PEORIA'S PREMIERE POP CULTURE FEST
.png)
CHECK OUT OUR
Peoriacon Events Schedule
With the huge success of PeoriaCon® we are looking forward to twice the excitement! We are ready for another great year with the best comic book, cosplay and gaming convention fun in the area. We are linking up all of your favorites dealers for this year’s show.
Next Show
March, 7-8, 2026
Ticket
-
Tickets sold at the door
-
Ticket price
-
$22.00 Adult Ticket per day
-
Children 10 and under are free with an accompanying adult.
-
Parking
Parking will be controlled by the Peoria Civic Center
Show Hours
-
Show Hours
-
Saturday10:00 to 5:00
-
Sunday 11:00 to 4:00
-
Giveaway
Giveaways For Attendes
Prizes
Door prizes, Seminars, Panels Cosplay contest with prizes
March 29,2025
Saturday Schedule
10:00 AM — Show Opens
10:00 AM — Board Game Library Opens
Type: Gaming Activity
Description:
Explore our Board Game Library, featuring a wide selection of tabletop and card games for all ages and skill levels. Borrow a game, find a table, and dive into the fun! Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help explain rules and get you started.
10:00 AM — Arcade Cabinets Open
Type: Gaming Attraction
Description:
Step back in time with our retro arcade cabinets! Enjoy classic and modern titles all day long — perfect for gamers of every generation. Play solo or challenge your friends for high-score glory!
11:00 AM — “You DO Have Time to Write a Novel!”
Type: Writing Workshop
Description:
This motivational session will give you the inspiration and practical knowledge needed to start—and actually finish—a novel. Whether you’re participating in a challenge like NaNoWriMo or struggling to complete your first draft, this workshop focuses on time management, consistency, and overcoming self-doubt to help writers reach their goals.
11:00 AM — Mario Kart World Tournament
Type: Esports Tournament
Description:
Join PlayEX Esports for the Mario Kart World Tournament! Players race head-to-head in an exciting bracket format to crown PeoriaCon®’s fastest driver. Entry fees apply, with discounted online pre-registration starting January 1st. On-site registration will be available at a higher rate.
More Info & Registration: https://www.playex.gg/peoriacon
12:00 PM — Cosplay 101: Getting Started
Type: Beginner-Friendly Educational Panel
Description:
A foundational session for newcomers to cosplay! Lea walks attendees through costume sourcing, budgeting, sewing basics, and confidence tips — perfect for anyone who’s wanted to cosplay but doesn’t know where to start.
1:00 PM — (Open Slot / TBA)
2:00 PM — Wig Styling Workshop
Type: Hands-on Workshop
Description:
A practical session focused on cosplay wig styling techniques — covering trimming, shaping, heat-styling, and product use. Designed to help cosplayers overcome fears about tackling complex wig builds and gain confidence to customize wigs for any character.
3:00 PM — Cosplay Guest Q&A
Type: Group Discussion Panel
Description:
A moderated Q&A session featuring multiple cosplay guests, giving attendees a chance to ask questions, share experiences, and get advice directly from seasoned cosplayers. Encourages connection between fans and creators.
4:00 PM — PeoriaCon® Cosplay Contest – Adult Division (18+)
Type: Main Stage Contest
Description:
Show off your craftsmanship and creativity in PeoriaCon®’s premier Adult Cosplay Contest! Categories include Novice, Intermediate, Master, and Judge’s Choice, each judged on originality, detail, and performance. Winners in each division compete for Best in Show and a $200 prize!
5:00 PM — Show Closes
March 30,2025
Sunday Schedule
11:00 AM — Show Opens
11:00 AM — Board Game Library Opens
Type: Gaming Activity
Description:
Explore our Board Game Library, featuring a wide selection of tabletop and card games for all ages and skill levels. Borrow a game, find a table, and dive into the fun! Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help explain rules and get you started.
11:00 AM — Arcade Cabinets Open
Type: Gaming Attraction
Description:
Step back in time with our retro arcade cabinets! Enjoy classic and modern titles all day long — perfect for gamers of every generation. Play solo or challenge your friends for high-score glory!
12:00 PM — Family-Friendly Jackbox.tv Games Tournament
Type: Esports / Audience Participation Tournament
Description:
Join PlayEX Esports for a family-friendly Jackbox.tv tournament where anyone can play using their phone or tablet! Enjoy a hilarious and interactive experience filled with humor, creativity, and audience participation.
Online pre-registration opens January 1st with discounted entry for early sign-ups.
More Info & Registration: https://www.playex.gg/peoriacon
12:00 PM — Cosplay Trivia Challenge
Type: Interactive Game Panel
Description:
Test your cosplay knowledge in this fun, audience-participation trivia panel! Questions cover cosplay history, famous creators, crafting methods, and convention culture. Compete for bragging rights or small prizes while learning more about the cosplay community.
1:00 PM — Dark Fantasy Authors Q&A
Type: Author Panel / Discussion
Description:
Join a panel of dark-fantasy authors as they discuss their inspirations, creative process, and worldbuilding techniques. Learn how they craft immersive, mysterious settings and complex characters while maintaining compelling storytelling. A must-attend for writers and fantasy fans alike.
2:00 PM —(Open Slot / TBA)
3:00 PM —PeoriaCon® Teen Cosplay Contest (Ages 14–17)
Type: Main Stage Contest
Description:
Step into the spotlight in PeoriaCon®’s Teen Cosplay Contest! Designed for ages 14–17, this event celebrates creativity, character performance, and craftsmanship. Show off your favorite character for a chance to win a 1st Place Award and gift basket, or snag the Runner-up prize!
3:00 PM —(Open Slot / TBA)PeoriaCon® Youth Cosplay Contest (Ages 13 & Under)
Type: Main Stage Contest
Description:
Our youngest heroes take the stage in the Youth Cosplay Contest! Open to cosplayers 13 and under, this fun, family-friendly competition rewards imagination and enthusiasm. Win a 1st Place Award and gift basket, or take home the Runner-up prize!
4:00 PM — Show Closes