Dallas Public Library - NerdCon 2026

Today, we are learning all about the fantastic event called NerdCon here in Dallas. Our guest today is Lydia Wales, one of our Library Aides here. 

https://www.dallasor.gov/library

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:12

Welcome to the Dallas, Oregon Podcast, your quick and informative source for what's happening in and around our city. I'm Charlie Mitchell, the Economic and Community Development Director for the City of Dallas. And each week we bring in city staff, local leaders, and community members to discuss the projects, people, and possibilities facing Dallas. Today, we are going to learn all about the fantastic event called NerdCon here in Dallas. Our guest today is Lydia Wales, one of our library aides here at the City of Dallas. Lydia, thank you so much for joining us today.

SPEAKER_00 0:43

Yeah, thanks for having me, Charlie.

SPEAKER_01 0:44

All right, let's jump right in. What is NerdCon?

SPEAKER_00 0:48

So NerdCon is an event we came up with a couple of years ago. Um, that we really just wanted to create an event that showcased all the amazing authors and artists and especially graphic novelists that are from Oregon and reside in Oregon. Um and so we just thought, like, what is an event we could create that really brings all those creators together in Oregon? Um, that people can come and meet them and buy their work. And this is what we came up with.

SPEAKER_01 1:18

That's great. So, Lydia, it's my understanding that this is actually the second year of NerdCon, but the first year with this name, is that correct?

SPEAKER_00 1:27

Yes, it is. Yeah. Second year, rebrand, bigger than ever. Um, first year we were still kind of like playing around with it, seeing like what we wanted it to be, and this is we're we're in the thick of it now. We feel solid about it.

SPEAKER_01 1:42

Right, that's great. So, can you share a little bit more about the event? What are some specific things that people can expect to see this year?

SPEAKER_00 1:50

Yeah. So, like I said, it's bigger than ever this year. We're having more vendors. Um, our main focus is on creators. So we have different authors coming, especially graphic novelists, different artists that work on comic book art. Um, and then another thing that we've done is we've invited several local game shops from the area who will also come and have small scale events that they'll be running throughout the convention. Um, so we're gonna have a lot of like Magic the Gathering games going throughout. People can bring their own sets and their decks and play together. Um, so it'll be really great. And one thing that's always really exciting is we have a few different professional cosplayers coming. Um, so we have the Stormtroopers Oregon, the Ghostbusters coming. Always really great to see people's reactions to them.

SPEAKER_01 2:42

That's great. Um, and this is something for all ages, correct?

SPEAKER_00 2:46

Yes, for all ages. Um, even for little bitty kids, we're gonna have different like craft stations and things for them, little scavenger hunts going on. So it's really for everybody.

SPEAKER_01 2:57

That's wonderful. And now let's get to the important details, Lydia. When and where is NerdCon?

SPEAKER_00 3:03

NerdCon is gonna be on March 13th, so it's gonna be on a Friday this year, and it's going to be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

SPEAKER_01 3:10

And where is it at?

SPEAKER_00 3:12

Oh, we actually had to expand because we ran out of room last year. So we're gonna have three different buildings um all in the same block. We're going to have the primary location be at the Dallas Public Library, and then we'll be next door at the Majestic and also at the Dallas Civic Center.

SPEAKER_01 3:27

Wow, you're just taking over the whole block.

SPEAKER_00 3:29

I know. We're really going for it.

SPEAKER_01 3:30

That's awesome. All right. So can you share quickly how people can stay informed on all of the happenings at the Dallas Public Library?

SPEAKER_00 3:39

Yeah. Um, one of the main ways to stay updated is via our Facebook and Instagram. We're always posting our events on there. You can also check on the City of Dallas website and we post on there.

SPEAKER_01 3:49

That's great. And now you can also probably subscribe to get information uh through the city's website as well. Uh, Lydia, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing all about this year's NerdCon 2026. Um, now before we go, to close out our podcast, we ask all of our guests this one last question, and that is what is your favorite thing about Dallas?

SPEAKER_00 4:11

My favorite thing about Dallas is probably just how walkable it is. Um, love when it's a nice day and you don't have to take the car, you can just pop on your bike or go on foot.

SPEAKER_01 4:21

Yeah, that's great. It is a very walkable community. Well, thanks again to Lydia for joining us, and thank you to everyone for tuning in. Be sure to follow us on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Thanks for listening to the Dallas Oregon Podcast. I'm Charlie Mitchell, and we'll see you next time.