Troopercon is arriving this Saturday, bringing Long Island its own slice of a galaxy far, far away. The free, fan-powered Star Wars event will take over Levittown Hall in Hicksville on December 6 at 10 a.m., and Troopercon is shaping up to be one of the most immersive fandom experiences of the season. Built around the beloved work of the 501st Legion, Troopercon offers fans a look at how screen-accurate Star Wars villains power real-world charity and community work.
At its core, Troopercon highlights the Empire City Garrison of the 501st Legion, part of a global Star Wars costuming organization with more than 20,000 members across 67 countries. Known for its motto “bad guys doing good,” the group raises money for charities, visits children’s hospitals, and brings iconic Star Wars characters to life with painstaking accuracy. Members often spend months, even years, building armor that must pass a rigorous approval system before hitting the floor.
On Saturday, attendees can meet Legion members, explore life-sized sets like Tatooine, a trash compactor, and a speeder bike, and learn how these movie-quality costumes are made. Activities include Blast a Trooper, Jedi training demonstrations from the Rebel Legion and Saber Guild, and chances to see how the many Star Wars groups on Long Island use cosplay to support their communities.
Veteran members say Troopercon represents the spirit of the fandom: charity, connection, and storytelling. Many have built long-running careers in cosplay, performing at hospitals, ballparks, and major events — all in service of bringing joy into people’s lives. Families who cosplay together say they’re excited to pass that tradition on, watching young fans meet characters they’ve only seen on screen.
Read our full story on Troopercon here.
For newcomers curious about joining the Legion or learning how to start a costume, Troopercon offers guidance, resources, and real-life examples. It’s also a celebration of modern fan culture, a far cry from the days when wearing a costume invited ridicule. Today, events like Troopercon show how welcoming and creative the community has become.
Above all, the charity component remains the heart of the event. While this year’s featured beneficiary is expected to be Make-A-Wish Foundation, organizers say they often tailor their fundraising to causes close to members’ hearts. Funds raised by the Legion go directly to charity partners, reinforcing their mission to use the power of Star Wars for good.
Troopercon arrives this Saturday with the promise of movie magic, community spirit, and a celebration of the saga that changed storytelling forever. For fans young and old, this weekend in Hicksville may feel as close to stepping onto a Lucasfilm set as it gets.
