Downtown Raleigh is buzzing this weekend with one of its biggest events back in full swing: GalaxyCon.
Now, on its third day, the convention is drawing thousands of attendees and contributing millions to the local economy.
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On Saturday, downtown Raleigh saw big names, big crowds, and big costumes.
GalaxyCon has filled every square inch of the Raleigh Convention Center, with organizers calling it their biggest event yet.
"They've expanded so much." Sage Friar, Michigan Resident said.
Fans drawn from across the country, including Sage Friar, who came all the way from Michigan.
"I came down here to hang out with my friends, so I'm actually really excited," Friar said.
Fans' passion was on full display, especially in the intricate costumes.
"This was made, self-made, myself," said Dat Ling, an Attack on Titan fan.
Some costumes, like Dat's, take weeks or even longer to create.
For Kam Norfleet, this year marked his first serious foray into cosplay.
"I just love the Silent Hill franchise," he said.
Others brought creations from a galaxy far, far away.
Cary resident Chacho de Lima spent six years building his R2D2 from scratch.
"This one's fully RC controlled, so he has all his sounds, and if he sees somebody from the Empire, he freaks out," Chacho said.
This year's GalaxyCon features over three dozen actors, acres of merchandise, and a packed four-day schedule of events, enough to engage the entire family.
"I enjoy doing it because she enjoys doing it, and now we've got my grandson and my daughter involved," said Karen Daniels, who attended with her whole family.
"It's a beautiful experience," Ling said.