# All-Ages Fandom Event with Cosplay, Gaming & More
Dust off those capes, grab your favorite set of dice, and assemble from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, at the Main Library. It's a celebration of all the books, comics, games, TV shows, and movies you love... all in the heart of downtown Jacksonville! Make memories, make friends and show off your best cosplay or fandom-inspired art. This is a free event, open to the public.
# Get Your Cosplay On!
Make sure your fandom is represented! Dress up as your favorite hero, space wizard, movie monster or original D&D character! You might just win a prize (and bragging rights). There will be a Kids Costume Parade and two Cosplay Contests:
- Runway Category - if you purchased your costume from a store or another maker
- Craft Category - if you hand made your costume and props
Spots are limited and are first-come, first-served. Please check in with staff or volunteers to receive your contestant number as soon as you arrive.
Special Guests
Throughout the day, you'll also have the chance to interact with special guest cosplayers. You may know some of them from other Northeast Florida conventions or fandom events. While they won't be competing in the contest, they will be available for photos, cosplay or photo tips, and more. Some will even serve as judges! We are pleased to announce that Folio Weekly's "Best of Jax 2023" cosplayer Countess Alyx will return as emcee and guest judge.
# Gaming and Other Fandom Activities
Each year, we dedicate a whole floor to video games, tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs), board games, card games, and more. Here's a sneak peak at what we have in store for you in 2026:
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Video Game Tournaments with Extra Life
- Please show up at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time for each tournament.
- Free play options will also be available.
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Dungeons & Dragons
- Choose or create your own character
- Join a team of adventurers for a "one-shot" campaign
- Check out D&D manuals from the Library
- Check out other TTRPG rulebooks
Note: More activities, programs and events will be added soon including a special Teen Advisory Board meetup, Little Readers storytime, and workshops for teens and adults. Check back here soon!
# Wanted: Local Artists, Makers, Authors & More
Around 40 local creators will have the chance to showcase or sell their original and fandom-inspired creations in our Artists Alley! Throughout the day, con-goers can stop by to grab a selfie with cosplayers who inspire them, talk shop with fellow makers, discover local authors, network with future collaborators, or just grab an original print, sticker, plushie, or charm inspired by their favorite fandom!
Applications to exhibit at Jax Pop Con Vol. 3 will open in late 2025 or early 2026.
Get emails about Jax Pop Con and similar events!
# Knowledge is Power
Jax Pop Con is the perfect time to discover all of the ways you can borrow graphic novels, manga, D&D manuals and more! Main Library boasts one of the largest physical collections of these items out of our 21 locations. Here are some recommendations to get you started:
Zines, Local Comics, and More
Main Library also houses the Zine Collection with self-published zines and comics, mostly from creators right here in Northeast Florida! If this isn't your preferred location, you can always place a hold online and have the items sent to your local library for pickup.
You should also check out:
- Staff recommendations from the Fandom Book Cart, rolling around the First Floor
- Themed Book Displays in the Teen Room and Children's Room
- DIY tools like Novelist Plus to find your next read or "readalike"
- Personalized Booklist Request Form to get staff recommendations emailed to you
P.S.: If you're not already using Hoopla Digital to get free comics and manga, here's a sign from the universe (and your Library) that you should start now!
Don't have a Library card yet?
Duval County Public School students can use their student number for many of the things that require a library card, including checking out up to three books (or audiobooks) at a time. For access to Digital Library apps like Hoopla, faster checkout of your big book haul on the day of the event, and easier check-in at all the awesome programs you're going to want to attend, make sure you sign up for a library card online or in-person at your favorite Jacksonville Public Library location!
# Code of Conduct
Please keep in mind that this is an all-ages event. Additionally:
- Be aware of Library policy, specifically the Code of Conduct, while attending
- Costumes, cosplays, and general attire must provide the same level of body coverage expected under the Code of Conduct
- Library staff or security personnel may inspect any item or costume at any time
- Failure to comply with these instructions may result in immediate removal from the event
If you have questions, please visit the Security Desk inside the Library during the event.
Never Visited the Main Library?
For information about parking, tours and more, visit our location page! During special events, the Duval Street Parking Garage charges a special event rate of $5 for the day (and there is no validation for library visitors). Fee is due upon entry.
Street parking in Downtown Jacksonville is free on the weekends.
Note: All attendees must enter the library through the entrance at 303 N. Laura Street. The Conference Center doors on Main Street will be closed for this event.
