Jacksonville is the Destination for Geek Culture
Let your inner geek out at arcades, conventions and more
No matter how much one tries to deny it, everyone is a nerd at heart, and luckily, Jacksonville is a city full of possibility for geek and nerd culture. Whether you want to expand your comic book collection, relax and play board games, or cosplay your favorite character, there is surely something in Jax to satisfy your need for all things geek.
Bold Matsuri: Celebrate all things anime at Bold Matsuri. The annual convention in Jacksonville features all things cosplay and anime. Many activities take place during the two-day event including guest panels, contests, gaming, and cosplay/anime focused after-hour events. The 2025 event is June 14-15 at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center.
Collective Con: Returning for its ninth year as North Florida’s premier sci-fi, comic books, anime and pop culture event is Collective Con. The convention is a weekend long event that features all things geek, including voice actors, celebrity guests, local vendors, panels, video game tournaments, contests, after parties and more. You must have a ticket to enter, and kids under the age of 10 get in for free. The 2025 event will take place on March 14-16 at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center.
Darby’s Dungeon: If you’re a game lover looking for a unique gaming atmosphere, then Darby’s Dungeon is the place to be. Voted Jacksonville’s best geek business in WJXT’s Jax Best poll, The Dungeon is a tabletop gaming lounge that specializes in open play board games, tabletop role playing games and trading card games. If you are new to the world of games, you can also attend Darby’s Dungeon workshops to learn how to play various tabletop, board, and trading card games. While you play, you can also enjoy a selection of local craft beers, wine, coffee and sodas, and browse their variety of games, games accessories and services.
Gotham City Limit: Wanting to expand your comic book collection? Gotham City Limit has you covered. Located on Southside Blvd, Gotham City Limit features comic books, collectibles, toys, apparel, household items and more. The store prides itself on being in the know with latest comic news and offers a large selection of comic books from the DC and Marvel universe and beyond. They also feature trade paperbacks, graphic novels, independents and more. While the comic books are the star of the show, their collectibles and figurines selection is filled with limited edition items that are rare and hard to find.
Java Game Haus: Grab a cup of coffee and roll some dice at this cozy, local cafe. Java Game Haus, located on Old St. Augustine Rd, is the perfect place to relax and play board games with friends and family. For a small table fee, you can hangout and receive access to their extensive game library of over 650 titles or purchase a yearly membership. Java Game Haus also carries a full menu that features pizza, sandwiches, coffee, and hosts a series of events throughout the year like board game meetups, gaming tournaments and lessons on how to play different board games.
WasabiCon: WasabiCon is Jacksonville’s longest and largest running pop culture event focused on anime, cosplay, tabletop gaming, video games and more. Dress as your favorite characters and experience two days full of all things geek. The convention features celebrity guests, local artists and vendors, exhibitors, gaming, panels and contests. In 2021, over 8,700 attendees participated in the event which featured over 100 hours of panels, tournaments, gaming, and more. WasabiCon 2024 is November 22-24 at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center.
No matter if it’s relaxing in a coffee shop, challenging your friends to a board game, or cosplaying as your favorite anime character, there is surely a way to celebrate your inner geek in Jax.
