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 & GUNS!!

 

Step into the Primitive War Zone & Grab exclusive movie merchandise thanks to Sparke Films & PRIMITIVE WAR (NOW STREAMING).

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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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