Check out the Comic Gong 2024 program!

What does wrestling, the Batmobile, pinball machines, cosplay and superhero stunts have in common? They’re all free activities happening during Comic Gong 2024!

Comic Gong —Wollongong’s favourite comic and pop culture festival — is returning to the Wollongong CBD on Saturday 11 May. This FREE, one-day festival brings together people of all ages and interests to celebrate all things comics, pop culture, cosplay, gaming and more.

With a little over two weeks wait until the festival arrives, it’s time to check out the just-released program and get a feel for the fun and entertainment that’s on offer.

Image: Prizes to be won for best dressed at the Illawarra Mercury Cosplay Competition at the Wollongong Art Gallery.

See here for the full program.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that Comic Gong was one of the busiest events for the Wollongong CBD, bringing roughly 12,000 people together across multiple locations for a fun and free day out in the city.

“We love this festival, and so does our community! We’ve been celebrating a love of comics and pop culture for over 10 years now. This festival has grown from a half-day at Corrimal Library, to a full-day event that brings together comic and cosplay lovers from across NSW,” Cr Bradbery said.

“This is a Wollongong City Libraries festival that has become larger than life in many ways! After a hiatus last year due to the IPAC renovations, we know that our community will be pleased to learn that Comic Gong is returning to the full festival format you know and love."

Image: Comic Gong Artists and Exhibitors in the Wollongong Town Hall.

“That means cosplay competitions, comics, trade and artist stalls, free gaming activities, Batman and his Batmobile, live sword play demos and workshops, superhero stunt shows and more," Cr Bradbery said.

“If you haven’t done so already, save the date — Saturday 11 May from 10am to 4pm. Activities will be happening all day, and there’s something for people of all ages to enjoy. Check out the full event program and start planning your Comic Gong experience.”

Read our previous media release for background on this great event: ‘It’s official! Comic Gong is coming back for 2024’.

When & Where

Saturday 11 May, 10am-4pm across five locations: Wollongong Library, Wollongong Arts Precinct, Wollongong Art Gallery, Town Hall, and Lower Crown Street Mall.

Cost

Free and no need to book.

A taste of the Comic Gong 2024 program

View the full program online. Here’s a preview of some of the free activities on offer.

• Spiderman Stunt Show by Action Reaction in the Arts Precinct.
• Sword Fighting Demonstrations & Workshops with Battlecry LARP in the Arts Precinct.
• 'K-Pop on the Move' K-Pop Dance Workshops with the Korean Cultural Centre Australia (KCCAU) in Wollongong Library.
• Cosplay meet-ups and photo wall in the IPAC foyer - Whether you're a Barbie girl, a Star Wars Sith, or a Dungeons & Dragons devotee, our Cosplay Meetups are your chance to mingle with like-minded fans, swap costume tips, and snap some photos in front of our Comic Gong photo wall.
• Illawarra Mercury Cosplay Competition – From original designs to iconic characters, bring your cosplay A-game for a chance to impress our judges and claim a prize at the Wollongong Art Gallery.
• Cosplay Parade - When you're ready to take centre stage, our Cosplay Parade is the perfect opportunity for cosplayers of all levels to showcase their costumes and share their love for fandom. Meet at 1pm outside the Art Gallery to participate.
• Video gaming truck in the Arts Precinct.
• Batman and Batmobile in the Arts Precinct – Meet Batman and pose for photos.
• DeLorean Time Machine Photo Opportunity in the Arts Precinct.
• Artist & Exhibitors - Our huge exhibition hall in Wollongong Town Hall will bring together everything from comics and art to collectibles and apparel.

Accessible features

Inclusion is a big part of Comic Gong and that’s why this festival offers a number of accessible features. These include:

• Accessible Viewing Area - Our Illawarra Mercury Cosplay Competition in the Art Gallery will have an accessible viewing area at the front of the stage. There's no need for bookings! Simply ask one of our friendly event volunteers or a staff member for assistance on the day.
• Quiet Space - The Quiet Space is a space outside of the hustle and bustle of the festival for you to take a break. This breakout space is open to all children, young people and adults. 10am - 4pm, Town Hall in the Ocean Room

To find out more visit our Comic Gong webpages.