While tens of thousands were inside the Raleigh Convention Center on Saturday for GalaxyCon, others braved intense heat and donned costumes on Fayetteville Street for the event's first ever Street Fest.
The outdoor festival gave cosplay enthusiasts and fan groups a free taste of Raleigh's largest convention.
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"Sometimes what stops people from coming and experiencing it is the money," said GalaxyCon attendee Samantha Gill. "Because this is free to everyone, it's like a taste tester before you go the actual convention,"
Tickets to enter the convention center's doors for GalaxyCon can cost between $45 and $90, depending on the day, according to the event's website. Four-day passes cost $179.
In City Plaza, visitors experienced celebrity autographs, fudge-eating contests, and live pro wrestling without needing a pass.
Organizers call Street Fest the next evolution of the fandom festival, which visitors say is crucial to growing the event.
"It just adds to the crowds each year and see it grow," said visitor Jake Fogg.
Organizers expect up to 50,000 people to take part in GalaxyCon this year, an event that's estimated to add millions of dollars to the local economy.
For Gill, who dressed as Marvel character Loki, GalaxyCon's Street Fest was another opportunity to experience the event in a new way with her family.
"I get to see different people and make new friends. We both share fandom interests so we get to do events together," said Gill.
WRAL has a full list of GalaxyCon's Street Fest schedule online. The festival is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.