News Summary
The Grand Rapids Public Library is gearing up for its Comic Geek Out event, a day filled with engaging activities for all ages. Scheduled for Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., the event will feature workshops, Q&A sessions with voice actors, a cosplay showcase, and much more. Participants can enjoy free snacks, crafts, and an exclusive poster. This event aims to celebrate comic culture and foster community engagement among enthusiasts and families alike.
Grand Rapids, MI – The Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL) is set to host its much-anticipated Comic Geek Out event on Saturday, July 26, from noon to 5 p.m. The free event will take place at the main library located at 111 Library St. NE and is open to attendees of all ages.
This engaging celebration of comic culture will feature a variety of hands-on activities, free snacks and refreshments, and the chance for participants to take home a free book and an exclusive 2025 Comic Geek Out poster (available while supplies last).
Event Highlights
Attendees can expect an action-packed schedule filled with engaging activities:
- Podcasting 101: Noon to 1 p.m. (Level 3)
- Swords in Media: Myth vs. Reality: 1 to 2 p.m. (Auditorium)
- Meet and Greet with Veronica Taylor: 2 to 3 p.m. (Auditorium)
- Celebrate 40 Years of Dragon Ball: 3 to 4 p.m. (Auditorium)
- Cosplay Showcase: 4 to 5 p.m. (Auditorium)
This workshop, led by Jonathan Pataky, will teach participants how to create a podcast centered around fandoms.
Presented by the Swordsmanship Museum & Academy, this session will debunk common myths regarding swordsmanship as depicted in various media.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with renowned voice actress Veronica Taylor, best known for voicing Ash Ketchum in the Pokémon series.
Derek Padula, a Grand Rapids author, will discuss the cultural impact and significance of the Dragon Ball franchise.
Participants can register at the welcome table to showcase their cosplay creations for a chance to win prizes.
Additional Activities
- Comic Crafts & Trivia: Noon to 5 p.m. (Level 3)
- Tabletop Extravaganza: Noon to 5 p.m. (Level 3)
- Artists Alley: Noon to 5 p.m. (Reading Room)
- Fandom Face Painting: Noon to 5 p.m. (Level 3)
- Professional Cosplayers Meet & Greet: Noon to 5 p.m. (Level 3)
- Asian Museum of Warriors: Noon to 5 p.m. (Reading Room)
GRPL librarians and special guests will lead participants in comic-themed crafts and trivia games throughout the day.
Attendees can explore and engage in various tabletop games available at the library.
Local artists will showcase their work, giving attendees the opportunity to browse and purchase unique pieces.
Participants can enjoy face painting inspired by various fandoms, courtesy of iLove Your Face.
Attendees will have the chance to pose for photographs with professional cosplayers at a dedicated photo booth.
A traveling exhibit featuring historical relics from the Swordsmanship Museum & Academy will be on display.
The Comic Geek Out event aims to foster community engagement while celebrating the diverse world of comics, animation, and fandoms. It provides an excellent opportunity for comic enthusiasts, families, and newcomers to enjoy a day filled with creativity and fun.
For more details about the event and its various activities, interested individuals can visit the GRPL website at grpl.org/comicgeekout. This event promises to be an exciting summer highlight for residents and visitors alike.
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Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
