Milan Mini-Con Returns Downtown July 18

Downtown Milan is getting ready to level up.

Milan Mini-Con returns from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 18, bringing cosplay, games, local artists, vendors and pop culture to the heart of town.

Presented by Adventure Ink in collaboration with Whimsical Sprites, the all-ages convention is designed to give fans a full day of things to explore, whether they are into video games, books, collectibles, costumes, tabletop gaming or hands-on family activities.

The event will spread through downtown, with Artist Alley along Main Street and in Tolan Square, plus vendors, makers and authors offering everything from original artwork and signed books to crocheted toys, kandi accessories and collectibles.

Gamers can stop by the Developer Room to try indie games and learn how they are made, or drop in for friendly Super Smash Bros. Melee play hosted by Milan Community Arcade. Visitors curious about live-action role-playing can also watch demos from local LARP groups KaNaR, CARPS and Shifted Lands.

Costumes are encouraged, and guests can enter the cosplay contest at the portrait photo booth provided by Luck & Light Photography. Prop weapons and real weapons are not allowed.

For younger visitors, the Dinosaur Dig will offer a chance to search through the sand and take home three fossils. A sensory room will also be available upstairs at The Bridge for anyone who needs a quiet break from the noise, crowd or summer heat, with calming activities such as coloring pages and painting.

Admission is $10 per person for the full day. Children 10 and younger are admitted free.

For more information, visit whimsicalsprites.com/minicon or follow Milan Mini-Con on Facebook and Instagram.