Home > Program & Classes > Elk Grove Library Comic Con
Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 11 am - 3 pm | FREE!
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s the epic return of Elk Grove Library Comic Con! Straighten your cape, lace up your boots, and join in on the action and adventure at this FREE, one-day celebration of all things comics and pop culture. Explore an exhibitor hall that’s bursting with talent, snap photos with incredible costumed characters and iconic cars from film and TV, and dive into random fandom fun fit for all ages.
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♦ Schedule
Full Schedule
Adult Comic Book Workshop
11 am - 12 pm | Quiet Study Room | High school and adults
Discover the art of storytelling through comics with Do Art Productions! This interactive workshop dives into facial expression, body language, and visual pacing -- plus a few playful surprises to keep things lively. No experience needed, just bring your imagination!
NOTE: This is a ticketed workshop. Tickets will be distributed at the Comic Con Info Table in the Lobby 30 minutes before the start of the program. Space is limited to 25 students.
Artist Alley & Exhibitor Hall
11 am - 3 pm | Lee Maternowski Room | All ages
Stroll through Artist Alley and discover a treasure trove of creativity! Meet talented authors, comic book artists, and other illustrators, and explore unique finds from small businesses and makers who bring different fandoms to life.
Car Show
11 am - 3 pm | Parking Lot | All ages
Get up close to some of the most iconic vehicles from film and TV at our "Star Car" Show! Snap photos with fan-favorite rides that look like they rolled right off the big screen. From time-traveling classics to cartoon cruisers, these scene-stealers are ready for this close up!
Cinderella Storytime
11 am - 12:30 pm | Kids Korner | Families with children of all ages
Step into a fairy tale moment and celebrate Cinderella's 75th anniversary at Elk Grove Library Comic Con! Cinderella, from Parties with Character, will host a storytime followed by a meet and greet. Line may close before 12:15 pm to accommodate all patrons that wish to meet Cinderella. Costumes encourages but not required.
NOTE: This is a ticketed storytime. Tickets will be distributed at the Comic Con Info Table in the Lobby 30 minutes before the start of the program. Space is limited.
Color Your Own Superhero Puzzle
11 am - 3 pm | Youth Services | Children of all ages
Unleash your inner hero at Elk Grove Library Comic Con! Color your own superhero puzzle -- fun for all ages! While supplies last.
Comic Con Kids Challenge
11 am - 3 pm | Youth Services | Children of all ages
Search our Seek and Find characters and clues, finish the challenge, and win a prize!
Costume Contest
11 am - 3 pm | Café Area | All ages
Come dressed to impress and strike a pose in front of our photo op wall for a chance to win our hall costume contest! All ages and skill levels are welcome. This is a self-serve hall contest. Winners will be selected by Library staff and announced here and on social media on Friday, October 10, 2025.
Costumed Characters
11 am - 3 pm | Adult Services | All ages
Get ready for an epic lineup of costumed characters bringing your favorite fandoms to life! From superheroes and villains from a galaxy far, far away to historical and pop culture icons, these special guests will be roaming the Library for meet and greets and photo ops that are sure to make your day unforgettable!
Craft Supply & Cosplay Swap
11 am - 3 pm | Adult Services | All ages
Led by ambassadors of Fan Expo Chicago, this one-day-only swap is your chance to refresh your craft and cosplay staff -- all for FREE! Costumes, props, wigs, accessories, fabrics, tools, notions, and more are all up for grabs. Come early, take what inspires you, and help make sure nothing gets left behind!
Despicable Me Minion Craft
11 am - 3 pm | Youth Services | Children of all ages
Create your own Minion at Elk Grove Library Comic Con! Drop in to make a fun paper plate craft -- fun for all ages! While supplies last.
DIY Drawing Stations
11 am - 3 pm | Youth Services | Recommended for grades 2 - 8
Stop by our drawing stations located on tables throughout Youth Services and follow a step-by-step process to draw comic characters.
Drawing Booth
11 am - 3 pm | Lee Maternowski Room | All ages
Stop by Do Art Productions' booth in our Exhibitor Hall and add your wacky masterpiece to a growing community art wall. Whether you're a kid, teen, or grown-up geek, everyone's welcome to make their mark and earn a fun prize for participating.
Face Painting & Airbrush Tattoos
11 am - 3 pm | Adult Services | All ages
Transform into a hero, villain, or brand new alter ego! Whether you're adding the finishing touches to your costume or just trying on a new disguise, our face painting and airbrush tattoo stations are here to level up your cosplay. Capes and secret identities are optional, but cool designs are guaranteed.
