There are good parties at San Diego Comic-Con, and then there’s the party — the one that somehow manages to outdo itself every year. With free food, flowing drinks, and high-voltage entertainment, Fandom’s annual Thursday night bash has long been the crown jewel of the con’s after-hours scene for attendees. This year, it somehow managed to outdo itself yet again, delivering a celebration that felt bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever — and proving why it’s a must-attend for both fans and industry insiders alike.

Held at the rooftop oasis FLOAT at the Hard Rock Hotel, this year’s event was presented in partnership with Universal Orlando Resort, celebrating the upcoming Universal Epic Universe theme park — as well as Bandai Namco’s Code Vein II, as well as Z2 Comics, and Santaverse’s The Elf on the Shelf.

And together, they helped deliver what might be Fandom’s most unforgettable night yet. Universal was the big winner of the evening, offering five fantastical worlds to explore, in celebration of the new Universal Epic Universe theme park. Fans could pose for photos with Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon, enjoy the Celestial Park bar (stocked with Mike’s HARDER Lemonade), score a Niffler giveaway from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and more.

There was also a scavenger hunt hosted by none other than The Elf on the Shelf (who, yes, was also available for selfies — and yes, we took one). Bandai Namco brought a life-sized replica of the Motorcycle Forma from the upcoming Code Vein II, which fans queued for.

Z2 Comics rolled out the red carpet — literally — with a slick 360° camera setup that gave celebrities the chance to strike a pose. Throughout the night, the star power was on full display, with appearances from Dan Aykroyd, David Dastmalchian, Robert Sheehan, Jim Lee, Steve Agee, and more. Fandom is one of the few parties at Comic-Con where celebrities and fans can mingle, making everyone feel like part of the celebration.

The balloon dancers also went all out this year, towering on stilts and turning the party into a full-on spectacle that rivaled last year.

But even with the activations, photo ops, and fan perks, the heartbeat of the night came from the stage. The All-American Rejects brought an energy that felt genuinely electric — the crowd was more into the performance than we’ve ever seen at a Fandom party, and that’s saying something. They worked through their biggest hits, while still bringing a rebellious energy to the con. They were live-streaming the evening to The Maclean Brothers, who are currently rowing across the Pacific Ocean to raise funds for clean water projects, and called out the tech bros in the audience with deep pockets to donate. The biggest surprise of the evening came when Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) stepped out onstage for a surprise appearance, dressed in a Spider-Man costume.

If we have one minor quibble, it’s that we missed the food stations. This year, the food was passed around on trays only, which meant the waiters were swarmed as soon as they appeared, and they often didn’t get very far.

But still, as far as parties at Comic-Con go, there is nothing more joyful, immersive, or interactive than Fandom, who truly understands what attendees are looking for in an after-hours event. We’re already counting the days to next year.