Jax Pop Con

All-Ages Fandom, Cosplay & Gaming Event

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. 

Activities include:

• Cosplay contests (and prizes)
• Free face painting and balloons
• Themed storytimes at 10:15 and 11 a.m.
• Interactions with special guest cosplayers
• Artists Alley (featuring 40+ local creators)
• Video game tournaments & free play
• Dungeons & Dragons games
• Free workshops for teens and adults

A full schedule of events will be added soon.

Get Your Cosplay On

Dress up as your favorite hero, space wizard, movie monster or original D&D character. You might just win a prize (and bragging rights). Folio Weekly's "Best of Jax 2023" cosplayer Countess Alyx will return as emcee and guest judge, along with a few of their cosplay friends.

In addition to a Kids Costume Parade (just for fun), there will be two Cosplay Contests: 

• Runway Category - if you purchased a costume from a store or another maker
• Craft Category - if you made your costume and props by hand

Any kids who show up in costume are welcome to join the Parade. Cosplay Contest 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. 

Cosplay Photo Booths

For those interested, local photographer Jeremy Bacon of Port of Call Photography will set up a photo booth, selling professional photos to cosplayers and congoers (for a small fee). Free DIY Photo Booths (and props) will also be set up in the Promenade, Children's Room and Conference Level.

Meet Special Guest Cosplayers

Throughout the day, you'll have the chance to interact with them and other special guest cosplayers, including members of Costumers with a Cause and Black in Jax Anime. You may know some of these fine folks from other Northeast Florida conventions or fandom events. While they won't be competing in the Cosplay Contest, they will be available for photos, cosplay or photo tips, and more. You'll find some of them in Artists Alley, while others will be roving around the event floor. 

A list of confirmed guests will be available soon.

Visit 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. Around 40 local artists will showcase or sell their original and fandom-inspired creations! 

The deadline for applications was Jan. 31. Artists will be notified of their acceptance by Feb. 23.

Play Games at Jax Pop Con

Each year, we dedicate a whole floor to video games, tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs), board games, card games, and more. We are proud to partner with Extra Life Jax, GAAM, and other local gamers, including the Library's own Games Committee. Note: If participating in a tournament, please show up at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time for each tournament (times TBA).

On the Conference Level:

• Video Game Tournaments with Extra Life Jax
  • Super Smash Bros. (Nintendo Switch) - all ages
  • Street Fighter 6 (Playstation 5)
  • Tekken 8 (Playstation 5)
• Free Play Gaming Options:
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch)
  • Dragonball Z (Playstation 4)
  • Rocket League (XBox)
  • Overcooked 2 (Nintendo)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
  • Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Series
  • Marvel Cosmic Invasion
• Dungeons & Dragons
  • Choose or create your own character
  • Join a team of adventurers for a "one-shot" campaign
  • Check out D&D rule books and supplemental guides
  • Check out other TTRPG rulebooks
• Blood on the Clocktower RPG (starting at 11 a.m.)

More Activities for Gamers

• Escape Me Mobile (escape room experience)
  • Featuring themed puzzles and immersive storytelling
  • Parked just outside the Library's main entrance (Laura St.)
• Super Smash Bros. Teen Tournament
  • Join GAAM Good in the Teen Room
• Paint-and-Take Mini Game Pieces (while supplies last)
• MagiKids: Magic the Gathering Tutorial and Starter Pack Giveaway (while supplies last)

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? 

Street parking in Downtown Jacksonville is free on the weekends. 

During special events, the Duval Street Parking Garage (33 W. Duval St.) charges a special event rate of $5 for the day (and there is no validation for library visitors). Fee is due upon entry. For information about parking, tours and more, visit our location page! 

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.

Knowledge is Power

Get a Free Library Card

Did you know? Duval County Public School, KIPP Jax and Becoming Collegiate Academy 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 the full benefits of a resident card (including access to Digital Library apps), faster checkout of your big book haul, and easier check-in the awesome programs you're going to want to attend, make sure you sign up for a library card online. You can also sign up in-person before or at the event!

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.