Colorful costumes, comic books and creativity will fill the halls when the Oak Lawn Public Library hosts its 10th annual Fan Fest on Saturday, May 9.
The all-ages celebration of pop culture will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with activities beginning even earlier at 9:30 a.m. Organizers have packed the day with entertainment, hands-on experiences and opportunities for fans of all ages to connect over shared interests.
The library, located at 9427 S. Raymond Ave., will serve as the backdrop for dozens of events spread across multiple floors and outdoor spaces. Guests can begin their visit at the Welcome Table in the first-floor lobby to pick up a free bag while supplies last, enter a raffle and grab a free comic book provided by Blerd’s Underground.
A scavenger hunt running throughout the day will challenge attendees to explore the building, with prizes available for those who complete it. Early activities also include miniature magnet painting in the Encore Room and paper crafts such as Pokéball design in the Youth Services Program Room.
The Exhibit Hall, open from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 3 p.m. in the lower-level meeting rooms, will spotlight local artists, writers, creators and vendors. Nearby, visitors can test their knowledge during pop culture trivia sessions hosted by Trivia on Tap.
Fans of interactive experiences can take part in life-sized Pokémon battles scheduled throughout the day on the second floor, while a photobooth near the Quiet Study Room will offer themed photo opportunities. Cosplay enthusiasts can sign up for contests, meet guest cosplayers and receive advice on costume design and prop building.
Performer Dale Obrochta will present the Art of Inflation balloon show from 11 a.m. to noon in the Youth Services Play Area. Ty Yamamoto will teach origami throughout the day in the Book Nook, and local artist Justin Castaneda will lead a community art jam during the late morning.
Gaming and fandom activities will run continuously. The Teen Room will host a video game lounge featuring Nintendo Switch and Wii games, along with both casual and competitive Super Smash Bros. tournaments. Tabletop games will be available in the Quiet Study Room, alongside a teen and adult trading card swap and a Pokémon Kids Club meetup.
Afternoon programming includes “Who’s That Pokémon?” trivia, a Nintendo DS meetup, karaoke and additional craft sessions such as Pokémon planter painting and themed paper crafts.
Outdoor activities, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again for a Pokémon GO meetup later in the afternoon, will include chalk art, bubbles, hula hoops, cornhole and an obstacle course, weather permitting.
Organizers said the event continues to grow each year, offering a welcoming environment where families, collectors, gamers and creators can celebrate pop culture together.
Fan Fest 2026 is sponsored by Mendez McDonald’s, Midwest Tape, Galloping Ghost Arcade, Thread & Ash, Paisans Pizzeria, La Rosa Escobedo, Renewed Adornments, Punkburd Arts, The Dragon’s Hoard and Ewelinko’s Art Shop.