McCrack-Con 2026: Paducah's free mini convention grows and aims for 900 attendees

The third edition of McCrack-Con took place this Saturday at the McCracken County Public Library in Paducah, Kentucky. The free event brought the local community together to celebrate anime, science fiction, comics, film, and video games, and according to its organizer, it keeps growing year after year.

Justin Brasher, the library director, explained that attendance has increased by about 200 people per edition. Last year they welcomed nearly 700 visitors, and for 2026 the goal was to reach 900. The event ran from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., a schedule adjusted after feedback from the public: it used to start at 9:00, but they decided to shift it to make better use of the afternoon.

An attendee in a full Iron Man cosplay at McCrack-Con.wpsdlocal6.com

McCrack-Con was born as a close and affordable alternative to big Comic-Con-style conventions. Brasher puts it plainly: for many people, traveling to Nashville or Louisville means hours on the road, $75 tickets, and $100 hotels. The library wanted to offer that experience without money or distance barriers, and with free admission.

Cosplay, artist alley, and local collaborations

The event included craft stations where attendees could make magic wands, capes, and Captain America shields. There was also a free video game area thanks to a collaboration with OMGCon, a board game room with The Dice Alliance, and an artist alley with local vendors. Food trucks rounded out the offerings.

The artist alley brought together several local vendors with their products.wpsdlocal6.com

Cosplay was another major draw. Brasher noted that McCrack-Con is a space where people can show off their costumes and get real questions about the process: materials, time, techniques. He gave the example of an attendee in a full Iron Man suit, who generates conversation here.

Director Justin Brasher dressed as Newt Scamander.wpsdlocal6.com

Brasher himself joined in with a cosplay of Newt Scamander, the character from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The Star Wars 501st Legion also had a presence with its own booth.

Members of the Star Wars 501st Legion had their own booth.wpsdlocal6.com

Beyond the one-day event

Although McCrack-Con only lasts one day, the library keeps related activities going all year. Brasher mentioned that they offer video games, Minecraft, comics, movies, and books on a permanent basis, seven days a week. The idea is that no one has to wait for the next edition to find a geek space.

The director also talked about the underlying goal: removing barriers in the community. Just as the library offers notary services or books for free, McCrack-Con seeks to expose people to something new, creative, and adventurous. If someone wants to attend a Comic-Con in a big city someday, this is their trial run.