Ballarat PopCon draws hundreds for cosplay and gaming event
PopCon Ballarat drew hundreds on Sunday for costumes, workshops, art, gaming and free activities across the city center.
PopCon Ballarat drew more people this year. Hundreds came on Sunday for the yearly cosplay and pop culture event.
The event moved to Civic Hall and the library area for the second year. The event had grown too big for earlier spaces.
Organisers set up LARP workshops, sword-fighting shows, more than 50 stalls, gaming, art and activities for all ages. Costumes ranged from simple monk robes to full fantasy armour and superhero suits.
Event organiser Jasmine McBride said the creativity and welcoming spirit drew people of all ages. Many locals had to travel to Melbourne before for similar events.
Hosting PopCon in Ballarat cuts travel costs and removes barriers for people to join.
- Hundreds
- Attendance
- More than 50
- Stalls
- September 27, 2026
- Event date
- 2
- Years at current venue
Why it mattersPopCon shows strong community interest in free, welcoming events that celebrate pop culture and creativity in smaller cities.
AustraliaBallarat residents can now attend a major cosplay event locally instead of travelling to Melbourne, cutting costs and boosting the city's cultural calendar.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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