Cover image courtesy of Pop Con Indy
Indianapolis has long been a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, home to iconic sporting events, fabulously inventive microbreweries and a thriving foodie scene. Now, it’s also a hotspot for pop culture enthusiasts.
That’s right folks, PopCon is coming back to Indy once again! This high-energy event is for fans of all things geeky and fantastic, a convergence of popular anime and art, cosplay and comics, movies and music. For the 10th year in a row, this is a chance to have a wild, wonderful time connecting with some of your heroes and meeting new friends who share your pop culture interests.
When Is PopCon Indy?
The Indiana Convention Center at 100 S. Capitol Ave. is hosting this fabulous three-day event. From Friday, Aug. 25 to Sunday, Aug. 27, attendees can completely immerse themselves in a captivating world of pop culture.
Just be sure to mark your calendars and book your tickets in advance to secure your spot at this extraordinary gathering.
What Can You Do at PopCon Indy?
At PopCon, visitors are treated to an expansive array of interactive exhibits that cater to just about every pop culture aficionado. Exhibitions range from displays of rare comic book collections and intricate movie props to “artist alleys” full of both established and emerging creators and a bustling marketplace brimming with merchandise.
Avid gamers, too, will find that PopCon is a dream come true. The convention dedicates a significant portion of its space to gaming, featuring both tabletop and video games. PopCon participants are encouraged to engage in gaming tournaments, try out the latest releases, or join friendly matches with fellow enthusiasts. From classic arcade cabinets to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, PopCon ensures that gamers of all ages can find their bliss in this dynamic realm – whether Magic, The Gathering or Galaga is your thing!
Who Is Going to Be at PopCon Indy?
Overall, the PopCon experience is a feast for the senses, with vibrant colors, iconic fictional characters and mesmerizing displays at every turn. Naturally, of course, one of the main attractions of PopCon is the presence of numerous star-studded guests, including many renowned actors and industry professionals.
The guest list this year includes an amazing blend of talent, including:
- Sean Gunn – He’s the man behind the motions of Rocket Raccoon and played Kraglin in the Marvel Universe, although his creative bio certainly doesn’t stop there.
- Patrick Warburton – This actor played the title role in “The Tick,” but you may also know him as Puddy from Seinfeld or the voice of Joe Swanson on “Family Guy” or Grandpa Shark for “Baby Shark’s Big Show!”
- Jason Faunt – If you ever loved the Power Rangers, then you’ll remember Wesley Collins from “Power Rangers Time Force” and his descendant Alex, the Red Time Force Ranger – both played by the talented professional.
- Tracy Lynn Cruz – This talented and vivacious actress showed off some mad skills in her role as Ashely Hammond in both “Power Rangers Turbo” and “Power Rangers in Space.”
- James Marsters – An incredibly versatile artist, Marsters is a musician, an audiobook narrator and a comic book writer, but you may know him best as Spike from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
- Michelle Gomez – “Dr. Who” fans will be delighted to meet the Scottish actress who was nominated for the BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Missy in “Doctor Who.”
- Michael Rooker – Whether you know him as Yondu Udonta in “Guardians of the Galaxy” or Merle Dixon from “The Walking Dead,” Rooker has become one of the most-recognized faces in Hollywood today.
PopCon offers a multitude of engaging panel discussions and workshops where attendees can delve deeper into their favorite franchises and explore behind-the-scenes insights into some of their favorite television shows and movies. Whether it’s a Q&A session with a beloved actor or a masterclass on cosplay craftsmanship, these panels provide a unique chance to connect with like-minded folks and expand your understanding of pop culture.
Can You Cosplay at PopCon?
Good heavens, yes! Cosplay is an integral part of PopCon’s vibrant atmosphere, so attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters from movies, TV shows, video games and comic books. It’s all part of the fun!
Even if cosplay isn’t particularly your thing, you’ll be treated to a captivating visual spectacle of cosplayers who have what seems like unlimited creativity and some mad craft skills. PopCon even hosts cosplay contests, allowing talented cosplayers to compete and showcase their skills to an adoring audience.
There are even some notable cosplayers among the guests, like:
- Kari Lewis – An Indy native, this TikTok influencer has gone viral for her fabulous ability to morph into Hermoine Granger and she brings an A+ cosplay game wherever she goes.
- Kim is Possible – This amazing cosplayer can make you believe that Ahsoka Tano from “Star Wars Rebels” or the Red Queen from “Alice in Wonderland” is right in front of you, although you never know where her creativity will lead her next.
- Mary Mary Cosplay – Mary Mary Cosplay brings a wealth of experience when it comes to cosplay and all the ups, downs and sideways adventures the art form has to offer – and she’s ready to talk and take your questions.
You can expect an even bigger star-studded cast of players to be lined up closer to the actual date (so keep checking the website to learn more).
Come for the Community, Leave with New Connections!
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of PopCon is the sense of community it fosters. Fans from various backgrounds and interests come together, forging new friendships and sharing their love for pop culture.
The inclusive environment encourages folks from all walks of life to step out of the ordinary and express their passions freely, creating an atmosphere of acceptance and celebration that’s genuinely warm and welcoming.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual enthusiast, or simply curious about the magic of pop culture, PopCon is an event that deserves a spot on your bucket list. So, don your favorite cosplay (or just some comfy clothes), grab your friends and embark on a thrilling journey into the heart of Indianapolis’ pop culture wonderland.