Fandom Origami Craft
11 am - 1pm | Makerspace | High school and adults
Fold your fandom into art! Drop by for this self-guided origami craft featuring designs inspired by your favorite fandoms -- sci-fi, fantasy, superheroes, and more. While supplies last.
Fandom Pennant Craft
11 am - 1 pm | Makerspace | High school and adults
Show off your fandom pride! Stop by our self-guided craft table in the Makerspace to make your own pennant inspired by your favorite fandoms -- books, movies, games, and more. While supplies last.
Food Trucks
11 am - 3 pm | Parking Lot | All ages
Need to refuel or power up at Elk Grove Library Comic Con? Grab a bite to eat at one of our onsite food trucks. A tented food area with tables and chairs will also be set up nearby.
Giveaway & Swag Table
11 am - 3 pm | Lobby | All ages
Snag some swag at our giveaway table! Choose from a variety of superhero-themed goodies and free comic books, courtesy of Beyond Tomorrow Comics. One free comic per person. While supplies last!
Jurassic Adventure: Dinosaur Meet & Greet
2:30 pm - 4 pm | Parking Lot | All ages
Step into a world where dinosaurs still roam! Come face-to-face with a life-size velociraptor and an adorable baby dinosaur in a thrilling Jurassic adventure, courtesy of Fairytale Entertainment. This interactive experience is perfect for all ages and features fun dino facts through storytelling, show-and-tell with fossils and other artifacts, epic photo ops, and more. It's an adventure 65 million years in the making. Don't miss it! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Kids Comic Book Workshop
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm | Quiet Study Room | Grades K - 8
Explore the art of visual storytelling with Do Art Productions! Learn how expressions, poses, and speech bubbles bring comics to life in this hands-on, high energy workshop...and don't be surprised if dabbing pandas or juggling axolotls make an appearance.
NOTE: This is a ticketed workshop. Tickets will be distributed at the Comic Con Info Table in the Lobby 30 minutes before the start of the program. Space is limited to 25 students.
Perler Character Portraits
2 pm - 3 pm | Kids Korner | Grades 4 - 8
Create your favorite comic, anime, or video game characters using Perler beads. All supplies provided -- just bring your creativity.
NOTE: This is a ticketed craft. Tickets will be distributed at the Comic Con Info Table in the Lobby 30 minutes before the start of the program. Space is limited.
Superhero Race Track & Obstacle Course
11 am - 3 pm | Parking Lot | Ages 2 - 9
Calling all junior superheroes! Get ready to ride into action and race through an obstacle course on your very own ride-on vehicle, fit for a caped crusader, from Party Wheelz Rentals. Whether you're driving solo or with help from a parent via remote control, you'll feel like you're saving the day in style. Our trusty Party Hosts will be on hand to help keep the action running smoothly.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Craft
All Day | Youth Services | All Ages
Cowabunga! Stop by Youth Services to make your own paper Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. Fun, easy, and great for all ages! While supplies last.
"Thriller" Dance Class
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm | Parking Lot | High school and adults
Learn the iconic dance moves from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" in this high-energy class led by Movement Revolution Dance Crew. Whether you're dancing for fun or dreaming of joining a flash mob, it's your time to come alive!
Event and Program Map
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♦ Exhibitors
Artist Alley and Exhibitor Hall
Stroll through our Artist Alley and Exhibitor Hall and discover a treasure trove of creativity! Meet talented authors, comic book artists, and illustrators, and explore unique finds from small businesses and makers who bring different fandoms to life.
Archangelo
Archangelo is a Chicago artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. He specializes in comic book and pop culture art. He is currently finishing up Jeremiah Wolfe's Ashes, a supernatural/noir comic book issue #4. He has also contributed to Phantasmagoric Press' Eve of the Trucks anthology. In his spare time he paints in watercolor and dabbles in woodworking.
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Beyond Tomorrow Comics
Beyond Tomorrow Comics offers a vast collection of comics, graphic novels, pop culture collectibles, and more. They're the go-to spot in Palatine for quality, variety, and community. Stop by our Giveaway and Swag Table to snag a free comic book, courtesy of Beyond Tomorrow. They will also be selling comic books in our lobby outside of our Exhibitor Hall.
Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram
Charli Rahe
A lifelong fantasy fan, Charli's love for storytelling began in sixth grade when she read The Hobbit. Since then, she's been writing stories and plays, often with her family as the audience. Like her main character, Charli hails from Chicago and now lives in the suburbs with her family, pets, and an endless supply of books and writing inspiration. When not writing, she enjoys crafting, cosplay, and visiting historical sites with her children. Charli is a proud member of the Chicago Writers Association and the Chicago-North Romance Chapter.
