Dover Con 2026 is a FREE, family-friendly, indoor/outdoor pop-culture festival with more than a hundred vendors, artists & artisans, authors, a cosplay competition, fan groups, pop-culture cars, food vendors, and panel discussions throughout the day.
Food Vendors!
Yes, of course there will be food and plenty of it. We don't want you to go hungry. There are tables and chairs under the shade trees adjacent to the food vendors. Please clean up after yourself. Although we like to think that the people who are reading this don't need to be told to be kind to Mother Earth and keep her clean, right?
VIP Experience!
Upgrade your Dover Con experience with a VIP ticket! The Daily State News is excited to offer the Dover Con guests a limited number of VIP tickets for purchase. These include a reserved parking space, exclusive access to the Dover Con air-conditioned VIP headquarters, snacks, collectible lanyard, 2026 Dover Con enamel pin, T-shirt and more. Please be prepared to provide the T-shirt size for everyone in your order.
These tickets are $50 each and only a limited supply is available, so don’t wait.
Cosplay Contest!
Think your costume has what it takes to win the Dover Con Cosplay Contest? Start planning your costume now and sign up starting at 10 a.m. at the Schwartz Center for the Arts, State Street. No registration fee. Categories for all ages. Prizes! Sponsored by Red Bandana.
Gaming Tournament!
Nintendo heads can sign up for a Super Smash Brothers tournament, hosted (and streamed on Twitch!) by Small Town Gaming. It’s a chance to put all your couch skills to the test. You'll find them stationed in the Biggs Museum with even more seats for you to join the competition.
Professional Wrestling Stars!
DCW Pro Wrestling Stars are BACK! They will be on site for autographs and a series of wrestling matches. Don't miss your chance to meet these Pros and watch this exciting demonstration of skill and strength on Legislative Mall.
Star Wars from a Galaxy Far, Far Away!
We are excited to share that the free lightsaber training is returning this year. Come by the Wesley United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on Loockerman Street across from Dover City Hall and learn one of the top skills required to be a Jedi Knight. Then, come across the street to the Library to meet the First State Garrison, Delaware’s representation of the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion: Ghost Base, and Mando’s Mercs costuming organization comprised and operated by Star Wars fans. You'll be amazed at the characters and droids you'll meet! Photo ops galore!
Pinball Tournament!
Yes, that's correct! The First State Flippers are doing a pinball tournament at Dover Con. No charge to participate. You'll find them on Loockerman Street in the Wesley United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Who doesn't love these classic games? If you've never seen or played pinball, now's your chance to start a new passion.
Love anime?
If you love anime videos and creating your own original art, be sure to visit the Delaware Anime Society anime fan hangout in the Dover Library. They will show videos and have activities available all day.
CLICK HERE for event info!