COUNCIL BLUFFS — At OCon, people with all sorts of interests gather to talk about their favorite niche community. From anime fans to "Star Wars" devotees, thousands come together to share what brings them joy.
People attend the OCon Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
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Robert Carmichael, left, who dressed as a "Star Wars" stormtrooper, listens as a salesman describes his products during the OCon Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday.
Zakariah Creed slams Ramone Newey during a professional wrestling match at the OCon Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Photos: People attend the O Con Expo
People attend the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
A person shops for lego figurines during the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Matt, right, who dressed as The Greatest Showman, shops for lego figurines during the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Maddy, from Madness Haunted House, and Sophia Stubbs, who dressed as SpongeBob, share a moment during the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Andrea Rhodes, who dressed as “punk Poison Ivy” takes a phone call during the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Robert Carmichael, left, who dressed as a stormtrooper, listens as a salesman describes his products, during the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
People attend the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
From left, family members Alex Bogart, Oaklynn, 5 months, Cole, 7, and Shelby shop for posters during the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Paige Sorenson, left, and Tegan O’Shea stand near their haunted house display during the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Chaz Liechti, who dressed as a ghoul from Fallout New Vegas, sits for a portrait during the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
From left, Syris, who dressed as Penelope, from Epic: The Musical, Orbit, who dressed as Lizzie, from Empires Season 1, and Spider, who dressed as Yuri from Doki Doki Literature Club! talk with their friends during the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Mike Taylor, who does commentary for professional wrestling matches, holds his daughter, Teagan, 3 weeks, before a wrestling show at the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026. This is Teagan’s second live wrestling show.
Moonshine Russell beats Seth Starkweather in a professional match at the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Zakariah Creed slams Ramone Newey during a professional wrestling match at the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Vic Douglas high-fives Cindy Laney, 7, during a professional wrestling match at the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Vic Douglas, left, shouts to the crowd during a professional wrestling match at the O Con Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs on Friday, July 17, 2026.
