There's still plenty of fandom, gaming and anime to experience at pop culture conventions in 2018-2019
In the first half of 2018 Australians have been getting amongst some of the best pop culture and gaming conventions that have blessed our shores over the summer.
There are plenty more ahead. If you are a seasoned cosplayer or gamer, obsessed with anime and Japanese culture, or a mad Trekky, there is something for everyone.
From the quintessential to the quirky and queer, save the dates and start costume planning!
May pop culture conventions
Adelaide
Press Play by Oz Comicon | Thursday May 10 | The Gov, Hindmarsh
Dancing, pop culture trivia and Championships of Cosplay. This event is 18+.
Melbourne
Freeplay | 22 - 27 May | various locations
Independent Games Festival
Perth
Press Play by Oz Comicon | Saturday May 12 | The Badlands
Dancing, pop culture trivia and Championships of Cosplay. This event is 18+.
Sydney
Central Coast Comicon | Saturday 5 May | Gosford Showgrounds
Cosplay, Anime, games and the Apocalyptic Village. Guests include SciFi writers and Hollywood art directors.
Wollongong
Comic Gong | Saturday 19 May | Wollongong Library
Celebrating a love of comics, graphic novels, gaming and Cosplay.
June pop culture conventions
Brisbane
MadFest Anime festival | 2 - 3 June | Brisbane Convention Centre
The lineup and events for this are huge. Check out the website for the full suite.
Townsville
MagnetiCon | 2 - 3 June | Townsville RSL Stadium
Special guests include Kevin Sorbo aka Hercules and comic artist Dean Rankine of The Simpsons fame. Be entertained by The Infamous Geek main stage.
Hobart
Steampunk | 30 June | George Town
An inspired mix of science-fiction novels and 19th century British Victorian and Wild West America. Food, costumes, dancing, and drinking are the order of this day.
Find inspiration here:
- Banned black steampunk Victorian dress
- Steampunk Victorian men's costume
Melbourne
Oz ComicCon | 9 - 10 June | Convention and Exhibition Centre
Television and film, cosplay, anime and manga, gaming and comics. A fantastic lineup of actors, comic artists, activities and action at this one!
Continuum | 8 - 11 June | Jasper Hotel
An annual fan run speculative fiction and pop culture convention celebrating creativity across genres and media.
Queer Expo | 30 June - 1 July | St Kilda Town Hall
Australia’s first ever full-scale LGBTI and queer culture expo. Meet VIP guests and celebrate diversity and equality.
Perth
Supanova | 22- 24 June | Exhibition and Convention Centre.
A weekend of ComiCon and gaming and huge celebrity guests confirmed.
Sydney
Supanova | 15 - 17 June | Sydney Showground Olympic Park
ComiCon and gaming and big-name celebrity guests you can meet from Game of Thrones, Arrow, and The Walking Dead.
Albury
BorderCon | 8 - 11 June | Best Western Plus Hovell Tree Inn
Four days of social gaming. Meet fellow gamers and access to thousands of games. Fantastic prizes are up for grabs too!
Costume ideas for you:
July pop culture conventions
Adelaide
AVCON | 20 - 22 July | Adelaide Convention Centre
Anime and video games festival features the Madman National Cosplay Championship, Cosplay Parade with special guests, and anime screenings.
Shepparton
ShepparCon | 7 - 8 July | GV Hotel
Digital life is left behind at ShepparCon, the board gamers convention. Access board game libraries, enjoy good food and coffee, door prizes and challenge fellow board game devotees.
Sydney
SMASH | 14 - 15 July | Exhibition Centre
For lovers of Japanese pop culture, anime and cosplay fandom. There’s a maid cafe, performances, and talks from animations best directors and voice actors.
August pop culture conventions
Canberra
Gamma.Con | 4 - 5 August | Exhibition Park
You’ll want to go for the full two days to experience the feast of gaming tournaments, arts and community area, comic book guests, cosplay, and panels and workshops on offer.
Melbourne
Animaga | 11 - 12 August | Royal Exhibition Centre
Two chocka-block days full of manga, gaming, and Japanese culture. It’s the place for fans, traders, and industry leaders from all over to connect, and celebrate this growing movement.
MadFest Anime festival | 15 - 16 September | Brisbane Convention Centre
Brought to you by the Madman Anime brand, the lineup and events for this is huge. Check out the website for full details.
September pop culture conventions
Brisbane
Oz ComicCon | 22 - 23 September | Exhibition and Convention Centre
It’s a big one! Television and film, cosplay, anime and manga, and of course - gaming and comics. The guest line up is still to be confirmed, but if Melbourne is anything to go by, it will be all-star.
Canberra
Conflux | 29 September - 1 October | Vibe Hotel
Writers, readers and fans of sci-fi and horror in all mediums it takes on are invited to Conflux this year. This year’s theme is The Unconventional Hero.
Melbourne
VidCon | 31 August - 1 September | Exhibition and Convention Centre
Interested in the world of online video? Whether you are a pure fan, creator or producer in the industry, VidCon has plenty to get you buzzing over the two-day event.
Sydney
Oz ComicCon | 29 - 30 September | International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour
Two jam-packed days of film and television, cosplay, anime and manga, gaming and comics.
Need inspiration?
- One Piece Monkey D. Luffy costume
- Naruto Kakashi Sensei costume
- Mad Hatter women's costume
October pop culture conventions
Adelaide
Oz Trek 14 | 6 October | venue to be confirmed
Star Trek convention
Melbourne
Oz Trek 14 | 13 October | venue to be confirmed
Star Trek convention
PAX Aus | | 26 - 28 October | venue to be confirmed
With a mammoth exhibition hall, a panel of distinguished guests and performances, you will be buzzing at PAX. Competitive gamers can sign up for the Omegathon to test their skills.
Sydney
Oz Trek 14 | 14 October | venue to be confirmed
Star Trek convention
SYDCON | 30 September - 2 October | St Scholastica's College, Glebe
Individuals and groups, new and experienced role players are welcome to SYDCON. Bring your dice and your imagination and take part. It’s nice on price too at $6 for most sessions.
SciFi Film Festival | 18 - 21 October | Event Cinemas
If science fiction, fantasy and horror movies are your thing, don’t miss the Sydney SciFi Film Festival. In addition to screenings, there are panels, contests, Q&As with filmmakers and their crew, and celebrity guests.
Wodonga
Border Dimensions | 6 October | The Cube
Celebrating all things anime, gaming, cosplay, sci-fi and fantasy.
November pop culture conventions
Adelaide
Supanova | 2 - 4 November | Adelaide Showgrounds
With Adelaide and Brisbane Supanova still a while away, the schedule and guests are still being finalised. It’s worth a look at the amazing upcoming Sydney event to get a taste.
Brisbane
Supanova | 9 - 11 | Convention and Exhibition Centre
Check out Supanova Adelaide above for information on this one! Also worth a look i the previously held Melbourne and Gold Coast events to see what might be in store for Brisbane fans.
Who are you going as?
