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Gladstone Region's biggest pop culture event, PopCon, is back and Hulk-sized! Event date: 3pm-8pm Saturday, 13 September 2025. Competitions are open now!
Gladstone PopCon
The annual PopCon event is a convergence of innovation, pop culture and fandom that celebrates the spirit of the independent creator and their fans.
PopCon will be held on Saturday 13 September, 2025 from 3pm-8pm across the GECC, Library Square and Library, offering an array of entertainment including workshops, guest speakers, Cosplay Competition, market stalls, food vendors and much more.
Show off your cosplay skills, check out the displays, treat yourself at the market stalls and make some new friends.
Up for a challenge? Don’t miss the cosplay competition and parade! Open for all ages.
To keep up to date on the latest offerings at this year’s PopCon follow us on Facebook!
Cosplay Competition & Parade
In 2025, PopCon will again hold a Cosplay Competition and Cosplay Parade. PopCon invites Cosplay enthusiasts of all ages to enter the competition and be a part of the parade.
There will be one Cosplay Parade for Cosplayers of all ages.
- Meeting Time: 5:05pm
- Location: Meet at corner of Roseberry St & Goondoon St infront of Auswide Bank
- Parade Time: 5:15pm
The Cosplay Parade is not a judged event. Participants may enter the Cosplay Parade as well as the official Cosplay Championship. No registration for the parade.
The Cosplay Championship will have four competition categories –Best in Show, Crowd Favourite, Best Prop and Best Skit, with prizes awarded to the winner of each category.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Online Registrations Open: Thursday 28 August 2025
- Online Registrations Close: Thursday 11 September - if you miss this date, you can register in person at the event from 3pm-5pm.
- Pre-Judging Time: 6pm – meet at the GECC Merch Desk
- Competition Time: 7.20pm – 8pm – meet at marshalling point (side stage)
View Terms and Conditions | Weapons Terms and Conditions
Character Crib Competition
Let your imagination run wild. Create your very own personalised Character Crib!
The Crib can be inspired by a beloved superhero, a famous movie, or an original concept, but it should always showcase a clear and engaging story.
Tip: Judges will be looking for the most creative Character Crib, so have some fun with it, get creative and let your imagination run wild.
Bonus points: Competitors are encouraged to bring their Character Crib to life—whether each room tells its own unique story or the entire Crib follows one cohesive narrative.
Registrations close 4.30pm Wednesday, 10 September 2025 (or until all spots are filled).
Note: Once registered, don't forget to collect your blank Character Crib from the GECC Box Office - 56 Goondoon St, Gladstone Central, 4680.
Please contact the Community Events team for any additional information or inquiries at communityevents@gladstone.qld.gov.au or (07) 4972 2822.
