Comic Fest Returns to Beaches Library for 10th Year

Beaches Library Comic Fest is back for its 10th year on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 1–4 p.m. Join us for an all-ages, fandom-filled afternoon of reading, creativity, and pop culture fun!

Check out the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/15GPvmZoYk/

Sponsored by the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library and brought to life by your favorite librarians, this FAN-tastic event features local cosplayers, gamers, and comic creators from the Beaches community and beyond.

Whether you’re a superhero-in-training, a manga enthusiast, or just love a good graphic novel, there’s something for every kind of fan.

Costume Contest

Get those costumes ready and compete in the Cosplay Contest at ComicFest!

Be sure to register for the contest from 1 to 2:45 PM.

Judging starts at 3 PM with prizes awarded by 3:45 PM.

This year’s competition will have three age categories: Kids (ages birth to 12), Teens (ages 13 -17) and Adults (18 and older).

There will also be a Group category!

We’ll award a first, second and third place in each category.

What to do at Beaches Library Comic Fest

Jam out to live beats from local favorite DJ Mario Lambert and dance in the atrium!

There’s something for everyone:

• Get your face painted
• Build epic creations with LEGO
• Paint rocks with Atlantic Beach Rocks
• Craft your own superhero gear
• Embark on an adventure with a round of Dungeons & Dragons
• Dive into the world of DCAZ (Duval Comic and Zines) and discover the magic of Riso printing
• And yes, earn a free comic book prize just for participating!

Special FX Makeup Demonstrations with special guest Jay Woodley from 1 to 2:45 p.m. in the Community Room.

Local dojo Asian Dragon Martial Arts students will also perform a 15-minute Karate Demo at 1:30 p.m., outside. 

Artist Alley and Vendors

We’ll have local authors, comic makers, cosplayers, and fandom artists set up throughout the library. 

Confirmed vendors include: KiwiKanopi, Midnight Pumpkin, CrumzArt, Quaint and Crochet, TheFlyingTacoz, Fable Peaches, Bubble Bee, Tiger Shredds, Small Obsession, Black in Jax Anime cosplay group, Costumers with a Cause, author/illustrator Michael Regina, author Michael J.P. Whitmer,  and author BB LeClere. 

Other Confirmed Guests:

• Ghostbusters of Middleburg
• Last Council Saber Academy
• Droidchaser (Chuck Willis and R2D2)
• 501^st Stormtroopers
• Beaches Photography Club
• Fletcher Middle School “Beach Bumz” Robotics Club

Rules and Regulations for Comic Fest Costumes

When planning your cosplay costumes, please keep in mind the rules of the library for costumes and weapons:

Costumes

• Costumes, cosplays, and general attire must provide the same level of body coverage expected under Code of Conduct.
• Footwear is required at all times.
• Costumes should not impede the movement of yourself or others around you. They must fit through a standard American doorway.
• Costumes should not have any functional sharp edges or points that could be a risk to yourself or others.
• Costumes may not include smoke, odors, or fog, Words, images, or symbols conveying racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or otherwise prejudiced or bigoted messages or sentiments. Obscene or offensive language or images, including uncensored profanities and inappropriate for all ages content.
• Costumes should not represent or incorporate the iconography, uniform, or appearance of persons or objects associated with prejudice or bigotry (e.g. Nazi imagery).
• 20th and 21st-century uniforms may not be worn as costumes. These include any uniform that can be construed as a military uniform from any country or a uniform worn in an official capacity, such as security guard, police officer, deputy, fire marshal, paramedic, etc. Active duty military personnel are permitted to wear their government-issued uniforms.
• Costumes and cosplays should not incorporate audio or bright lighting elements as they can become disruptive to nearby attendees or events.

Weapons and Props

Costumes and cosplays cannot include historical or modern weapons or items that could be confused for them. This includes (but is not limited to): self-defense equipment like pepper spray or tasers; recreational weapons like Airsoft, paintball, water, cap, or BB guns; sharp-edged tools like knives or scissors; or martial-arts weaponry including wooden practice weapons.

• Fantasy or sci-fi/futuristic weapons are allowed so long as they do not resemble actual historical or modern weapons and are handled with respect for other attendees’ safety and personal space.
• No live steel or weapons that can fire projectiles.
• Weapons and props must not exceed the height of a standard American doorway.
• Any weapon or prop that makes noise must be able to be turned off and must not be excessively loud.
• Questionable items can be brought to the Information Desk in the Lobby during operating hours to be checked for compliance with this policy.
• Library Staff or security personnel may inspect any item or costume or request that an attendee remove a mask at any time during the event. Failure to comply with these policies and/or the instructions of Library Staff or security personnel may result in immediate removal from the event.
• If you have any questions about these policies, please contact Event staff before the event or visit the Information Desk during operating hours.
• Items cannot be stored in event spaces. If found, items may be moved or discarded.

So, join us at the Beaches Library Comic Fest for an unforgettable day filled with creativity, community, and celebration of all things pop culture! Whether you’re there to compete in the cosplay contest, explore the Artist Alley, or simply enjoy the array of activities and performances, there’s something for everyone.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow fans, discover new talents, and immerse yourself in a world where imagination knows no bounds. We can’t wait to see you there!