Fan Fest this weekend at Oak Lawn Public Library

Oak Lawn Public Library Director Carol Williams and staff member Jan Goetz work the welcome table where patrons can get checked in, sign up for the cosplay contest, and receive a gift while supplies last.

Celebrate pop culture and Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 6, at the Oak Lawn Public Library’s Fan Fest Vol. 7: Guardians of the Library. This free, all-ages event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 9427 S. Raymond Ave.

To start the day, stop by the welcome table to get checked in, sign up for the cosplay competition, and receive a gift while supplies last. The exhibit hall featuring local artists, boutiques, writers and vendors opens at 9:30 a.m.

Local talent will lead panels and entertainment throughout the day. At 10 a.m., Dungeon Master Dave Hansen will guide attendees in Creating Characters for Dungeons and Dragons, and Geeks A Gogo will show young fans how to create their own foam masks, crowns and arm bracers during the Kids Cosplay Craft.

Performer Mikayla Wolford will instruct a K-Pop Dance Class for teens and adults at 10:30 a.m. K-Pop dance is an energetic activity, and attendees participate at their own risk.

The Orland Park Public Library, Palos Heights Public Library, Matteson Area Public Library District, Plainfield Area Public Library and White Oak Library District will join the Oak Lawn Public Library for the Library Fan Fest 101 panel at 11 a.m. These six area libraries will explain how to start a library “con” and offer inspiration for your next comic convention.

Balloon artist Smarty Pants will create superhero themed balloon sculptures to engage patrons of all ages at 11:30 a.m. Some lucky volunteers attending the library will even have an opportunity to become part of the show! Not all patrons will receive a balloon, but all will be entertained.

Join Geeks A Gogo at 12:30 p.m. for Getting Help on Your Cosplay: Library Edition, an educational panel on how you can utilize library resources, such as 3D printers and cutting machines, to create your cosplay.

Chicago K-Pop dance team Prism Kru, World Champions at the 2022 K-Pop Cover Dance Festival, will perform live at 1:30 p.m.

Learn the delicious and aesthetically pleasing Japanese art of boxed meals at 3:30 p.m. from The Obento Lady Sara Fujimura during Obento 101.

The exhibit hall will close at 4 p.m., but the festivities will continue at 6 p.m. with after-hours pop culture trivia at Cork & Bean, 4931 W. 95th St.

Explore more details, including prizes, crafts, cosplay competitions, a Marvel Snap tutorial, photo booth, scavenger hunt and the full schedule for this action-packed extravaganza at olpl.org/fanfest.