OMG!con — a regional convention celebrating all things video game, anime, and pop culture — will return to the Owensboro Convention Center from June 20–22 for its 20th annual event.
Organizers said attendees can expect expanded programming, including concerts, a Saturday night dance party, a bustling vendor hall, and gaming spaces that run late into the night.
“You can think of it as like a Comic Con,” said John Bowen, Vice President of OMG!con. “We’ve got exhibitor halls where people can find unique merchandise and snacks, a massive video game room with arcade cabinets, a dedicated board game area, and panels with special guests throughout the weekend.”
Originally launched in 2005, OMG!con relocated to Owensboro in the early 2010s and has become a fixture of the city’s summer calendar. This year’s event opens June 10 at 10 a.m. and runs through the afternoon of June 22.
One of the biggest draws for fans is the lineup of guests from across the entertainment and gaming industries.
“This year we’re featuring several guests that you’ve seen at OMG!con before, such as Greg Ayres, who’s voiced over 376 different characters and has been with us since the very beginning,” Bowen said.
Other guests include Kevin Miller, the voice of Sly Cooper from the popular video game series, and visual effects artist Yoshi Vu, who has worked on projects like The Mandalorian, Invincible, Call of Duty: Black Ops III, and Destiny 2.
In addition to panels and signings, OMG!con will host live concerts and a long-running Saturday night dance party featuring a DJ who’s been with the event since its founding.
“We’re trying to have a really big year to celebrate our 20th anniversary,” Bowen said.
More than just a fan event, Bowen emphasized the community-focused mission of the convention.
“We pride ourselves in being a family-friendly event,” he said. “Our biggest goal is to bring people within the community together to have a good time. We want to put on a show where people feel safe and comfortable to be themselves.”
Bowen encourages anyone curious to check out the full guest list and programming schedule online.
“Whether you’re a longtime fan or just looking for something fun and different to do, there’s something for everyone,” he said. “It’s all about creating a space where people can come together, connect, and celebrate what they love.”