CN Factory
CN Factory is Candace and Nick Poblador. We met, graduated from art school, got married, had kids, and have our home here in Chicago. Candace is a graphic designer by education, and Nick studied Interior Architecture. We always wanted to combine our design skills and our family’s love for Pop-Culture (the kids, Cuyler and Dillon, are a huge source of inspiration and design ideas) into something that we create on our own and share with others who love the same things we do. We taught ourselves how to screen print and combine our drawing skills to produce one-of-a-kind, limited-edition artwork.
Dice Divas
Drawing inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons and other fantasy realms, the Dice Divas specialize in handcrafted gaming accessories and fantasy-themed crafts. Their shop includes custom dice sets, potion bottle jewelry, a "Charm Bar", and whimsical stickers, and more.
Do Art Productions
Do Art Productions travels the country inspiring thousands to explore their imagination and express themselves through creativity. We are comic book artists and public speakers. Through the comic book art form we promote the benefits of creativity such as personal confidence, mental and emotional outlets, as well as a bridge to communicate to others. Join us in our mantra: I am Amazing! I am Creative! I am an Artist!
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Website
Enerjax Art
Jackie Goodrum is a character designer and concept artist who illustrates cover art and pages for comics, magazines, books, and more! She focuses on characters we all know and love as well as original characters with classic video game elements in a fun and vibrant color palette using sketch lines that feel alive. Combining her love of retro media and modern subjects is another way she enjoys this nostalgia.
Facebook | Instagram | Portfolio | Story Envy | Twitter X
James Sandberg
James Sandberg is a cartoonist who draws whatever he can create. He has attended Harper College and, for the most part, taught himself to draw. By observing comics, animation, and being taught how to draw books, he learned most of his craft. He loves to draw and will never give it up.
Jen Watson Art
Jen Watson is a digital illustrator, cosplayer, and crafter of handmade things. Her work is inspired by the stories that she loves, from fandom and folklore, to music to magic. She hopes to help make this world a little brighter by connecting people to each other through their favorite stories and characters.
Katy Js Jewels
When she was 12 years old, Kathryn's mother told her she needed a hobby and enrolled Kathryn in her first jewelry class. Under the name Katy J's Jewels, Kathryn has been making jewelry ever since. Discovering wire and chain maille truly opened the doors for Kathryn's creativity and she draws inspiration from architecture to nature, and, of course, her favorite fandoms. From beadwork to wire to chain maille, Katy J's Jewels has a wide array of jewelry for any style.
Lavi HQ
"Creating what little me would've loved to see" is Lavi's motto that has manifested as being obsessed with the rainbow and all things fantastical. Lavi is the creator of Leaving Nowhere, Thought Bubble, and DecKingdom (on WEBTOON/Tapas).
Instagram | Portfolio | Website
Mario Tokar Caricatures
Since 2022, caricature artist Mario Tokar has brought joyful laughter to clients with his unique art. You can find him creating caricatures at fairs, festivals, carnivals, conventions, and both public and private events throughout Illinois and nationwide. His live drawings take just a few minutes to complete, capturing you as yourself or as your favorite character in a themed style.
Scott Kenemore
Scott Kenemore is the national bestselling author of Zombie Ohio, Edge of the Wire, and The Grand Hotel. His work spans horror and satire, with publications in The Kenyon Review, Slate, The New York Times, and more. A featured guest at conventions like San Diego Comic-Con, he has appeared on Fox News, NPR, and WGN. Kenemore is also a member of the Horror Writers Association and the Zombie Research Society.
Shield Jaguar Art
Shield Jaguar is a horror artist who draws portraits of characters from video games, cinema, and cryptozoology.
Side Quest Shoppe
Side Quest Shoppe is a small business inspired by pop culture, anime, and video games! We specialize in handcrafting artisan soap and adjustable bead bracelets, but we also offer other products such as, vinyl stickers, and art prints. Every item in our collection is handcrafted by us.
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website
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♦ Cosplay & More
Cosplay & More
Get ready for an epic lineup of costumed characters bringing your favorite fandoms to life! These special guests will be roaming the Library for meet and greets and photo ops that are sure to make your day unforgettable.
501st Midwest Garrison
The 501st Midwest Garrison (MWG) is the Illinois chapter of The 501st Legion, a Star Wars Imperial costuming club. The 501st is dedicated to the movie-quality costumes of the "villains" of the Star Wars universe. MWG is also committed to the community and offers support at charity events, fundraisers, and social functions by appearing as film-authentic Star Wars characters.
