POP BAM: Lake Macquarie’s pop culture event is back

3 July 2025

POP BAM, Lake Macquarie’s vibrant pop culture festival, is making its return this July, and it’s bringing an explosion of cosplay, celebrity guests, lightsaber duels and movie magic with it.

Whether you’re a diehard Star Wars buff, a comic book collector, or a fan of fantasy battles, POP BAM! is set to deliver a day jam-packed with interactive experiences, screen legends, and geeky goodness.

Hosted by crowd favourite The Pretty Amazing Jono, the event will transform Hunter Sports Centre into a colourful haven for fandoms of all shapes and sizes. We’re talking everything from movie prop exhibits and live-action role-play demonstrations to creative workshops, cosplay parades, and even the legendary Ectomobile.

Check out everything you can expect from this eclectic event below.

Cosplay Panel and Parade

Get inspired and show off your own costume in a vibrant celebration of creativity and self-expression. A panel of seasoned cosplayers will share their secrets on costume creation, character performance, makeup, and the inclusive community that cosplay fosters. Then it’s your turn to shine during the always-popular cosplay parade.

Matt Doran In Conversation

Best known for his roles in The Matrix and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, actor Matt Doran will appear live to share stories from both the Australian and international film and television industry. A rare chance to hear insights from inside the screen industry, straight from the source.

Star Wars Comes to Life

The force will be strong at POP BAM when members of the 501st and Rebel Legions arrive in full screen-accurate Star Wars costumes. Pose for photos with iconic characters and explore the galaxy far, far away without leaving Lake Mac.

Swordcraft Newcastle & The Sons of Obiwan

Prepare for fantasy combat as Swordcraft Newcastle delivers high-impact demonstrations inspired by epic battle scenes. You can also catch the high-energy Saber Academy performance by The Sons of Obiwan – Australia’s original lightsaber combat school.

Movie Props & FX Magic

Simon Wait from Heroes and More returns with an incredible display of movie-quality props and characters, including Bumblebee, Predator and even Blue from Jurassic World. His award-winning creations have become favourites across the cosplay world.

Ghostbusters & The Ecto-1

Who you gonna call? The Ghostbusters team is rolling into POP BAM! with their gear in tow, including the iconic Ecto-1 vehicle. Talk props, chat movies, and take a closer look at the tech that keeps the ghosts at bay.

LEGO Creations and Vehicle Exhibits

Rainbow Bricks LEGO Fan Group will once again showcase a mini-exhibit of custom creations – a hit with kids and collectors alike. And for those who love iconic rides, this year’s event features the Back to the Future DeLorean, Scooby-Doo’s Mystery Machine, military vehicles and more.

Creative Workshops & Activities Zone

Explore anime, manga and fantasy art with drawing workshops presented by Lake Mac Libraries in the Activities Zone. Perfect for young creators or anyone looking to sketch their favourite characters, these hands-on sessions will run all day alongside craft and other activities.