Best Small Town Aussie Cons to add to your Convention Calendar
When it comes to celebrating pop culture, creativity, and community, Australia's small towns have some hidden gems that are often overlooked in favor of larger, more well-known conventions. These intimate gatherings offer a unique charm and a closer-knit atmosphere that bigger events sometimes lack. Attendees can expect a personal touch, with organizers and fellow fans going the extra mile to ensure everyone feels welcome and engaged. From vibrant cosplay competitions to diverse vendor stalls and interactive panels, these conventions provide a rich tapestry of activities that cater to all interests. Here's a spotlight on three standout conventions that deserve a spot on your convention calendar, showcasing the best of what small-town Australia has to offer.
Bendicon
Just under a two-hour drive from Melbourne CBD, Bendicon offers a warm community atmosphere reminiscent of a school fete. This charming small-town convention is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a local event filled with heart and enthusiasm.
- Cosplay Showcase: Bendicon welcomes cosplayers of all skill levels to showcase their creations, making it an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
- Local and Familiar Vendors: The convention features a delightful mix of great local vendors alongside some familiar faces, ensuring a variety of unique and exciting products.
- Community Spirit: The event's 10/10 rating highlights the strong sense of community and enjoyment shared by attendees. Whether you're a seasoned con-goer or a first-timer, Bendicon promises a memorable experience.
Townsville Pop Fest
Townsville Pop Fest stands out for its passionate and approachable organizers and team, creating a welcoming country town vibe where everyone pitches in to help.
- Inclusive Features: The festival incorporates features that even bigger conventions could learn from, such as a Quiet/Sensory Hour at the start and a quiet/rest area for attendees who need a break.
- Diverse Vendors: A good range of vendors, including artist alley vendors, ensures there's something for everyone.
- Cosplay Competition: With a big turnout for the cosplay competition and lots of prizes and support for all skill levels, Townsville Pop Fest places a strong emphasis on cosplay. A dedicated cosplay coordinator ensures that cosplayers are a valued part of the event.
TasPop
TasPop South weekend is a vibrant celebration of pop culture, featuring a variety of engaging activities and events.
- Friday Night Fun: The weekend kicks off with karaoke, a quiz evening, and an alternative fashion parade, setting the stage for a weekend of fun and creativity.
- Saturday Highlights: Despite the 34-degree heat, attendees showed up in impressive costumes, builds, and fursuits. Organizers provided accessible water coolers and bottled water to keep everyone hydrated.
- Cosplay-Focused Events: The cosplay competition, won by Shar.cosplays with Yojimbo cosplay, was a highlight. The cosplay parade showcased local talent, and the event also featured cosplay displays, a repair area, and Emerald L King working on props for a WCS entry.
- Additional Features: TasPop also included an artist alley with local and interstate artists, a freeplay gaming area with the latest and nostalgic games, and an art room for relaxing and working on art pieces.
These small-town conventions offer a unique and enriching experience, combining the charm of local communities with the excitement of pop culture events that creates an environment that is hard to find at the larger main convention calendar staples.