The popular NerdMania was last staged in 2019, but unfortunately became another victim of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the spirit of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator, who said he’d be back, so too will this event at the end of winter, for one day only.
“We’ve been working towards this outcome for a few years now, so to say that it is finally happening in amazing,” event organiser Jim Gow, a youth participation worker at Salvation Army North East Youth Services, said.
“We were asked monthly, if not weekly, when it would come back, and told, ‘oh, I wish that would come back, it was incredible’, and so on, so this announcement will make a lot of people very happy. I’m one of them.”
Funding from Greater Shepparton City Council and VicHealth has been secured to help run the event.
“Greater Shepparton City Council is proud to support the return of NerdMania in 2026,” City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said.
“This event is a great example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships, and council is pleased to support its return, building on previous success as a welcoming and positive event for young people across Greater Shepparton.”
Money raised on the day through entry fees and stallholder fees will go back into the kitty to host future NerdMania events.
“We are aiming at making this event an annual event ... so we are hoping for a cost-neutral event at the very least,” Mr Gow said.
“We know there is strong demand for this family-friendly event, so we think that the community will get around it and support it so it can continue moving forward.”
Whether you’re a fan of Star Wars, Pokémon, LEGO or something else culturally popular, want to get dolled up for some cosplay or just keen to fill in a day and grab a delicious snack from a food truck, this event will provide the opportunity.
Mr Gow said he wanted to announce the event well ahead of time to give the cosplay community time to prepare.
Cosplay — or costume play — is when fans of televisions shows, animation cartoons and movies dress as characters they admire.
“It is often a very creative outlet that assists neurodiverse people and people that have mental health challenges to funnel their issues into something creative and soothing,” Mr Gow said.
“In addition to all things pop culture, many other services that help and support young people will also be in attendance on the day.”
He said young people’s mental and physical health would be an important component of the event, with more details about what that would look like available as it drew closer.
NerdMania will be held from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, August 29, at the Multipurpose Pavilion at the Shepparton Showgrounds.
Entry to the fully supervised, drug, alcohol, smoke and vape-free event is via prepaid ticket, or at the door.
Tickets will be available soon.
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