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Enjoy lead-up activities to the big day like Fandom March Madness and these events listed in our Events calendar.

We need volunteers for FanCon 2026!

Calling all teens and adults who like to be involved in community events! We could use some help at FanCon with several activities including craft stations, photo ops, assisting with programs and many other ways. Volunteers will work 3-hour shifts and can indicate the activities they prefer to help with. Lunch will be provided. If you're interested, complete this Volunteer form.

Keep checking back closer to April 11, 2026 for more details.


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.
  • 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 Trucks

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. 

Food trucks will be stationed 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

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

Author
LaurenJankowski.com
Bluesky
Instagram

Lavi HQ

Author/Artist
Lavihq.com
Instagram

Lifemagic Fantasy Novels

Author
LifemagicNovels.com
Facebook

MyICreates

Artist/Vendor
MyICreates
Instagram

PlanetDaystorm Studios

Author/Artist
Planetdaystormstudios.com

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

YamCans

Artist/Vendor
Bluesky
Facebook
Instagram
X

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.

501st.com
Midwestgarrison.com

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.

Leagueofenchantment.org/chicago
Facebook