2024 Programming Highlights

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Comic Programming Highlights

Weird Stage – Oregon Ballroom

Step right up, local weirdos and aficionados of the bizarre, because back by popular demand is is the Weird Stage! The Weird Stage is an explosion of fandom focused trivia, quirky performing arts and comedy, beasties and monsters, and a celebration of what makes Portland so unique. Did we mention the Voodoo Ranger Beer Garden is right next to it? (Don’t worry, this area is not restricted to 21+, but you will be carded if you want to buy a beer!) Swap stories, make new friends, and toast to the wondrously strange experiences you are sure to encounter on the Weird Stage.

Smut or Angst: The Fanfiction Title Game Show

Smut or Angst is a silly and raunchy game of fanfiction titles. Simply put, the players are given the title of a fanfiction and must guess if that fanfic is centered around Smut (sexual antics) or Angst (sad and serious subject matter). The game was invented by Leandra Benson White for a small group of friends, but gained a lot of attention online. Leandra and friends brought the game to a Youtube livestream and played in person at Rose City Comic Con 2023 and Emerald City Comicon 2024! Join host, Leandra Benson White and friends in this guessing game! To get an idea of what you’re getting into, you can check us out at @smutorangstofficial1 on TikTok or Smut or Angst on Youtube and Instagram.

Magic Tea Party: A Live D&D Comedy Show

A live actual play D&D comedy show with four of Portland’s funniest players. Unlike other actual play shows, you can only catch Magic Tea Party live! Magic Tea Party is more than just live D&D, it’s also a complete audience experience. Become part of the show as we incorporate new audience mechanics into every show that make it unpredictable and new each time. With Riley McCarthy, Jenna Britann, and Cosmo Reynolds as players and Juliet Mylan as the DM.

People's Guide to The Cthulhu Mythos Guide to Lovecraft's Gods

Over a hundred years ago an eccentric from New England began to describe a family of strange alien deities, and now the Great and Dreadful Cthulhu is as popular as he has ever been. The hosts of The People’s Guide to the Cthulhu Mythos, Gretchen Brooks, DB Spitzer and “Farmer” Dave Heath discuss the world’s most (in)famous fictitious pantheon. Learn the difference between and Elder God and a Great Old One. What were Lovecraft’s inspirations and how did others add to the mythos? And are the just aliens or real gods? Join us and learn thing man was not meant to know.

Kaiju Yokai: The Folkloric Roots of Japan's Giant Monsters

Presented by Zack Davission
Japan’s giant monsters have invaded modern entertainment. But are they yokai? Folklorist Zack Davisson examines the roots of these titanic creatures from the ocean-going bake kujira to the earthshaking catfish that is pinned under the islands of Japan, and talks about why he included kaiju in his latest book The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Yokai.

Multiverse Got Talent!

The world, nay the universe needs to laugh! Thanks to a custom-made Improbability Drive, Steve Katz out-maneuvered the Vogon fleet to gather personalities from across the galaxies for a show like you’ve never imagined. Introducing “Multiverse Got Talent!”, a comedy stand-up show designed to blend all the fandoms into one magical event to prove that humor binds us together. What makes each chapter so special is that you never know who will accompany us on the journey. You might see Lt Commander Data calculating some one-liners; maybe Miles Morales as he quips some knock-knock jokes; perchance a Disney princess belts out punchlines. You’ll just have to witness it for yourself. Remember, Don’t Panic… cause its time to laugh! 

Ghosts and Secrets of Portland: Investigating the Weird, Wild, Historical, and Haunted Sides of Rose City (The Forbidden City of the West)

Presented by Portland Ghosts
Unveil the mysteries lurking in the shadows of Portland as we embark on an unforgettable journey through its eerie past. Join us for “Ghosts and Secrets of Portland: Investigating the Weird, Wild, Historical, and Haunted Sides of Rose City (The Forbidden City of the West),” a spine-tingling exploration of the city’s enigmatic history. Prepare to delve into the forgotten tales of Portland‘s past, from its tumultuous beginnings to its modern-day secrets. Led by experienced guides, venture into the dimly lit streets where whispers of the paranormal linger and uncover the hidden stories behind the city’s most iconic landmarks. […]

34th Annual all age, STARING CONTEST

Presented by The Peculiarium
This is the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium’s 34th annual, winner-take-all, staring contest. Open to all ages. Here, live, brave ocular athletes face off with perfect strangers to see who has the best eyelid control! There can be only one! This action can be riveting, nail and biting and eye watering. Remember the simple rules: if you blink, you stink! Fun prizes, grab bags and a real trophy for the all-out champion, in this winner-take-all, friendly, grueling competition. No squinting! No stare-oids! Who will we see become the stare-master? Cheering and jeering approved! Open to all ages!

Off the Wall Drag performing live!

Off the Wall Drag is a local Portland drag troupe, and a bunch of nerds embracing gender at its most chaotic. They are putting on a nerd themed performance to themes of Baldur’s Gate 3, Lord of the Rings, Hazbin Hotel, Chucky, and more. They love performing and the idea of performing for a bunch of fellow nerds is their DREAM! Folx of all fandoms will appreciate the enthusiastic, fabulous, slay chaos that is combining their favorite hyperfixations with drag.

Introducing RCCC’s first Idol Fest!