Facebook | Instagram | Website | YouTube
Costumers with a Cause
Costumers With A Cause is a 501c3 non-profit organization that works with and supports children's charities and charity events that promote community growth, unity, and hope for every child's future. They believe that a world of difference can be made with a smile, photo or a single hello. Their goal is to utilize the talents of its members in order to make a child's day brighter.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
Hugo Colin - Elvis Tribute Artist
Chicago's own, Hugo, 25, is an internationally celebrated Elvis Tribute Artist covering all eras of Elvis' career. He captures the diversity of Elvis Presley's musical career and iconic performances to keep the music and legend of this great American treasure alive for the next generation. Each era, from the early days in Memphis to the concert years in Vegas, offers a complete vision of this art form and craft of being an Elvis Tribute Artist. Using professional backing tracks, sharing stories of the king of rock n roll's life through song and dance in an impeccable wardrobe, Hugo's historical tribute makes for a dynamic presentation!
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A League of Our Own -- WWII Girls Baseball
There's no crying in baseball! A League of Our Own WW2 Girls Baseball Living History League is a non-profit Vintage Women's Softball League that pays homage to the original All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) Rockford Peaches, Racine Belles, Kenosha Comets, and South Bend Blue Sox by playing exhibition games and making living history appearances at public events and historical venues throughout the Midwest.
Movement Revolution Dance Crew
Movement Revolution Dance Crew (MRDC) is a Chicago-based nonprofit collective founded in 2010. They fuse street and social dance styles, teach youth programs, and perform across the city—all in the spirit of Peace, Love, Unity & Having Fun.
CLASS
"Thriller" Dance Class
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm | Parking Lot | All ages
Learn the iconic dance moves from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" in this high-energy class led by Movement Revolution Dance Crew. Whether you're dancing for fun or dreaming of joining a flash mob, it's your time to come alive!Facebook | Instagram | Website | YouTube
Sharp Shot EFX
Sean Sharp is a Chicago based cosplayer and special effects artist. A graduate of Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles, they have been doing cosplay and practicing SFX makeup for over a decade and specialize in creatures and full body transformations.
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♦ Car Show
"Star Car" Show
Get up close to some of the most iconic vehicles from film and TV at our "Star Car" Show! Snap photos with fan-favorite rides that look like they rolled right off the big screen. From time-traveling classics to cartoon cruisers, these scene-stealers are ready for this close up!
"Back to the Future" DeLorean Time Machine
Great Scott! It's the DeLorean of "Back to the Future" fame, ready to take you back in time (or the future) -- no clock towers or bolts of lightning required! Stop by our entrance parking lot for an epic photo op that's sure to be the ultimate time traveling adventure for the whole family. Be sure to also enter our drawing for a chance to ride in the DeLorean after comic con is over at 3 pm.
"Back to the Future" Toyota 4x4
Things are about to get heavy with a double dose of "Back to the Future" nostalgia because, in addition to the DeLorean Time Machine, we'll also have Marty McFly's dream car on display -- a 1985 Toyota Pickup 4x4 SR5. It's a true blast from the past, so snap a photo in front of this unique vehicle and relive a little movie magic -- no time travel needed.
"Doctor Who" Tardis
The Doctor’s trusty time machine has landed! From the long-running "Doctor" Who series, the TARDIS may look like an ordinary 1960s police box on the outside, but it’s famously bigger on the inside. Step close and snap a photo with this intergalactic icon that’s traveled through time, space, and countless adventures.
"Ferris Bueller" Ferrari
Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss this opportunity to see the Ferrari from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" in person. While the car used in the movie was a replica of the 1961 Ferrari 250GT California Spyder, this is the real deal! So, if you have the means, we highly recommend getting a photo with one of the most iconic cars in Hollywood history.
"Jurassic Park" Tour Vehicle
Get a taste of Isla Nublar and strike an action pose with a replica of the tour vehicle that's featured in "Jurassic Park." Then stick around at 2:30 pm for a meet-and-greet with a life-size dinosaur or two. On loan from Casten Body Shop in Lake Zurich and Wauconda.
"Knight Rider" K.I.T.T.
Eric Wang of Sweet Rides Chicago stops by the Library to show off his replica of K.I.T.T., the artificially intelligent car from the TV show "Knight Rider." After years of research and gathering the correct parts, Eric brought his “Knight Industries Two Thousand” to life. It features front and rear cameras, an oil slick function, LEDs, and buttons galore. And yes, K.I.T.T. does talk.
Pee-Wee Herman's Bike
Straight from "Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure," this cherry-red bicycle is one of the most recognizable rides in movie history. Quirky, over-the-top, and full of personality—just like Pee-Wee himself—it’s the bike that sparked a nationwide search and became a pop culture icon.
