POP BAM 2025 program

Dive into a world where your favourite movies, TV shows, comics, and music come alive in a vibrant celebration of creativity, cosplay and fandom.

From cosplay and celebrity guests to lightsaber battles, movie vehicles and creative workshops, POP BAM delivers pop culture fun for fans of all ages.

Program schedule and event map

Map Final version_POPBAM.jpg

The schedule of events and event map can be downloaded and printed below.

Schedule and Map(PDF, 782KB)

POP BAM 2025 highlights:

Cosplay Panel and Parade

Hear from a panel of experienced cosplayers as they share insights into costume design, character portrayal, makeup, prop-making, and the power of cosplay to promote inclusivity and diversity.

Cosplay competition (ages 16+) – register on the day
All-day cosplay meet and greets
Pop culture stalls packed with merch and fandom finds

The princesses from the 2024 POP BAM event.

Special Guest: Matt Doran

Join actor Matt Doran as he reflects on a career spanning both Australian and international film and television.

He's best known for his roles in popular films The Matrix (1999) and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002).

501st and Rebel Legions

Meet members of two international Star Wars costuming organisations wearing screen-accurate costumes.

Learn how they bring iconic characters to life
Hear how you can get involved
Snap a photo with your favourite Star Wars characters

Star Wars characters from the 2023 event.

Swordcraft Newcastle

Ever imagined yourself in a fantasy battle like the ones in The Lord of the Rings or your D&D campaign? Swordcraft Newcastle, part of the NSW LARP community, will showcase live-action combat skills.

Watch or join a fantasy-themed battle
Learn more about the world of LARP

Simon from Heroes and More

Award-winning FX artist Simon Wait returns with a lineup of epic characters including Bumblebee, Blue and Predator.

Simon is known across the cosplay world for his detailed, high-impact builds.

Characters from the 2024 POP BAM event.

Ghostbusters and the Ectomobile

Get up close to famous vehicles from screen and fandom, including The DeLorean (Back to the Future), The Mystery Machine (Scooby-Doo), The Ectomobile (Ghostbusters) and military vehicles featured in film and TV.

Saber Academy Demonstration – The Sons of Obiwan

The Sons of Obiwan, Australia’s first lightsaber theatre combat school, will present a high-energy demonstration.

Includes Balintawak stick fighting
Performances highlight theatre combat as a tool for cognitive and behavioural therapy
Combat lessons available throughout the day for ages 10 and up

Rainbow Bricks LEGO Fan Mini-Exhibit

Explore the world of custom LEGO creations, presented by Rainbow Bricks – a recognised LEGO User Group from the Newcastle, Hunter and Mid-North Coast regions.

Pop Culture Vehicle Exhibits

The Delorean vehicle at the 2024 POP BAM event.

Anime, Manga and D&D-Inspired Drawing Workshops

Drop into the Activities Zone with Lake Mac Libraries for all-day creative fun.

Hands-on drawing workshops inspired by anime, manga and fantasy themes
Led by Matthew Lin, Art Heroes and Tallulah Langford
Craft activities for all ages

Mobile Video Games Truck

The games truck is back and bigger than ever.

Free play all day
Indoor and outdoor gaming zones
Wide range of titles suitable for all ages

Event MC – The Pretty Amazing Jono

Your host for the day is The Pretty Amazing Jono — part magician, part stunt performer, part mad scientist. Expect magic, mayhem, and a whole lot of laughs.