by Tara Adams
Writer, Haunt Hunters App
A new pop culture convention blending modern flair and retro vibes will kick off Friday in New Jersey, bringing with it star power from music, television, movies, sports, and pro-wrestling.
Chill Out Expo is set for October 24-25, 2025, at Hanover Marriott in Whippany, N.J. Admission tickets are $10 online at chilloutnj.com through midnight Tuesday and $20 at the door.
The convention took shape after New York-based Promoter Tom Unger, who has more than 30 years experience in the business, wanted to create a pop culture expo with guests and vendors covering all genres and eras, said Eric Nyenhuis, whom Unger hired as marketing director.
The lengthy celebrity lineup includes Gene Simmons of KISS, Alec Baldwin, William Shatner, Ann Margret, Ice-T and Coco, Kane, a CHiPs reunion, and Dennis Rodman. Many other celebrity guests and more than 100 vendors are scheduled for the weekend.
Chill Out Expo aims to create an upbeat atmosphere where nostalgia is celebrated, its impact on pop culture is recognized, and all are welcome to be themselves, he said.
“I would like people to know that this is a safe space for everybody to be themselves,” he said. “Where else can I dress up like The Flash and not be made fun of?”
Whether patrons want to cosplay, shop for unique toys and merchandise from vendors, or meet their favorite celebrities, Nyenhuis is encouraging people to stop by the event.
Not only has the event attracted big names, it's also generating buzz online.
The convention's website reached more than 30,000 hits in a month, and its Instagram page has generated more than 80,000 views in 28 days, Nyenhuis said.
He credits a low admission cost, a celebrity lineup that appeals to a wide range of fans, and a positive marketing campaign as reasons for the interest in the expo.
“Tell me where there's anything else this cool to do in New Jersey for ten bucks,” Nyenhuis said. “Even if I could just walk by Gene Simmons and see him for ten dollars, I would do it.”
There are additional costs for autographs and photographs with celebrities. Prices are set by the stars, not the convention.
Fans of KISS, one of the most recognizable and influential rock bands in history, will be able to meet Simmons, founding member of the band.
The fire-breathing, blood-spitting, tongue wagging bassist, also known as the Demon, will be on hand both days of the convention for autographs and pictures.
Simmons is also offering his Dinner With The Demon event, in which 20 fans will attend an intimate VIP party with the God of Thunder on Saturday night.
The dinner includes food and drinks for the ticketholder and a guest, three personalized autographs, photos and videos, and a metallic 11x14 limited edition print, according to the Chill Out Expo website.
Chill Out Expo is sponsored by Progresso, The Big Event promotions, and Cafe Grumpy, which also sponsors organizations such as The Felix Organization, Starlight Children's Foundation, and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
For the full guest lineup, tickets, photo op tickets, schedules and updates, visit chilloutnj.com.
