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Final Boss Con 2026: Ohio’s Premier Gaming & Pop Culture Convention Returns This April


This April 25–26, 2026, the village of Rio Grande, Ohio, will transform into a hub for gamers, cosplayers, and pop-culture fans as Final Boss Con makes its fifth annual appearance at the University of Rio Grande’s Lyne Center.

A Celebration of Gaming and Community

Final Boss Con is a community-focused convention that embraces a broad spectrum of interests, including vintage and modern video games, tabletop RPGs, anime, horror, wrestling, and cosplay. Established in 2022, the event has steadily grown into a regional highlight for hobbyists and casual fans alike, emphasizing accessibility and fun for all ages.

The two-day event offers something for everyone — from tournaments and contests to vendor halls and special guest appearances:

  • Gaming Competitions: Participate in or watch tournaments ranging from console games to tabletop favorites like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons.
  • Cosplay Contest: A lively cosplay competition draws talented costumers showcasing characters from video games, anime, comics, and film.
  • Vendors & Artists: More than 80 regional and national vendors and creators will be on site selling games, original art, merchandise, and collectibles.
  • Food Trucks & Free Parking: Attendees enjoy on-site food options and complimentary parking to make the experience easy and fun.

Special Guests & Highlights

Final Boss Con’s 2026 lineup includes a mix of genre actors and creators that add unique appeal to the weekend:

  • Steve Andreno, known for his role as Baboo in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
  • Rob Paulsen, legendary voice actor behind characters like Yakko Warner (Animaniacs) and Raphael (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).
  • Phillip Andrew and David John Fielding, both with Power Rangers series credits.
  • Campbell Cooley, New Zealand-based voice artist of numerous Power Rangers villains.
  • John Russo, co-writer of the seminal horror film Night of the Living Dead, returning for another engagement with fans.

These guests attend panels, sign autographs, and interact with fans throughout the event, making for memorable experiences for attendees.

Event Logistics

Final Boss Con takes place at the Lyne Center on the University of Rio Grande campus in Rio Grande, OH. The convention runs on:

  • Saturday, April 25 – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, April 26 – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Admission prices are budget-friendly, with day tickets starting around $7–$10 and a weekend pass available, plus a limited number of VIP tickets for enhanced access. Kids 6 and under attend free, helping make the event family-friendly.

Why Final Boss Con Matters

Part of Final Boss Con’s appeal lies in its community ethos — bringing together diverse fan communities from Southeast Ohio and beyond without the scale and cost of larger national conventions. Its blend of gaming, art, cosplay, and pop culture creates a vibrant space for enthusiasts to connect, compete, and celebrate shared passions.

Whether you’re a competitive gamer looking to test your skills, an artist seeking inspiration, or a fan of cosplay and genre media, Final Boss Con 2026 promises two days of engaging entertainment and geek culture excitement.

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