POP BAM 2025 program
Join us for the ultimate pop culture extravaganza at Lake Macquarie’s most anticipated event of the year – POP BAM!
Dive into a world where your favourite movies, TV shows, comics, and music come alive in a vibrant celebration of creativity, cosplay and fandom.
All your favourite exhibitors will be returning plus new activities, stallholders and events.
2025 highlights
Cosplay Panel and Parade
The panellists will share their experiences and insights on various aspects of cosplay, including costume design, character portrayal, makeup, and prop-making. Learn about the art of cosplay and how it is used as a platform to promote inclusivity and diversity.
The festival will also include a cosplay competition for ages 16 years and over. Entrants can register on the day.
Plus, we'll have cosplay meet and greets all day and pop culture stalls!
Matt Doran
He has worked on an array of Australian film and television productions, including lead roles in Geoffrey Wright's film Macbeth with Sam Worthington; Lilian's Story with Toni Collette and Ruth Cracknell; US production Farscape; ABC series Love is a Four-Letter Word and Redfern Now plus many others.
He has also worked closely with some of the most distinguished directors in highly acclaimed US productions: Terrence Malick's Academy Award-nominated film The Thin Red Line; the Wachowski's The Matrix and George Lucas' Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones.
501st and Rebel Legions
Learn about two international Star Wars costuming organisations and take the opportunity to get a photo with your favourite Star Wars character. Wearing screen-accurate costumes, learn about the work of these two organisations and how to join them. A must-see for all Star Wars fans.
Newcastle Swordcraft
Have you ever wanted to join in a battle like the ones you’ve seen in Lord of the Rings or created in D&D? Well, here’s your chance! NSW LARPERS, including Swordcraft Newcastle will showcase their skills and you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in a battle. Swordcraft Newcastle is a live-action role-play combat sport or a LARP.
Simon from Heroes and More
Simon Wait will bring along his impressive array of characters, including Bumblebee, Blue and Predator. Simon is an Oz Comic-Con FX award winner and is well-known in the cosplay world for his incredible attention to detail and amazing builds.
Ghostbusters and Ectomobile
Who you gonna call? The Ghostbusters team will be on hand to discuss all the movies, cosplaying and the iconic props. The iconi Ecto-1 will also be onsite.
Saber Academy Demonstration with The Sons of Obiwan
The Sons of Obiwan are Australia’s first and only lightsaber theatre combat facility. They will showcase their non-combative work in a high-energy, all-inclusive demonstration featuring Balintawak stick fighting. We are a volunteer organisation based at Tuggerah. We teach cognitive and dialectical behaviour therapy through theatre combat to kids, adults, special needs and those on the spectrum. The academy will also provide combat lessons for those aged 10 and above throughout the day.
Rainbow Bricks LEGO fan mini-exhibit
Rainbow Bricks is a recognised LEGO User Group and is based in the Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Mid-North Coast of New South Wales. They are a group of active adult fans of LEGO builders and exhibitors of LEGO creations.
POP BAM Vehicle Exhibits
View your favourite pop culture vehicles the DeLorean, The Mystery Machine (Scooby Doo) and Ghostbusters Ectomobile, as well as military vehicles you’ll recognise from some of your favourite TV shows and movies.
Anime, Manga and D&D inspired drawing workshops, craft and more
Drop into our Activities Zone with Lake Mac Libraries and join our professional artists for a range of demos and workshops for all day craft! Artist include Matthew Lin, Art Heroes and Tallulah Langford.
Mobile Video Games truck
Free play all day! It’s a video game lover’s dream on wheels! Play outside or on the truck with a wide range of games available.
Event MC - The Pretty Amazing Jono
Part magician, part mad scientist and part MacGyver. The Pretty Amazing Jono combines comedy, magic and stunts with his chaotic brand of wonder and whimsy.
Book your tickets
View the 2024 event gallery