30 March 2026
Cosplay, creativity and community are back on the agenda as WarwickCon 2026 returns for Queensland Youth Week to celebrate young people across the Southern Downs.
Supported by Southern Downs Regional Council and delivered in partnership with headspace Warwick, WarwickCon will transform WIRAC into a vibrant pop culture hub, complete with comic con style stalls, cosplay, games, Q&A panels, prizes, youth focused services and free entry.
headspace Warwick Team Leader & Community Engagement and Awareness Officer Julie Black said WarwickCon continues to be a positive platform for young people to express themselves, build confidence and connect, fostering a strong sense of belonging within their community through pop culture.
“Queensland Youth Week creates valuable opportunities for young people to engage, express themselves and feel genuinely valued within their communities,” Ms Black said.
“WarwickCon has grown into one of the region’s largest youth focused pop culture events and is a major highlight for many local young people and families.
“Over the past three years, the event has grown significantly, welcoming more than 350 attendees in 2025 alone. Last year we were excited to have Toowoomba Cosplay attend as judges, and they will be returning this year with their own stalls and hands on workshops.
“The overwhelming response to last year’s event saw WarwickCon nominated for a Community Event of the Year award, and we’re confident this year’s celebration will be a standout.”
Portfolio Councillor for Inspired Communities Cr Morwenna Harslett said Queensland Youth Week provides an important opportunity to recognise and support the region’s young people.
“Our young people are tomorrow’s leaders, and Youth Week is a chance to celebrate their creativity, resilience and passion,” Cr Harslett said.
“WarwickCon continues to grow each year, and it’s fantastic to see such strong engagement from young people across the region.
“From epic cosplay and pop culture stalls to challenges, jigsaw puzzles and costume competitions, there truly was something for everyone to enjoy.
“Council is proud to support headspace Warwick in delivering an inclusive, welcoming and fun event that also
connects young people with important youth focused services in a supportive and engaging environment.”
WarwickCon 2026 will feature a packed program of activities inspired by major comic con events to encourage young people to unleash their inner hero while connecting with peers and local support organisations.
headspace Warwick’s ongoing involvement ensures Youth Week events continue to balance entertainment with wellbeing to provide safe spaces for young people to socialise, express themselves and access support when needed.
Event Details
1pm – 6pm, Wednesday 8 April 2026 (Note: This event is held the week prior to the official Youth Week)
WIRAC, 29 Palmerin Street
Free tickets available at
WarwickCon 2026 Tickets, Wednesday, Apr 8 from 1 pm to 6 pm | Eventbrite
Contact headspace on 4661 1999 for more information.
Council is also partnering with Rose City Shopping World to present Daguliar Wildlife Hide and Sea – A Real Aquatic Adventure during Queensland Youth Week and the Easter school holidays. The interactive experience will run between 10am to 2pm on 17 and 18 April 2026 at Rose City Shopping Centre.
Queensland Youth Week
Queensland Youth Week is the annual celebration of young people aged 12 to 25 years and will be held during the April school holidays (11 to 19 April 2026).
Last edited date 30 Mar 2026