwork and self-publishing your comics, drawing on his many years of experience as an illustrator, animator, educator, and small-batch self-publisher. From color choices and storyboards to preparing your work for publication, this panel is packed with practical advice to help you bring your comic projects across the finish line.

Molecular Hits & Misses Science fiction films and television have captivated audiences for generations, but even the most beloved stories don’t always get the science right. Join Frank Hui for a lighthearted look at the genre’s biggest biological hits and misses, celebrating the moments when science fiction gets real-world biology right and having a little fun with the times it gets it spectacularly wrong.

Worlds Collide: How Politics Shaped the Superhero Mythos Based off of my Master’s Thesis, this panel shows how without politics, Comic Books would not have the heroes we know and love. Superman and Batman are born out of the Great Depression, Captain America and Wonder Woman created because of World War II (but before America entered the war) and so on and so forth. I focus on all the Era Rewrite

Small but Mighty Cosplay Contest Calling all young heroes, princesses, adventurers, and beyond! This cosplay contest for kids is a fun, family-friendly event where children can show off their love for cosplay. This contest is designed to celebrate imagination, build confidence, and create lasting memories for kids and their families. We can’t wait to see the amazing characters our youngest cosplayers bring to life!

The Future of Action Figures Panelists: Robert Bexar and Jason Dilworth Join collectors and toy enthusiasts Robert Bexar and Jason Dilworth as they explore the evolution of action figures from their early beginnings to today’s incredible collectibles. They’ll discuss how the hobby has changed, where the industry stands today, and what the future may hold for action figures, collecting, and the next generation of fans. Needs computer hookup also for their other panel

Middle Aged Cosplay Cosplay and costuming are for people of every age and body, yet the hobby is often viewed as something reserved for the young. Join Frank Hui for an encouraging look at active and inspiring costumers over 50, along with practical advice for getting started later in life, attending conventions and making cosplay a fun and fulfilling experience at any age.