"Scooby Doo" Mystery Machine
Like, zoinks! It's the Mystery Machine from "Scooby Doo!" This far-out ride takes a break from chasing masked villains and spooky creatures to make a pit stop at the Library for photo ops that are sure to be outta sight! So, channel your inner Shaggy, Scooby, Fred, Daphne, or Velma and strike a pose with the grooviest van in cartoon history. On loan from Casten Body Shop in Lake Zurich and Wauconda.
"Starsky & Hutch Gran Torino
Eric Wang brings a double feature of film cars, including the famed red and white striped 1976 Ford Gran Torino from the classic TV show "Starsky and Hutch," known as the "Striped Tomato." Eric's 1974 replica features an unmodified factory engine, vintage Motorola police radio, flashing light, and a trunk that can fit a family of five.
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♦ Dining
Dining Options
Need to refuel or power up at Elk Grove Library Comic Con? Grab a bite to eat at one of our onsite food trucks. A tented food area with tables and chairs will also be set up nearby.
Beaver Donuts
Since 2011, we’ve been serving up the best dam freshly fried mini donuts with gourmet toppings and artisanal coffee. From our first food truck to becoming one of Chicago’s favorite donut spots, we’ve won awards and been featured on The Food Network, Cooking Channel, and USA Today.
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More Than Dawgs
More Than Dawgs started with cousins Joey & Mikey bringing back the classic hot-dog cart vibe in Bridgeport in 2019. Today, they roll with a custom mobile kitchen, serving hot dogs and more.
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website | YouTube
Tievoli Pizza Bar
For a truly memorable dining experience and atmosphere, Tievoli Pizza Bar brings artisanal crafted pizzas, gourmet sandwiches and salads, and unbelievable desserts that you're sure to love.
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Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck
We're the coffee shop on wheels! Travelin' Tom's Coffee serves the areas of Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, and beyond. We offer a wide variety of beverages including Cappuccinos and Frappes for the coffee lovers and Nitro Lemonade and Hot Chocolate for everyone in between.
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♦ Map
Event and Program Map
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♦ About
WHAT IS COMIC CON?
Elk Grove Library Comic Con is a celebration of comics, fandoms, and geek and pop culture. You'll meet local authors, comic books artists, illustrators, costumers, fan groups, and all your favorite characters and superheroes. Stick around for themed crafts and hands-on workshops, a costume and prop exhibit, face painting, a famous car show, and more.
WHEN AND WHERE IS COMIC CON?
Elk Grove Village Public Library
1001 Wellington Avenue in Elk Grove Village, IL.Saturday, October 4 at 11 am - 3 pm.
HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS?
Elk Grove Village Library Comic Con is FREE for all ages and open to the public.
Some programs may require a special ticket for entry (free), to be picked up 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. See our comic con schedule for more details.
HOW DO I GET TO COMIC CON?
Whether you’re flying by cape or broom, driving, or taking public transportation, a full list of directions and a map are available on our main website.
IS PARKING AVAILABLE?
Yes. Parking is available at the library at no cost. The lot is accessible off of Wellington Avenue as well as by the shopping center near the fountain. Additional parking is available across the street at the Pavilion and in the shopping center.
CAN I BRING TOY / PROP WEAPONS TO GO WITH MY COSTUME?
Prop weapons are allowed, but they must be made of plastic, foam, cardboard, or non-metallic material. Prop guns must have an orange tip. No contact is allowed between your prop(s) and another person’s prop(s). This includes swordplay, lightsaber fighting, etc. Lightsaber fighting is restricted to the Lightsaber Training class. No real weapons or weapon-like objects will be allowed, e.g., swords, wooden bats, axes, chains, arrows, etc.
DO YOU OFFER ACCESSIBILITY / ASSISTIVE SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
Yes. A motorized scooter, designated parking, sign language interpreter, sensory kits, noise-cancelling headphones, soft-seat pads, weighted lap pads, and other services and devices are available for visitors with different needs. Visit our main website for a full list of assistive services and devices available for checkout and use at the library.
CAN I BRING A SERVICE ANIMAL?
Yes. Only trained service animals are permitted on library grounds. Pets are not allowed.
CAN I TAKE PICTURES AND VIDEO AT COMIC CON?
Yes. You are welcome to take pictures and video at comic con. However, some artists or costumed persons (both invited guests and general attendees) many not to wish to pose for photographs. Everyone has a right to their privacy. When in doubt, ask.
WILL I BE ON CAMERA?
Occasionally, the library may take photographs and video of people visiting the library or participating in our programs and special events. These photographs are for library use only, and may be used in our publications, on social media, or on our website. We will always ask for permission first before using your likeness in our marketing materials and campaigns.