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. Watch our website and follow @lakemaclibraries for the full program release.
Event details:
- Date: Saturday 26 July
- Location: Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba and Rathmines Park.
- Time: 10am-3pm
Event 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 those age 16+. Entrants can register on the day
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 Vehicles 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.
Cosplay meet and greets all day and pop culture stalls!
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 for an unforgettable Day.
Tickets are on sale now
- Adults $20 + booking fee
- Adults Lake Mac Arts $18 + booking fee
- Youth (5-17 years) $10 + booking fee
- Children under 5 Free
An adult must accompany children up to 15 years old.
Tickets at the gate:
- Adults $25
- Adults Lake Mac Arts $22.50
- Youth (5-17 years) $15
NSW Companion Cards can be used for entry at this event. Please show your card on entry with the ticket holder.
Don’t miss out on this epic celebration – see you at POP BAM!
Other information:
Transport
A shuttle bus will be operating between Fassifern Station and Rathmines Theatre. The Shuttle Bus Schedule will be added to our website in the weeks leading up to the festival and emailed to all ticket holders.
Children attending POP BAM
Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children aged 16 or over may attend POP BAM on their own but we strongly recommend that they be accompanied by a parent or guardian where possible. If they do attend on their own, we recommend they have a method of contacting a parent or guardian and that they be aware of where the Event Information Desk is at the event. This will be a meeting point for anyone who gets lost, separated or feels at any stage uncomfortable and needs staff assistance.
If you have any questions regarding the event or ticketing, please contact the team on 4921 0400 or email [email protected].
Lake Mac POP BAM: Code of Conduct
We want you to enjoy your time at Lake Mac POP BAM! We encourage you to make the most of what is planned for the day. POP BAM is a welcoming and harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance (including costumes), body size, race, or religion.
We ask you to be considerate of others and help create an environment where everyone feels safe and accepted. To create this safe and welcoming space for all we ask you to observe our conditions of entry
Cosplay and Weapons
We encourage everyone to dress up! If your costume includes weapons or large items, please take time to download and read the Pop Bam Cosplay and Weapons Guide
Weapons Suitability and props will be decided upon by Pop Bam staff and all weapons are to be provided for inspection at the main gate