GMHS Comic Con Returns May 30 with Cosplay, Gaming And Community Fandom Celebration

GREAT MILLS, Md. — Cosplayers, tabletop gamers, comic fans and local creators are preparing to gather at Great Mills High School (GMHS) later this month as the third annual GMHS Comic Con returns Saturday, May 30.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Great Mills High School, located at 21130 Great Mills Road in Great Mills. Organizers say the convention will feature cosplay activities, tabletop gaming, vendors and interactive experiences designed for attendees of all ages.

A featured attraction will be the cosplay contest and parade scheduled for 1 p.m., with support from Creative Cosplays Magazine, a Maryland-based cosplay and fandom media organization.

Kyle Kirkner of Creative Cosplays said cosplay events help create welcoming spaces for creativity and self-expression.

“Cosplay gives people an opportunity to bring their favorite characters to life while expressing their own creativity through costumes, makeup, photography, performance, and design,” Kirkner said. “For many, it also helps build confidence by encouraging self-expression and introducing them to a supportive community of people with shared interests.”

Kirkner encouraged first-time attendees and younger fans interested in cosplay culture to focus on enjoying the experience rather than perfection.

“Start simple and focus on having fun rather than trying to make everything perfect,” Kirkner said. “Some of the best experiences in cosplay come from meeting new people, learning new skills, and building confidence over time, regardless of budget or experience level.”

Regional gaming store Swords & Spoons will also return to the event with tabletop game demonstrations, board games and Beyblade activities. Owner Jenn Galloway said the convention holds personal significance for the business because it was where the company first announced its launch.

“We love this show because it was the first time Swords & Spoons went from an idea to reality,” Galloway said. “At the first annual Comic-Con, we announced that Swords & Spoons was opening that summer. It holds a very special spot in our hearts since we started in the same year.”

Galloway said the store plans to bring the Beyblade club, tabletop miniature games and family-friendly board game demos to the convention floor.

“It is a fun time for all ages,” Galloway said.

She also described tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons as an important source of community and belonging for many players, especially younger audiences.

“Everyone needs a village and RPGs can help people find those villages,” Galloway said. “I think young adults struggle with their self-identity, and D&D gives them an outlet to figure out who they are on the inside.”

Although Swords & Spoons will not host full Dungeons & Dragons campaigns during the event, attendees will have opportunities to participate in faster-paced tabletop demonstrations and try Beyblade activities through the group’s official World Beyblade Organization-affiliated club.

Creative Cosplays Magazine will also attend the event alongside artists, vendors and community organizations supporting fandom culture across Southern Maryland.

GMHS Comic Con continues to grow each year as schools and community groups increasingly use comics, gaming and cosplay culture to encourage creativity, social connection and inclusive community engagement.

GMHS Comic Con will take place Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Great Mills High School in Great Mills.

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