Alexis Gunderson

(301) 699-3500 x6158

alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info

Largo, Maryland – On Saturday, March 28, the Prince George’s Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will host its 4th annual Geek Out Expo, a free, all-day festival where community members of all ages are invited to join the Library and local partner organizations in celebrating all things “geeky” in pop culture.

Started in 2023 at the New Carrollton Branch Library, Geek Out Expo brings together staff from across the Library system and builds on the Library’s popular year-round manga, anime, gaming, and other pop culture programming. Rotating to a new PGCMLS branch each year, Geek Out Expo creates a fun, energy-filled environment that is equally welcoming to community members who come to the Library to play chess, “Dungeons & Dragons,” or “Magic: The Gathering”; manga and anime fans who screen favorites at one of the system’s many “MAC Party” (“Manga and Anime Club”) events; and K-pop, Pokémon, and animation enthusiasts  who come out for the Library’s regular one-off themed programs and events throughout the year. 

"Geek Out Expo is my favorite event of the year," says Isaiah West, PGCMLS Teen Services Specialist and lead Geek Out Expo organizer. "It's a time for our community to connect over their favorite 'geeky' fandoms, through programs and with partners specifically chosen to celebrate how those fandoms bring us together."

This year’s Geek Out Expo will be held at the metro-accessible Hyattsville Branch Library from 11 am-4 pm on Saturday, March 28. Featured local “geeky” partners include Artway Alliance, the Pirate Girl Painter, Game Kastle College Park, Boba Studios, and DC’s Korean Cultural Center. Following an enormously successful 2025 event that saw more than 400 attendees at the Surratts-Clinton Branch Library last year (many of them in their finest cosplay!), the Library is anticipating another robust turnout for 2026.

The full line-up of this year’s Geek Out Expo events is listed below, along with a folder of 2026 Geek Out Expo graphic assets.   

To discuss coverage opportunities, members of the media should contact PGCMLS Communications Specialist Alexis Gunderson at alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info.

PGCMLS Geek Out Expo

Free | Saturday, March 28 from 11 am to 4 pm | All Ages | Hyattsville Branch Library | Link

Fun for all ages! Let your inner “geek” out at the annual PGCMLS' Geek Out Expo. Join the Library and partners for a free, fun-filled day of creativity, camaraderie, and all things nerdy. From game demos (including “Magic: the Gathering” and an introduction to indie gaming) to face painting, pop culture cosplay, and Pokémon fun, Geek Out Expo is the perfect blend of excitement and community spirit!

The day’s activities include:

10:30 am (pre-festival)

Geek Out Expo: Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 3-5

Ages 3-5 | Storytime Room | Link

Bring your preschooler for the Hyattsville Branch Library’s weekly “Ready 2 Read Storytime!” Costumes are encouraged in celebration of Geek Out Expo festivities.

11 am 

Face Painting Presented by the Pirate Girl Painter

Ages 0-12 | Art Room | Link

The Pirate Girl Painter transforms faces with dazzling designs inspired by kids’ favorite superheroes. First come, first served.

Coloring Fun

Ages 0-5 | Conference Room 1 | Link

Young artists can enjoy a relaxed coloring activity designed just for little kids. 

11:15 am

Super Smash Bros. Tournament for Kids

Ages 6-12 | Meeting Room 2 | Link

Test your skills, strategize your moves, and compete against fellow players for victory. Registration begins in-person at 10:45 AM.

11:30 am

Pokémon Go & Draw Presented by Artway Alliance

Kids and Teens | Learning Lab | Link

Level up your creativity with Team ArtWay! In this workshop, participants will learn how to draw their favorite Pokémon. 

Game Demo Presented by Game Kastle College Park

Teens and Adults | Conference Room 2 | Link

Test out new tabletop games with a demo led by Game Kastle College Park. 

12 pm

Craft and Create

Kids through Adults | Conference Room 1 | Link

Follow step-by-step instructions to make fun projects like stuffies, fidget chains, bookmarks, and photo frames.

12:30 pm

Balloon Twisting Presented by the Pirate Girl Painter

Ages 0-12 | Art Room | Link

Marvel at the Pirate Girl Painter's talent as she twists and shapes balloons into imaginative creations straight out of your favorite cosplay, anime, and gaming worlds.

1 pm

Super Smash Bros. Tournament for Adults

Ages 18+ | Meeting Room 2 | Link

Test your skills, strategize your moves, and compete against fellow players for victory. Registration begins in-person at 10:45 AM.

The Making of a Pop Culture Powerhouse Presented by DC’s Korean Cultural Center

Ages 10+ | Learning Lab | Link

Explore Korea's fascinating transformation from a nation rebuilding after war to a global pop culture powerhouse. 

Game Demo Presented by Game Kastle College Park

Teens and Adults | Art Room | Link

Test out new tabletop games with a demo led by Game Kastle College Park. 

Learning Magic the Gathering

Teens and Adults | Conference Room 2 | Link

Step into the world of “Magic: The Gathering” and learn to play this legendary card game! 

2 pm

Costume Dance Party

Ages 0-5 | Storytime Room | Link

Dress up and hit the dance floor at our “Costume Bibliobop” dance party!

2:30 pm

Game Demo Presented by Game Kastle College Park

Teens and Adults | Art Room | Link

Test out new tabletop games with a demo led by Game Kastle College Park. 

Indie Gaming Presented by Boba Studios

Teens and Adults | Learning Lab | Link

Get an inside look at the world of indie game development with Boba Studios, a Baltimore-based game studio. 

3 pm

Super Smash Bros. Tournament for Teens

Ages 13-18 | Meeting Room 2 | Link

Test your skills, strategize your moves, and compete against fellow players for victory. Registration begins in-person at 10:45 AM.

Anime Trivia

Kids through Adults | Conference Room 2 | Link

Think you know your anime? Put your knowledge to the test at our Anime Trivia showdown! 

Graphics Package

About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is a beacon within its diverse and dynamic community. The Library serves Prince George’s County, Maryland’s 966,000+ residents through 19 public branches, a law library in the County Correctional Center, various pop-up services and events, and 24/7 access to free online resources. As a trusted and responsive community leader, PGCMLS democratizes knowledge and opportunity by providing safe, accessible spaces where customers of all backgrounds can freely engage with the resources needed to build knowledge, literacy, skills, and creativity at every phase of life. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.