Get ready, Illawarra! Shell Con Mania returns bigger, better, and more epic than ever on Saturday, 22 August 2026, taking over Shellharbour City Stadium from 10am–5pm for a full day of pop culture, cosplay, gaming, collectibles, entertainment, and family fun!

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Proudly supporting KidsWish and presented by Illawarra's Friendly Neighbourhood Heroes, with the support of Shellharbour City Council, 96.5 Wave FM, Casey's Toys and our amazing local partners.

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🎭 COSPLAY • 🎮 GAMING • 🎨 ARTISTS • 🛍️ VENDORS • 🎪 FAMILY FUN

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Step into a world of fandom as you're welcomed by giant walls of iconic movie, TV and video game posters spanning the 80s through to today's biggest releases. Whether you're a superhero fanatic, anime lover, gamer, collector or casual fan, there's something for everyone.

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⭐ SPECIAL GUEST HOSTS

Hosted by Australian comedian, writer and TV personality Adam Richard (Whovians, Hard Quiz), with cosplay veteran Queen Kryze (Lady Mandalore) joining as co-host for the cosplay competitions.

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⭐ COSPLAY COMPETITIONS

Our biggest cosplay competition yet features three major categories: Kids, Teens and Adults, judged by an incredible panel:

* Jaclyn May (SMASH! Con)
* Lunariz.A
* Chris from Gotcha Props

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Amazing prizes up for grabs include a Samsung Galaxy Tab, Casey's Toys vouchers, Event Cinemas gift cards, Jamberoo Action Park passes and much more!

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Need a costume emergency fixed? The Cosplay Repair Guild will be onsite all day to save the day.

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🎪 INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES

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* SydLUG LEGO displays and vendors
* Illawarra Pinball Club machines
* Castle Kingdoms Jumping Castles
* BattleCry Five Islands live roaming quests
* Showtime Photobooth cosplay photo wall
* Centre Pointe Performing Arts live pop culture dance performances

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⭐ FEATURED GUESTS & CREATORS

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Meet local artists Americo Alvarenga and Madison Lee as they continue to launch their brand-new graphic novel Dirtbags and present Shell Con Mania's first-ever Artist Showcase Panel.

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Meet two-time World Champion boxer Billy Dib, showcasing his inspiring children's book Boys Do Cry, with opportunities for photos, autographs and merchandise.

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The incredible Talk To Me Bro team will be onsite raising awareness for suicide prevention and providing a welcoming, supportive space for attendees.

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🤖 DINOSAURS, TRANSFORMERS & MOVIE MAGIC

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The Cosplay Guardian returns with larger-than-life costumes including Bumblebee and Optimus Prime while helping promote the upcoming Australian film Primitive War from director Luke Sparke.

See displays from the film, meet Bluey the Raptor and grab exclusive dinosaur-themed movie merchandise thanks to Sparke Films!

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🎁 HUGE PRIZES & RAFFLES

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Win incredible prizes throughout the day, including our massive KidsWish Charity Raffle featuring prizes from City Cave Dapto, Event Cinemas, Bodyfit Shellharbour and Illawarra's Friendly Neighbourhood Heroes.

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❤️ SUPPORTING KIDSWISH

$4 from every ticket sold and 100% of raffle ticket sales go directly to supporting KidsWish.

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📍 Shellharbour City Stadium
📅 Saturday, 22 August 2026
⏰ 10:00am – 5:00pm

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Join Hundreds of fans, families, cosplayers, artists and collectors for one unforgettable celebration of pop culture, creativity and community.

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🎟️ TICKETS ON SALE FROM JUNE 30TH!!