If you’re a fan of movies, TV shows, anime, video games, comics/books, cosplay or anything else that fits under the broad umbrella of ‘pop culture’, then you’ve probably heard people talking about (or maybe even attended) pop culture conventions.
Think San Diego Comic-Con, Gamescom, Dragon Con, Card Con...
But do we have them in Australia? What actually happens at a convention here? And how do you find one to suit your interests?
We’ve got you covered! Read on to find out everything you need to know about Australia’s pop culture conventions.
Do we have pop culture conventions in Australia?
The answer is - absolutely! They might not be quite as well known as some of the ones that run in the Northern Hemisphere, but Australia has plenty of dedicated comic-cons, video game expos and anime conventions. We even have a good list of medieval/ren fairs, which aren’t necessarily pop culture but have a lot of the same vibes!
What happens at a convention?
If you haven’t been to a pop culture convention before, then this is a very understandable question! Every convention is a little different, depending on the focus, but you can usually expect a mix of guest appearances, panel discussions, cosplay competitions, performances, gaming, shopping and creative activities.
Celebrity guests are often one of the biggest attractions. Depending on the event, you might have the chance to meet actors, authors, artists, YouTubers, cosplayers or other creators. Guests often host Q&A sessions, sign autographs, pose for photographs or speak about their careers. There is often an additional cost on top of your general admission event ticket for meet and greets, so make sure you check before you go to avoid disappointment!
If meet and greets aren’t your thing, there is still plenty to see and do. Artist markets and exhibitor areas are a good place to discover independent artists, illustrators, makers, game developers and small businesses. You might find prints, handmade goods, comics, collectibles or other fandom-related merchandise.
Where are the conventions?
There are so many conventions across Australia, big and small. Geek Australia has a calendar that’s updated regularly with all sorts of different gatherings that is definitely worth checking out. But in terms of the most notable conventions to attend, there are a few that should absolutely be on your radar.
Supernova is one of Australia’s biggest pop culture events, with conventions held across several cities every year. In 2026, there are still events coming up for Adelaide and Brisbane, plus they've already released their dates for 2027 for Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
Supanova hosts special guests from film and television, anime, comics, gaming and more. Its 2026 guest line-ups have included some huge names, such as Elijah Wood and Sean Astin (from the Lord of the Rings films), Kevin Eastman (co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Neil Fanning (voice of Scooby-Doo in Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed).
Oz Comic-Con is another huge event, bringing together film and television guests, comic artists, authors, cosplayers and creators. Oz Comic-Con runs events around Australia, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra.
If gaming and gaming culture is more your style, then definitely check out PAX Aus. Held in Melbourne every year, PAX is a 3-day celebration of games of every sort. You can play the latest video and tabletop games, try exclusive demos from both major and indie game developers and attend panels with industry experts.
What to prepare for as a first-timer
Conventions can be busy and noisy, so if that feels a bit overwhelming to you, planning ahead is a good idea. Look at the program before you arrive and decide which panels or activities you definitely want to attend. If you want an autograph or photograph with a particular guest, check whether you need to purchase a separate ticket or make a booking. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, take a water bottle and allow plenty of time to explore. Plan out your day so that you don’t miss the things you definitely want to do, but also leave a little wiggle room for anything unexpected that pops up (conventions are also a great place to make new friends, and you might decide to attend something with people that you hadn’t previously accounted for!).
Want to get involved?
Volunteering can be a great way to experience a convention. Volunteers often help with queues, registration, information desks, event rooms and other behind-the-scenes tasks.
For example, Supanova volunteers have the opportunity to work during the event while still enjoying parts of the convention during their breaks. Oz Comic-Con also recruits volunteers, with benefits including event entry during breaks and lunch on working days, plus you get to keep your crew member T-shirt!
For international students, volunteering can be a particularly good way to meet new people, practise communication skills and become involved in a community outside university. You might arrive as a fan and leave having made new friends!
