Hancock County Library System is pleased to host our annual mini-con—FAN★FEST—with the support of sponsors, our incredible community of creators and fans, and our dedicated volunteers.
This event is free to the public and designed to make cons more accessible for all fandoms. The event features exhibitors sharing their comic books, art, cosplay and costuming, and creations. Talented presenters share their knowledge and experience in scheduled presentations, workshops, and demos. Space is created for gamers to sample the library’s video game collection and to play table games with new friends. Check out how you can participate and stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the big day.
HCLS FAN★FEST will return in…
Follow us on social media and tag your posts #HCLSFANFEST2026
Ways To Participate
Exhibitors
This event features and expo hall for creators, collectors, and more to exhibit. Booth spaces are free and assigned. Applications are reviewed from early fall as they come in until we have filled all available spaces. Exhibitors are selected based on quality and best fit for our event.
APPLY ONLINE
Presenters
There will be programming scheduled throughout the day. Presentations by individuals and groups on a variety of topics in our panel room. We have additional space inside and outside for game and activity demos. Presenters are selected from submitted applications based on available space and time-slots.
APPLY ONLINE
Art Contest & Exhibit
The contest is open to teen and adult Hancock County residents and library cardholders age 12 and up. We welcome artists of all abilities to submit their design!
Submissions due by March 31, 2026—apply anytime and send image file by email. All art submissions will be part of the FAN★FEST 2026 art exhibition.
APPLY ONLINE
Cosplay Contest
Join our annual, all-ages cosplay contest! Each contestant may compete in one category: Child, Teen, Adult, or Group. Space is limited—we encourage you to reserve your spot in advance. You may also sign up at the event—be aware of scheduled reporting and judging times.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Volunteer
We need volunteers to help make this event a success!
You must be 14 or older. Apply and let us know your availability for Saturday and Sunday.
APPLY ONLINE
Guest Presenters & Exhibitors
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Stay Tuned!
Photo Reel - 2025 Recap
Thank you for helping us make 2025 a success!
Our annual celebration of all things pop culture was held Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Bay St. Louis Community Hall. Our library mini-con had a dedicated video gaming space, table gaming space, special guest presenters, a cosplay contest, and an expo hall full of creators and performers for every fandom. Big thanks to our special guests Blake Barnes, Rodney Mooney, and Brian LeBlanc, creators of the horror anthology Mississippi Macabre.
Thank you to the generous sponsors, to the fantastic volunteers, to the amazing exhibitors and presenters, and of course, the dynamic super-fans. Come back for more next year!
Sponsors
Thank you to the sponsors from previous years!
We are excited to grow this popular event. If you would like to make a donation or become a sponsoring partner, please contact us at: info@hancock.lib.ms.us.
All press inquiries may be directed to Kevin Cole, PR/Marketing coordinator at kcole@hancock.lib.ms.us or 228.467.6836