FanFest 2026 Brings Enjoyable To Downtown Goldsboro – JoCo Report

GOLDSBORO — The Paramount Theatre will remodel right into a hub of fandom, creativity, and neighborhood as Goldsboro FanFest 2026 takes place on Saturday, Feb. 21. Doors open at 12 p.m. on this high-energy celebration of popular culture because it invitations followers of all ages to expertise a full day of immersive leisure, hands-on actions, and downtown adventures.

FanFest attendees can take pleasure in a variety of actions included with their wristband, together with interactive workshops, gaming occasions, cosplay experiences, vendor markets, reductions and promotions at numerous downtown retailers and eating places, and particular points of interest all through the Paramount Theatre and surrounding downtown district.

One of the occasion’s featured experiences is a dwell, interactive voice performing workshop led by business skilled Jason Burroughs, serving to individuals discover character efficiency and vocal storytelling. Fans also can participate in Sci-Fi Puppet Lab: Hands-On Creature Creation with leisure business veteran Cheralyn Lambeth, the place visitors will design and create their very own easy hand puppets impressed by science-fiction favorites. Cosplay lovers can acquire perception into costume creation and efficiency with Rocky Melvin, who will share sensible ideas for bringing characters to life on and off the stage.

Gamers will discover a lot to discover, together with a Magic: The Gathering Chaos Draft, sponsored and hosted by Gilded Dragon. This unpredictable match challenges gamers to embrace randomness and technique in a enjoyable, aggressive atmosphere.

Throughout the day, attendees can browse distributors providing collectibles, buying and selling playing cards, comics, art work, handmade gadgets, and tabletop gaming equipment. A downtown scavenger hunt encourages exploration of native companies, whereas a themed automotive present at Green Thumb Florist will characteristic fan-favorite automobiles, together with Bumble Bee, Barricade, Hot Rod, and extra.

The pleasure continues after hours (8-10 p.m.) with the official FanFest Tavern Crawl, a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired journey by way of downtown Goldsboro that includes themed challenges and stops at Kolibri, Momento, Three65, and Well Traveled Beer. This 21+ expertise is a low-cost add-on for wristband holders.

The day concludes at 6 p.m. with a particular screening of “Avengers: Endgame,” bringing followers collectively to rejoice probably the most iconic cinematic finales in fashionable popular culture.

“Goldsboro FanFest is about bringing people together through creativity, imagination, and shared passions,” mentioned Jim Grant, Theatre Services Manager on the Paramount Theatre. “From hands-on workshops to gaming, cosplay, and downtown adventures, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.”

Goldsboro FanFest continues to develop as one of many area’s most participating neighborhood pop-culture occasions, connecting native companies, artists, and followers in a vibrant, welcoming ambiance.