PopCon to return for first time in four years

Do you have a movie character costume tucked away that needs some time in the sun? Or maybe you’re keen to talk about the latest video games? Then this is the event for you!

PopCon – Ballarat’s pop culture convention – returns in 2023 and will be held on Saturday 16 September.

Hosted by the City of Ballarat’s youth-led FReeZA committee Sonika, PopCon is a space to express appreciation for the fun parts of the media we consume, including comics, television, film, video games, role play games, and anime.

PopCon seeks to connect Ballarat’s young people in the “pop culture” scene, support local businesses, and create a safe and inclusive community event. It is an engaging community event that includes a cosplay competition, market stalls, workshops, talks, demonstrations, and other activities.

It is the fourth time the event has been held, but the first time since 2019 due to difficulties posed by the COVID pandemic.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said it promised to be a day of fun and frivolity for the young people of Ballarat.

"It’s great to see events like this coming back to life and catering to such a wide array of audiences,” he said.

“PopCon in Ballarat is all about celebrating and engaging with pop culture. Everything from comics to movies, TV to videogames, anime and internet hits can be found at the event.

“To have an event organised by our young people, for our young people, is just fantastic and I can’t wait to see what Saturday brings.”

Implementing PopCon aligns closely with the City of Ballarat’s Youth Strategy 2022-2026, as well as Goal 2 of the Council Plan 2021-2015: A healthy, connected and inclusive community.

The FReeZA program is a Victorian state government funded initiative that gives young people (12-25 years) the opportunity to lead the planning and staging of live music, arts and cultural events within their local communities. The program gives all participants hands-on experience and training through extensive event management, mentoring and networking opportunities.

PopCon will be held on Saturday, 16 September from 10am to 5pm at Barkly Square, 25 Barkly Street, Ballarat East.

Head to Sonika’s Instagram and Facebook pages for more information on PopCon, including registration in the Cos Play Costume Competition.

PopCon takes place during Victorian Youth Fest 2023, a month-long celebration across Victoria highlighting the contributions and achievements of young people in their communities.  

For more information about Youth Fest and to see all the Ballarat-based activities and events, visit the Ballarat Youth Services Instagram and Facebook pages.