The cutest and most kawaii idols from across the galaxy are coming to the Weird Stage! They will be singing and dancing their hearts out, spreading magical vibes for idol lovers at Rose City Comic Con during RCCC’s first Idol Fest! Enjoy a brew in the Beer Garden (or just a soda!) and take a seat as the idols take the stage! ✨ Starlight Idols will be hosting this year’s Idol Fest, and accepting submissions from PNW Idol Groups to see who will want to take the stage and entertain audiences. Idol performers will be added here once they are confirmed! Stay tuned for all the magic of idols happening on the Weird Stage at RCCC!

Other Panel Rooms

Our other Panel Rooms are focused on a variety of other great fandoms and topics! They include:

  • Room D135-136 – General fandom programming
  • Room D137-140 – Cosplay and other general fandom programming
  • Room E141-144 – Comics Programming
  • Room E145-146 – Book Fair and Creator Pro Programming

Don’t miss great events – get the full details when our Schedule goes live!

From Concept to Screen: Crafting VFX for Hit Shows

Join Portland-based studio Refuge VFX for an exclusive look behind the curtain at the magic that brings your favorite shows to life! Dive deep into the creative and technical challenges of crafting visual effects for Fallout, Shōgun, The Righteous Gemstones and The Peripheral. From mythical creatures to futuristic landscapes, learn about the artistry and innovation that define modern television’s most captivating visual effects. Don’t miss this chance to see exclusive footage, hear insider stories, and engage with the creative minds behind the magic of VFX!

Is This An Isekai? You As An Attendee Can Cast A Vote!

Join this panel and vote on a variety of both Eastern and Western shows/movies/books/etc. as to whether you think they count as Isekai or not! This will be a casual panel with some back-and-forth by the two panelists and a majority vote from the audience for each concept. Every time a vote is taken, the winning result will be recorded. This panel will be held at multiple other conventions in the US over the next couple years in order to get data on how regional differences may affect these opinions.

Heaven is a Lie! A Hellaverse Sing-Along! (18+)

Feeling like a Loser, Baby? Well I bet You Didn’t Know that today is gonna be a Happy Day in Hell with our jam packed sing-along! Don’t worry, You’ll Be Okay because More Than Anything we’re ready to Poison your mind with Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss musical brain rot! See you there!

Pirates! A real history

Avast me hearties! You may have watched all of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, but do you know the truth about pirates? How accurate are the TV shows like “Our Flag means Death” and “Black Sails”. This panel talks about the truth behind some of the famous pirates of history, and what life was really like sailing under the Jolly Roger.

Super Massive Twilight Hole Live Podcast Recording (18+)

Are you a Twi-hard? Team Edward, Team Jacob, or Team Alice? Join local Twilight fans Jenna, host of the “Super Massive Twilight Hole” Podcast, as she and Blue, host of the “Watch Twilight Again” screenings, record an episode discussing the plot holes in the Twilight Saga! Stay until the end for a chance to share your own plot holes with us or answer a trivia question for a prize!

The League of Ultimate Questing! D&D Comedy Podcast Live!

The League of Ultimate Questing is an actual play D&D comedy podcast set in a world where adventuring is a major league sport, complete with color commentators and fake in-world commercials for products like Viaggro, for barbarians who can’t keep their rage up like they used to. Come watch as professional game masters and voice actors goof their way through the ranks!

LARP (Live Action Role Play) Adventures Await!

Where: Room F150-151
PNWLARP is dedicated to creating, growing, supporting, and fostering Live Action Role Play for all in the Pacific Northwest region. Join them for an immersive role-playing adventure! They will be running 2 sessions throughout the weekend in Room F150-151:
  • Medieval Fantasy LARP: Cast yourself into a medieval world, join a group of fellow adventurers, face danger, complete quests, make treaties, and meet the most unlikely of characters! Who knows what your next quest will be? Ask the local innkeep. Maybe they know!
  • Pirates LARP: Ahoy! Welcome aboard. Are you ready to sail the seven seas? Or Perhaps you’re a merchant? What’s that map you have there? If you’re a treasure hunter, friend of the crown, entrepreneur, or just looking for opportunity in the new world, this is the place for you.

Drum up excitement for RCCC

Join The Southridge Skyhawk Drumline for some excitement on Saturday morning from 9 AM – 11 AM outside of RCCC! They will march from the MLK to the Exhibitor entrance, exciting fans and playing fun grooves in front of fans and cosplayers.  The Southridge Skyhawk Drumline is the award-winning drumline of Southridge High School (Beaverton, OR). In the past year, the Southridge Skyhawk Drumline has competed at the University of Oregon, Linfield University, the Starlight Parade, and many high schools throughout the area. The members range from 13 to 18 years old. This talented group of drummers provides an exciting and energetic experience for everyone to enjoy! Don’t miss them!

PortLUG brings LEGO fun

PortLUG returns to RCCC! PortLUG is a celebration of adult fans of LEGO and the creative process of making LEGO works of art. They will be at Rose City Comic Con bringing all the brick building magic and love of LEGO to fans all weekend long.

Booth #977 Head to their booth where art will be on display. Be amazed by these intricate LEGO creations! On Saturday and Sunday meet Local LEGO Master Season 4 contestant Kelly Bartlett! She will be there from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM to meet LEGO fans of all ages!
Lobby Display: New this year! Head to Pre-Function Lobby D for even more LEGO magic where another amazing PortLUG display will be showcased.

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See full programming schedule