Cosplay, comics, gaming headed to Hillsboro for Westside Comic Con

Cosplay, comics, gaming headed to Hillsboro for Westside Comic Con

Published 5:30 am Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Fans of fantasy, comics and all issues popular culture are heading to Hillsboro for a full weekend devoted to group and creativity.

The inaugural Westside Comic Con springs into motion May 23-24, taking up the Wingspan Event & Conference Center, 801 N.E. thirty fourth Ave., in what organizers describe as the primary large-scale comedian ebook conference held in Washington County.

“Unlike traditional corporate conventions, Westside Comic Con is a registered nonprofit organization built by the community, for the community,” organizers mentioned in a launch.

According to the nonprofit, a serious focus of the conference is native expertise — with greater than 60 creators from throughout the Pacific Northwest anticipated to showcase unique artwork, comics and handcrafted items.

And in conventional comedian con vogue, attendees are invited to decorate up as their favourite characters for a cosplay showcase that includes a family-friendly competitors “celebrating the craftsmanship of local costume designers,” organizers mentioned.

Gamers, in the meantime, will be capable of take a look at a devoted tabletop and retro gaming space hosted by native distributors, whereas interactive panels all through the weekend will cowl subjects starting from breaking into indie comics to conversations with business professionals.

Featured company embody comedian writers Kelly Sue DeConnick and Matt Fraction, animator Keith Tucker, artist Robert Sumner and writer Cheyenne Osborn.

Organizers are additionally hoping to steer guests towards native companies by the conference’s “HeroPass” initiative. Attendees who present their badge at taking part museums, espresso outlets and distilleries all through Washington County can obtain reductions and different perks throughout the month of May.

The conference is partnering with Make-A-Wish Oregon, with a portion of proceeds and onsite fundraising efforts supporting needs for kids with crucial diseases. Organizers added that 25% of occasion earnings will likely be used to match funds raised throughout the weekend.

“We wanted to create an event that wasn’t just about the biggest celebrities, but about the biggest hearts in our community,” conference director Laura Hoover mentioned in a launch. “Bringing Washington County its first comic con at a world-class facility like Wingspan allows us to showcase local talent while giving back to kids through Make-A-Wish and supporting our neighborhood small businesses.”

Pricing begins at $25 for a weekend cross.

To discover out extra and buy a badge, go to westsidecomiccon.com/events/2026-westside-comic-con.