Austin Public Library launches first CABAM! Con at Central Library – 6d4873b4-0783-491e-bb3a-ba758f778577.png
Comic books, anime, cosplay, gaming and more are taking over the Austin Central Library for a brand-new celebration of all things pop culture.
Austin Public Library is hosting its first-ever CABAM! Con on Saturday, Sept. 12, transforming the Central Library into a free, all-ages convention filled with activities for fans of all kinds.
Austin Public Library launches first CABAM! Con at Central Library – 6d4873b4-0783-491e-bb3a-ba758f778577.png
Baylor Johnson with Austin Public Library joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to give viewers a sneak peek at what to expect.
The name itself gives fans a hint of what’s in store. CABAM stands for comics, anime, books, art, movies and more.
“CABAM! Con is Austin Public Library’s first-ever takeover of the Central Library for a celebration of comics, pop culture, anime, all of the characters and heroes and stories and fandoms that people love,” Johnson said.
The name itself gives fans a hint of what’s in store. CABAM stands for comics, anime, books, art, movies and more.
There will also be a cosplay swap, giving fans the chance to bring pieces from previous costumes and trade with others.
Johnson said the library already hosts programs centered around fandom, including graphic novel book clubs and anime and manga events for teens, but CABAM! Con is an opportunity to bring those worlds together under one roof.
“We haven’t ever really brought it all together like this,” Johnson said. “It’s a big celebration that’s taking over the Central Library to kind of bring all of this together in one space for a free event, for all ages, for the community to come together.”
Something for every kind of fan
Throughout the day, visitors can explore pop-ups from local comic book shops and bookstores, live gaming for teens, tri Dungeons & Dragons
Baylor Johnson with Austin Public Library joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to give viewers a sneak peek at what to expect.
The event will also feature a sneak preview of “Treasure Island Reimagined,” a live-action graphic novel show coming to the State Theatre. Attendees can catch scenes from the production and see a demonstration of Foley, the art of creating sound effects live.
Aspiring cosplayers can even learn how to make chainmail.
“There’s really something, I think, for everybody happening on some floor somewhere,” Johnson said.
Come ready to cosplay
Costumes aren’t just welcome — they’re encouraged.
CABAM! Con will have pop-up photo booths where attendees can show off their cosplay and have images taken by professional photographers.
There will also be a cosplay swap, giving fans the chance to bring pieces from previous costumes and trade with others.
“Maybe your last year’s Halloween superhero costume can have a new life for somebody next year,” Johnson said.
Costumes aren’t just welcome — they’re encouraged.
Johnson said the ultimate goal is for people to have fun while discovering that the library can be a home for their interests long after CABAM! Con ends.
“What I hope that people take away, I think, is that your public library is a place that you can go to for ret you love.”
CABAM! Con takes place Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Austin Central Library. The event is free and open to all ages.
For the full schedule and event details, visit Austin Public Library’s CABAM! Con page.
Austin Public Library launches first CABAM! Con at Central Library – 96128411-7e63-4cea-9629-901b07e3b33c.png
