Elko Pop Con 

Pop Culture fans mark your calendars for Friday, August 8th (Noon-8pm) and Saturday, August 9th (11am-8pm) for the 3rd annual Elko Pop! Plan on meeting special guests, taking in a panel (or two), learning a new skill at one of the workshops, checking out unique vendors and enjoying the annual Cosplay contest. 

For 2025, The Elko Pop Con has partnered with Ruby Mountain Resource Center and are asking attendees for a monetary donation of $5.00 per person or $20.00 per family (for groups of 5+). Received donations will go towards supporting Ruby Mountain Resource Center’s mission and the 2026 Elko Pop Con; with donations split evenly between the two organizations. 

This year, the Elko Pop Con is excited to have an array of guests joining the event. Voice actors Chris Hackney (Fire Emblem, K Project), Megan Hollingshead (Nurse Joy from Pokémon, Mai Valentine from Yu-Gi-Oh!), and Olivia Hack (Rhonda from Hey Arnold!, Chloe from Bratz) can be found at Celebrity Row in the lobby of the E-Center (Convention Center). 

Also located in Celebrity Row are Julian Richings (Death in Supernatural, The Umbrella Academy), Christopher Gorham (The Lincoln Lawyer, Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage), Michael Welch (Twilight, Z Nation), and Katie Sarife (Annabelle Comes Home). As well as special Guest, Shaun Barrowes’ author of The Paradise Planets and Emmy nominee for his song “Army of Kings ” and Elko Pon Con’s 2025 Featured Artist: Jean Munson, a high-school art teacher and co-founder of Plot Twist Publishing. 

A panel and workshop schedule can be found by visiting www.exploreelko.com or by checking out the Elko Pop Con Facebook page. All panels and workshops will be in the E-Center with vendors taking over the Conference Center creating Vendor City. With over 50 vendors there is something for everyone and if hunger hits, be sure to visit one of the amazing food vendors located outside the Conference Center. For those who need to cool off or sing a song, be sure to hit the Enchanted Forest lounge and karaoke room. Enjoy a beverage, purchase a mystery box ($40.00 each), or raffle ticket for an opportunity to take home a signed celebrity banner from past Elko Pop Cons before jumping onstage to sing a song. 

The annual contest will take place on Saturday, August 9th at 7pm in the Laurena Moren Theater, located in the E-Center with three featured categories (Armor & Foam work, Sewing & Textiles, and Youth (11-16 age). Best in Show winner will receive $1,500.00 with over $1,300.00 up for grabs for those placing 1st-3rd in the featured categories. Those ages 10 and younger may enter the kid’s costume contest at 4:45pm on Saturday, August 9th. 

We look forward to seeing everyone at the 3rd annual Elko Pop Con. Be sure to visit Elko Pop Con’s Facebook page or www.exploreelko.com to stay up to date on the event.