Get ready Richmond families! RippleCon is back for its third year, bringing a full day of comic con excitement to the Richmond Public Main Library on Saturday, June 28th, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This free, all-ages event transforms the library into a magical world of fandom. An hour longer this year, RippleCon 2025 promises more magic than ever before, with new workshops, expanded activities, and exciting celebrity guest appearances.
I spoke with Beth Morris, the Library’s Community Services Manager for Youth Services, and the creative force behind RippleCon about what visitors should expect. “The entire library will be devoted to this event for the day,” she said. “Visitors of all ages will be able to fully immerse themselves in all things RippleCon, from games to costumes to free autograph sessions, to merchandise for purchase.” When asked to pick a favorite part of the event, Morris said it would be challenging to choose just one. “Seeing everybody get so excited and hearing from some of their favorite characters makes RippleCon so special,” Morris said with a smile.
What to Expect
From celebrity meet-and-greets to all-day hands-on activities, here is a glimpse at what families can look forward to:
All-Day Crafts and Gaming
Enjoy activities including creating custom stickers, constructing new builds with local LEGO user groups, or designing your own video game with Gamestar Mechanics.
Vendor Hall
Come support local businesses and browse over 35 local vendors in the Auditorium offering collectibles for purchase.
Photo Opportunities
Snap a picture with members of the 501st and Rebel legions, and meet Ripple the River Otter, Richmond Public Library’s cherished mascot.
Don’t forget to stop by the all-day photo booth to capture your favorite convention memories.
Celebrity Guests
Meet voice actors from popular animes:
- Ben Stegmair (Kaiju No. 8, Solo Leveling)
- Nia Celeste (Dragon Ball Daima, Vampire Dormitory)
- Celeste Perez (Kaiju No. 8, Dragon Ball Daima)
Fans can get one flat item autographed for free.
Cosplay Contest
Wrap up the day by competing in one of the three categories:
- Beginner: Create your costume in-house at the costume design workshop.
- Intermediate: Come in costume and use cosplay makeup or costume workshops to enhance your outfit.
- Advanced: Arrive fully dressed and ready to compete.
Celebrity guests will serve as judges, and winners will receive a choice between a cash prize or a toy prize!
RippleCon’s Mission
Ripplecon is a celebration of creativity and community. “Richmond Public Library’s goal is to make libraries free and accessible to all,” Morris said. “RippleCon fits in naturally with that goal. It’s wonderful that we can have a con here that is completely free, and everyone can come and enjoy it”.
Getting There
Street parking meters in a two-block radius around the library will be suspended during the convention, offering free parking to early attendees. A paid parking deck is available nearby once street slots fill up.
Fun For All
Whether you’re a pro at cosplaying or a family looking for a free and fun day out, RippleCon is the perfect summer outing. There is something for everyone to enjoy. For a full schedule with details and times, visit the RippleCon event page.
