Rose City Comic Con, Portland’s self-described “premier pop-culture event,”will hold its annual three-day festival this weekend at the Oregon Convention Center. Since 2012, this gathering of eccentric cosplayers, local illustrators, and international celebrities has drawn the Pacific Northwest’s most dedicated geeks for a chance to meet the creators of their hammer-wielding, villain-crushing heroes. This year will feature Alpha Girl co-founder Amy Chu, queer erotic writer Dale Lazarov, and University of Oregon Comics Studies founder Ben Saunders amongst a host of other talents, including artists associated with Portland’s own Oni Press (Scott Pilgrim) and Dark Horse Comics (Sin City and Lady Killer). Also, get a sneak peek of ABC's Portland-produced Stumptown followed by a Q&A with the cast. 

Aside from the more familiar convention exhibits, here are three highlights we're especially excited about this year.

LeakyCon

Calling all butterbeer-guzzling, hippogriff-loving Harry Potter fans! For the first time, Comic Con will partner with LeakyCon, the world’s largest unofficial Harry Potter convention where Gryffindors and Slytherins alike gather to celebrate J.K. Rowling’s magical world of witchcraft and wizardry. Meet with other members of your house and compete to win the House Cup Challenge. Next, choose dragon heartstring or phoenix feather for a custom-made wand at The Hungarian Wand Shop. Want to broaden your understanding of this fantastical society? Join a discussion to speculate about how Dumbledore learned Mermish or whether wizards have therapists. Whether you’re a muggle, mudblood, or the heir to an ancient wizarding family, all are encouraged to participate. Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) and Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) will also appear as RCCC panelists.

“Weird Al” Yankovic

Everyone knows the “White & Nerdy” satirist who most recently circled the continent with his Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour. Long before that, “Weird Al” Yankovic was an accordion player, valedictorian, and enthusiastic Dr. Demento Radio Show listener. His musical success has been recognized with five Grammy Awards and numerous gold and platinum record certifications. In more recent years, Yankovic has become the New York Times bestselling author of a children’s book (When I Grow Up) as well as the 2,643rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2019 he’ll be launching his Strings Attached tour featuring a full orchestra. Come meet the King of Parody, who will be available for autographs ($50) and photos ($60) throughout the weekend.

Rose City Jr. 

Bring your little ones along to Rose City Jr., a family-friendly space where kids can learn about exotic animals from the Oregon Zoo with Natural Wildlife Federation spokesperson David Mizejewski. Afterwards, they can try their hand at summiting a 28-foot rock wall or learn how to bicycle under the safety of Trackers Earth outdoor instructors. You can also time travel back to your own childhood at the Neontendo Car, which has been loaded with OG Super Nintendo and Gameboy games of yesteryear. The event we’re looking forward to most? The Kids Costume Parade, which is guaranteed to feature a slew of adorable Princess Peaches and Marios.

Rose City Comic Con

Sept 13–15 (Friday 1pm-8pm, Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm) Oregon Convention Center