Superheroes, wizards, princesses and pop culture fans of all ages are invited to gather for the return of PopCon, one of Ballarat's most vibrant and anticipated community events.
Taking over the Ballarat Library and Civic Hall on Sunday, 27 September from 11am to 4pm, PopCon Ballarat 2026 will deliver a fun-filled day of cosplay, gaming, art, creativity and fandom, featuring more than 50 stalls and a program of free activities for all ages.
Organised by Sonika, Ballarat's youth-led Amplify Committee, with support from the City of Ballarat's Youth Services team, PopCon celebrates the diverse worlds of movies, television, books, gaming, anime, fantasy and science fiction.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves joined PopCon community partners and volunteers to celebrate the event's return and recognise the young people who bring it to life each year.
"The success of PopCon is a testament to the dedication, creativity and passion of the young people who plan and deliver this event. Their enthusiasm has transformed PopCon into a much-loved fixture on Ballarat's events calendar," she said.
"With so many free activities on offer, it's a fantastic family-friendly day out during the school holidays, giving people of all ages the chance to have fun and connect with others."
Since launching in 2017, PopCon has continued to grow in popularity, attracting thousands of attendees and outgrowing previous venues. Its move to the Ballarat Library and Civic Hall in 2025 has enabled the event to grow even further while maintaining the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that has become a hallmark of PopCon.
A range of local organisations and community groups will bring exciting experiences to the event, including the return of Good Games Ballarat, which will host tabletop gaming activities throughout the day.
Pictured: The Good Games Ballarat Team who will host tabletop gaming activities throughout the day
Attendees can also browse artist and maker stalls, meet authors, discover local creators, explore collectibles and participate in hands-on craft activities designed for all ages and abilities.
An exciting addition to this year's program is a community partnership with local live action role play (LARP) group Imagined Realms, who will bring immersive fantasy experiences and interactive activities for attendees to enjoy.
Pictured: Imagined Realms will host free immersive Live Action Role Play activities for all ages at PopCon 2026
One of the day's most anticipated highlights will be the Cosplay Competition at 2.30pm, showcasing the talent of participants from across the region. Cosplay enthusiasts can sign up to take part in the competition at https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/community/youth-services/popcon
Those who would prefer not to compete can still highlight their creativity by joining the Cosplay Parade. Open to all cosplayers, the parade offers a chance to step into the spotlight and showcase costumes with fellow attendees.
Pictured: Cosplayers at PopCon 2025. Image credit: Meda Design AU
The event will once again feature a dedicated Chill Space, providing a quiet and supportive environment where attendees can take a break and engage in sensory activities away from the excitement of the main event.
PopCon supports the priorities of the City of Ballarat's Youth Strategy 2022-2026 by uplifting young people's voices, strengthening social connections, fostering creativity and pathways to entrepreneurship, leadership and community participation.
The Sonika volunteer team has spent the past six months planning and preparing to bring this year's event to life.
"Being involved in Sonika and planning PopCon has given us the opportunity to develop new skills, work as a team and create an event that brings people together," said volunteer Chandra.
"We're really proud of what we've planned for this year's event and can't wait to welcome the community through the doors."
