POP BAM! Lake Macquarie’s pop culture festival is back for another year, returning on Saturday 25 July 2026 at Hunter Sports Centre in Glendale, from 10am to 3pm.
Join Lake Mac Arts for a day where movies, TV, comics and gaming all collide. Whether your family is into Star Wars, LEGO, anime or cosplay, there’s plenty to see and do, and the festival is split into zones so you can plan your visit around what suits your crew.
Dive into a world where your favourite movies, TV shows, comics, and music come alive in a vibrant celebration of creativity and fandom.
The event MC is The Pretty Amazing Jono. Part magician, part mad scientist and part MacGyver, he combines comedy, magic and stunts with his chaotic brand of wonder and whimsy.
There will be dozens of characters and creatures great and small from the Marvel Universe, DC, Star Wars, Ghostbusters and more appearing at POP BAM!
There’s heaps of fun things for families to enjoy at POP BAM!
Festival Zones at a Glance
POP BAM! 2026 is split into four main zones, plus all-day activities and markets. Handy to know before you go, especially with kids of different ages in tow.
Live Action Zone
Big Battle Demos and the Cosplay Competition, running along the track.
Lightsaber Zone
Lightsaber workshops run roughly every 30 minutes from 10.30am to 3pm. A good one for kids keen to try a bit of Jedi training.
Create Zone
Comic demos, a Pokémon drawing workshop with Matthew Lin, a Studio Ghibli style drawing workshop with Britts Studio, and a D&D Mimic Zine workshop with Tallulah Cunningham
Chill Zone
The Cosplay Panel, a Q&A with actor Stephen Hunter, pop-up artists and quick round trivia sessions. A good spot to rest in the shade between activities.
All Day Events
The Cosplay Showcase, the Roll and Play Zone (board games, D&D one-shots and jigsaw challenges with Braidy’s Boardgames), Rainbow Bricks LEGO and drawing workshops, and the POP BAM Markets for art, collectibles and interactive stalls.
Newy with Kids tip: Families with younger kids might find the Chill Zone and Create Zone the easiest starting point. The Live Action and Lightsaber Zones tend to draw bigger crowds around demo and workshop times.
Festival Highlights
Cosplay Competition and Parade – Hosted by The Pretty Amazing Jono
The Pretty Amazing Jono, POP BAM’s event MC, hosts the cosplay competition and parade this year. Entrants walk the track in the Live Action Zone, so it’s worth grabbing a spot early if you want a good view.
The Hobbit Q&A – Stephen Hunter
Aussie actor Stephen Hunter joins POP BAM this year, best known for playing Bombur the Dwarf across all three of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit films. Catch his Q&A session in the Chill Zone, where he’ll share stories from behind the scenes.
Ghostbusters
Who you gonna call? The Ghostbusters team rolls into POP BAM with their gear in tow, including the iconic Ecto-1. Have a chat about the movies, their cosplay, and take a closer look at the tech that keeps the ghosts at bay.
Newcastle Brickfest – Rainbow Bricks LEGO Fans Exhibition
A hit with kids and collectors alike, showcasing custom LEGO creations from the local LEGO fan group.
Pop Art Workshops
Try your hand at drawing manga, Studio Ghibli style art, D&D-inspired zines and more, with sessions running throughout the day in the Create Zone.
Tabletop Gaming
Braidy’s Board Games and Hobby Club bring a full day of tabletop fun, plus Dungeons and Dragons one-shot games running all day. A good one for older kids and teens keen to try something new.
Pop Culture Markets and Stalls
Browse art, collectibles and interactive stalls from local makers and sellers throughout the day.
Pop Culture Vehicle Exhibits
Spot some favourite pop culture vehicles including Herbie, Marty McFly’s DeLorean, the Ghostbusters Ecto-1 and Scooby-Doo’s Mystery Machine.
Award-Winnning Cosplay and Props – Simon from Heroes and More
Simon brings his impressive collection of movie-quality props and characters, including Bumblebee, Predator and Blue from Jurassic World.
Swordplay – Newcastle Swordcraft and Battlecry Fields of Ashnoor
Ever wanted to join a battle like the ones in Lord of the Rings? Newcastle Swordcraft and Battlecry Fields of Ashnoor showcase their skills, with chances for visitors to get involved too.
Star Wars with the 501st and Rebel Legions
Learn about two international Star Wars costuming organisations and grab a photo with your favourite Star Wars character.
Cosplay meet and greets run all day too, alongside pop culture stalls, Disney princesses and more.
Getting There & Practical Tips
POP BAM 2026 is on at Hunter Sports Centre, 43 Stockland Drive, Glendale. There’s parking on site, and it’s worth at 10am if you’re keen to catch the first Big Battle Demo or grab a good spot for the cosplay parade later in the day. You can also take the train to Cardiff and then transfer to a bus to Hunter Sports Centre.
Bring a hat and water bottle, as much of the day runs across indoor and outdoor spaces. The Chill Zone is a good option if you need a break from the sun or a quieter spot for younger children.
Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets
Purchase your ticket now:
- Adults $28 + booking fee
- Adults Lake Mac Arts Members $25.20 + booking fee
- Youth (5-17 years) $15 + booking fee
- Children under 5 Free
- An adult must accompany children up to 15 years old.
Tickets are also available at the gate (Eftpos only): Adults $35, Adults Lake Mac Arts members $31.50 and Youth (5-17 years) $18
For the full program and to buy tickets, visit the Lake Mac POP BAM 2026 event page.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about pop culture, POP BAM is an inclusive event for all ages and abilities and offers something for everyone.
Bring your friends, family, and your passion for all things pop culture – feel free to come in costume – to Lake Macquarie for an unforgettable day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake Mac POP BAM is family-friendly, with activities across all ages from craft and LEGO for younger kids through to lightsaber workshops and cosplay for teens and adults.
Tickets are available online through the Lake Mac Libraries website, and also at the gate on the day. Booking ahead is worth it if you want to guarantee entry.
Absolutely, cosplay is encouraged. If your costume includes weapons or larger props, check the event’s cosplay and weapons guide beforehand.
Yes, on-site parking is available at the Glendale venue.
