WPLD FanCon 2026
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 9:30 am–2 pm
Ages: All ages
Whether you’re into comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, gaming or any other fandom, FanCon is the place to be. You’ll find an exciting lineup of events and activities designed to immerse you in the worlds you love.
- Prizes
- Swag Bags for the first 200!
- Author Visits: Get autographs, ask questions and support independent creators.
- Vendors/Exhibitors: Select from a variety of cool FanCon merch for sale.
- Craft Stations: Enjoy hands-on activities like fandom-themed crafts.
- Cosplay: Come dressed as your favorite character or just enjoy the spectacle of colorful, creative costumes.
- Minecraft Building Zone
- Limited-Edition Library Cards: WPLD residents can register for a new card or swap out an existing card.
- Photo Ops
- Button Making
- Scavenger Hunt
- Spin the Wheel
- Food Truck
Events: At FanCon 2026 on April 11
To add to everyone's enjoyment at FanCon, join us for special library programs featuring fandom elements, characters and games. Click the link for more details.
- Bluey Storytime: 10 am, Ages birth–12
- Bluey Photo Op: 10:30, Ages birth–12
- Face Painting: 10:30 am, All ages
- Family Sticker Bingo: 11 am, Ages birth–12
- Live Action Role Playing (L.A.R.P.): 11:30 am, Ages 12 and up
- Fandom Jeopardy: Noon, Ages 12 and up
- Broadway Karaoke: 1:30 pm, All ages
Pancitas food truck will be in our lower-level parking lot from 11 am–2 pm.
Authors, Artists and Vendors
Join us at FanCon 2026 to meet an incredible lineup of authors, artists, publishers, crafters and other vendors! Check out their profiles and offerings now through their websites and social media. At FanCon, you can hear their stories and purchase books, handcrafted goods and other unique items. All transactions at FanCon are between the seller and purchaser—the library assumes no responsibility or liability.

Bad Decisions
Vendor
Facebook

Bill "McSciFi" McCormick
Author
BillMcSciFi.com


Bret Juliano
Author/Artist
DustBunnyMafia.com
Facebook
Linktree
Instagram
X

Celia Jones
Author
Instagram

The Chalk Girl-The Art of Beth Zwolski Tobias
Artist
AdventuresofChalkGirl

Empathetic Elephant
Vendor
Facebook

Ewelinko’s Art Shop
Artist
Ewelinkosartshop.com

Hey Turbo Collective
Artist/Vendor
Facebook
Instagram
ShopHeyTurbo

Jen Watson Art
Vendor
Linktree

Justin Castaneda
Author/Artist
whenuwerelittle.art/
Bluesky
Instagram
Youtube

Lauren Jankowski

Lavi HQ
Author/Artist
Lavihq.com
Instagram

Lifemagic Fantasy Novels

MyICreates
Artist/Vendor
MyICreates
Instagram

Randomthunk Productions
Artist
Randomthunk.com
Instagram

Rye Bread Creations
Vendor
Rye Bread Creations

Space Gallery Online
Vendor
Instagram

Winston Gambro
Author/Artist
Winstongambro.com
Instagram
Cosplay Groups
What would a FanCon be without cosplay? Check out the profiles of the groups that will be delighting us with clever and creative cosplay. All donations at FanCon are between the cosplay group and contributor—the library assumes no responsibility or liability.

The 501st Legion
Cosplay
The Midwest Garrison is the Illinois chapter of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars Imperial costuming club. The 501st is dedicated to the movie-quality costumes of the villains of the Star Wars universe.
MWG provides a means for Star Wars fans to meet and network with each other to engage in the hobby of building and improving Imperial costumes from the Star Wars movies. Costumes are scratch-built or “fan-made,” through the arduous process of building molds and vacuum-forming or assembling costumes from found objects.

The League of Enchantment
Cosplay
The League of Enchantment is a 501c3 Nonprofit with the mission to work with local hospitals and community organizations to bring hope and smiles to kids and make a difference in their lives all through the power of cosplay.

Midwest Larp-North Haven
Cosplay & Larp
North Haven is a Midwest Larp group and local chapter of Amtgard, a world-wide organization dedicated to medieval and fantasy combat sports and recreation. They describe themselves as a Barony in the Kingdom of Polaris.
Sponsors
We are grateful for the generous contributions of these businesses and fandom enthusiasts to our WPLD FanCon 2026. Their support has provided us with fantastic prizes and swag bag items, helping to make the event even more memorable for everyone.
- American Writers Museum
- Exploding Kittens
- G-Fest
- Graham Cracker Comics
- Lithographs
- Main Event
- Oni Press
- OwlCrate
- Saddleback Educational Publishing
- Silver Dragon Books
- Steve Jackson Games
- Storiarts





















