Happenings in Roanoke: Big Lick Comic Con
February is a month of love. There are many forms of love, but something we all have is a love for our hobbies and interests. During the weekend right before Valentine’s day, Roanoke holds a small event in the Berglund Center for pop culture enjoyers of all kinds.
Whether you are a comic collector, gamer, anime watcher, costumer, or are just there with friends, there’s something for everyone here. It has really become a place to connect fans in the New River Valley.
Once you get your ticket and make your way to the entrance, you are greeted by friendly staff who make sure you’re in the right spot. After you step foot into the center, you are then in the game room with multiple tables of computers with consoles hooked up to them. Here you will also find people either playing games or just hanging out. In that same room, there are backdrops set up with the convention logo for people to take photos in front of.
If you continue forward into the next hall, you will find yourself in a large room full of vendors and artists alike. You’ll find it here whether you are looking for comic books for your collection, costume props, books from upcoming authors, figures, or art.
Towards the back of the hall, you’ll find the stage. Here they have presentations, costume contests, and even talks from professional wrestlers. In front of the stage are plenty of chairs if you want to watch the current programming, or need to sit down for a bit. Right next to the stage, you have booths for the voice actors, and with it being a smaller event the lines moved quickly, and you were able to have a longer conversation with them.
Overall, the convention is a fun little event to go to with some friends. With its local convenience, there is no need to book a hotel. Whether you are used to conventions or going to your first one, this is the perfect experience.
Some of our fellow Highlanders went and here’s what they said about their experience:
“The thing I liked the most about the convention was the creative expression from different artists. With all the booths, it was near impossible to pick just one to focus on. Plushies, comics, weapons, anyone could find something there for them.” – Ethan, Class of 2027
“I’d say overall it was a pretty decent convention. Whether talking to the artists or enjoying the game room, the con was good all around. Certainly a pillar of the local convention scene here in SW Virginia.” -William, Class of 2025
“Despite it being a smaller con, it was still really fun to have an excuse to go out in cosplay. It was a cute little con and was a nice change of pace since the lines weren’t as long, so you got a chance to speak with vendors and voice actors. Of course, meeting with people who have similar interests was fun as well!” – Michelle, Class of 2022, Alumni
If this is the type of event you’re looking for, be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s Big Lick Comic Con. You could say that this small convention is a “traveling con” because once it’s done in Roanoke, they begin planning a venue in Northern Virginia. If you miss the Roanoke venue and are up for a road trip, you can catch the venue April 15-16 at the Dulles Expo Center. And don’t worry, Big Lick Comic Con will return to Roanoke again for its Summer Celebration from August 5-6!