GalaxyCon creators on Friday confirmed that their winter convention, “Animate! Raleigh,” will be postponed due to a fire weeks earlier on the roof of the Raleigh Convention Center.
The convention, which was created after the success of GalaxyCon, was scheduled to take place on January 9 through January 11. Organizers said the convention center informed them this week that they could not guarantee they would be able to run the event as planned.
“While we are disappointed that we can’t hold the event on our original dates, the comfort and safety of our attendees will always take priority,” Convention organizers said in a statement sent to WRAL News. “We are thankful that the convention center and hotels were able to work with us quickly to find a solution.”
In 2025, convention organizers estimated they had more than 10,000 people, estimating it would generate $4 million in economic impact in Raleigh.
The convention is just one of several events that were either postponed or canceled due to a fire at the convention center, including two cheerleading competitions, a statewide cybersecurity conference and a trade show.
On Monday, Dec 1, a fire broke out on the roof of the convention center, sending smoke billowing into the Raleigh skyline. According to Raleigh authorities, the fire was started by a gas leak. City leaders said the roof of the convention center suffered fire and water damage and needed to be repaired, with Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell saying the convention center would need some time to get reopened to the public on a normal basis.
Animate! organizers said the convention will take place on March 13 through March 15. In addition, organizers said all tickets that were purchased already will be honored for the new date, and current ticket holders will receive a free ticket to their new horror event, Nightmare Weekend Raleigh, on October 10 through October 11.