Firefly Shop | Upside Down Con - October 2024

October 2024 marked an incredibly special chapter in my convention journey—a return to the con scene for something truly unique and unforgettable. This time, I made my way to Jackson, Georgia for the Upside Down Convention, a fan event held in the very town where this iconic series is filmed. To say this experience was surreal is an understatement. After all, it’s not every day that you get to attend a convention in the heart of the Stranger Things universe, especially while the crew was busy filming the highly anticipated Season 5, the final season of the show!

Jackson, Georgia, with its mix of charming Southern streets and eerie vibes, has become synonymous with Stranger Things thanks to its role as one of the show’s primary filming locations. The minute I stepped into the town, I was surrounded by familiar spots from Hawkins, Indiana. Walking through the town square, I kept thinking: This is where this scene was filmed and this is where this scene was filmed. There was a feeling of excitement in the air, and I couldn’t help but geek out every time I recognized a location or set piece from the show. It was like stepping straight into Stranger Things itself!

What made this convention even more magical was that while we were all celebrating the show, the cast and crew were actively filming in between the days of the convention. It was surreal to think that while we were here celebrating Stranger Things, the grand finale of the show was currently being filmed. Fans weren't just celebrating the show—we were living right in the middle of its creation!

Setting up my booth at the Stranger Things Convention was nothing short of a dream come true. I had spent months crafting merchandise inspired by the show—Steve Harrington sweatshirts, Hawkins and Upside Down embroidered sweaters, Stranger Things accessories, and more. Each item was designed with love, passion, and a deep connection to the fandom and the show that had inspired it all. As I set up my booth at the convention, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. Being part of a fandom that has had such a profound impact on pop culture and brought fans together in such a meaningful way is truly a privilege.

One of the absolute highlights of any convention for me is interacting with fellow fans, and this one was no different. From cosplayers dressed as Eleven to die-hard Steve Harrington fans, everyone had a story to share. I had so much fun chatting with fans about their favorite scenes, characters, and moments from the show. It was heartwarming to hear how Stranger Things had shaped their lives and to bond over the fandom that we all hold dear. And, honestly, it was unbelievably amazing to see fans walking around in my Stranger Things inspired designs—especially when they took photos with their favorite actors while wearing my merchandise. It’s moments like these that make all the hard work worth it!

But nothing could have prepared me for getting to interact with the Stranger Things cast. As part of the convention, there were photo ops where I got the chance to meet some of the stars in person. I was completely starstruck meeting actors like Joe Keery, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, and many more! These interactions were so special to me, not just because I was meeting the faces behind some of my favorite characters, but because I got to share with them my designs based on their iconic roles. Seeing their reactions as I presented them with Stranger Things merchandise I had created was a surreal moment. Their genuine excitement and appreciation for the pieces was unforgettable.

Another unforgettable part of this experience was the chance to visit actual filming locations around Jackson. We got to explore several iconic sites like Hawkins High School, the Hawkins Laboratory, and even smaller, memorable locations like the gas station where Alexei has his famous cherry slurpee moment! Being able to step foot in these iconic places, the very locations where so many unforgettable scenes were filmed, felt like a dream. It was such a treat to see these spots up close and take in the atmosphere of the places that make Stranger Things feel so real.

As the convention wrapped up, I was left with a profound sense of gratitude and joy. This wasn’t just any convention—it was a celebration of a show that has brought so many of us together, both as fans and creators. It was an opportunity to connect with fellow Stranger Things lovers, interact with the incredible cast, and truly feel like part of the show’s world. And, of course, experiencing all of this in Jackson, the town that serves as the backdrop for so much of the show, made it all the more magical.

Thank you, Jackson, for the memories, the magic, and for being at the center of the Stranger Things universe during such a historic time. The Upside Down will always hold a special place in my heart!

~ Isabelle M.
Firefly Shop