Optimist Con
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🎉 OPTIMIST CON 2026 🎉
📅 Saturday, July 18, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟 FREE Admission
Join us for the second annual Optimist Con, a one-of-a-kind comic convention celebrating the creativity, talent, and hard work of young artists from across Chicago!
Optimist Con is the only comic convention featuring an entirely student-led Artist Alley, showcasing original comics, artwork, characters, and stories created by students who participated in Optimist Comics programs during the 2025-2026 school year.
Come meet the next generation of comic creators, support local youth artists, and experience a day packed with creativity, community, and fun for all ages.
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS:
🎨 Student Artist Alley
Meet dozens of young creators and explore their original comics, artwork, prints, and stories.
🎬 Documentary Premiere
Be among the first to see "The Making of Optimist Con," a behind-the-scenes documentary following the students, artists, and community partners who helped bring this event to life.
🦸 Cosplay Competition
Show off your favorite character and compete for prizes and bragging rights.
🎤 Panels & Discussions
Hear from artists, creators, educators, and community leaders.
✏️ Creative Workshops
Participate in hands-on activities focused on comics, art, storytelling, and creativity.
🎮 Video Game Room
Take a break and enjoy gaming with friends throughout the day.
🌸 Art & Anime Lounge
Relax, draw, connect with fellow fans, and celebrate anime and pop culture.
🎧 Live DJ
Enjoy music throughout the day from our live DJ.
🌮 Food Vendors
Grab a bite from local food vendors while exploring the convention.
🤝 Community Resource Fair
Connect with organizations providing opportunities, programs, services, and resources for young people and families.
Whether you're a comic fan, artist, gamer, cosplayer, anime lover, educator, parent, or simply looking for an inspiring free community event, Optimist Con has something for you.
Come celebrate the incredible accomplishments of Chicago's young creators and help us make history at the first-ever Optimist Con!
Reserve your FREE tickets today.
📅 Saturday, July 18, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟 FREE Admission
Join us for the second annual Optimist Con, a one-of-a-kind comic convention celebrating the creativity, talent, and hard work of young artists from across Chicago!
Optimist Con is the only comic convention featuring an entirely student-led Artist Alley, showcasing original comics, artwork, characters, and stories created by students who participated in Optimist Comics programs during the 2025-2026 school year.
Come meet the next generation of comic creators, support local youth artists, and experience a day packed with creativity, community, and fun for all ages.
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS:
🎨 Student Artist Alley
Meet dozens of young creators and explore their original comics, artwork, prints, and stories.
🎬 Documentary Premiere
Be among the first to see "The Making of Optimist Con," a behind-the-scenes documentary following the students, artists, and community partners who helped bring this event to life.
🦸 Cosplay Competition
Show off your favorite character and compete for prizes and bragging rights.
🎤 Panels & Discussions
Hear from artists, creators, educators, and community leaders.
✏️ Creative Workshops
Participate in hands-on activities focused on comics, art, storytelling, and creativity.
🎮 Video Game Room
Take a break and enjoy gaming with friends throughout the day.
🌸 Art & Anime Lounge
Relax, draw, connect with fellow fans, and celebrate anime and pop culture.
🎧 Live DJ
Enjoy music throughout the day from our live DJ.
🌮 Food Vendors
Grab a bite from local food vendors while exploring the convention.
🤝 Community Resource Fair
Connect with organizations providing opportunities, programs, services, and resources for young people and families.
Whether you're a comic fan, artist, gamer, cosplayer, anime lover, educator, parent, or simply looking for an inspiring free community event, Optimist Con has something for you.
Come celebrate the incredible accomplishments of Chicago's young creators and help us make history at the first-ever Optimist Con!
Reserve your FREE tickets today.
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Where is it happening?
1104 S Wabash - Columbia College, 1104 S Wabash,Chicago,IL,United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherOptimist Comics
