HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Centenary University will host its third annual pop culture convention, CycloneCon 2026, on April 11 at its Hackettstown campus, featuring celebrity guests, vendors and a wide range of fan-focused activities.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be headlined by Emmy-nominated actor and Hackettstown native Jimmi Simpson, who will take part in an interview at the Sitnik Theater. Special guest Tim Jacobus, the original illustrator for the “Goosebumps” book series by R.L. Stine, will also appear.
CycloneCon will highlight a variety of fandoms, including comics, anime, horror and video games. Organizers said attendees can expect an exhibitor hall with more than 90 vendors, artists, authors and independent game developers, along with a cosplay masquerade, food trucks and a Super Smash Bros tournament hosted by the County College of Morris Student Electronic Gaming Organization.
The event will also include free workshops and activities such as stage combat, theatrical makeup, voice acting, pitch writing and kids drawing, as well as panels on cosplay and fashion, trivia events and a horror movie screening with a question-and-answer session.
“CycloneCon 2026 reflects what we love about fandoms: Storytelling, imagination, and community,” said Associate Professor of English Erica McCrystal, Ph.D., who is coordinating the event. “From the exhibitor hall to workshops, gaming, cosplay, and special guests, we can’t wait to share another unforgettable day with students, families, and visitors at CycloneCon on the Centenary University campus.”
Advance tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for Centenary University students and Hackettstown middle and high school students. Children under 12 are free. Tickets and exhibitor or sponsorship information are available online.
