Caption. The first CONCON — short for Conspiracy Convention — will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18, followed by live contests and a 5 p.m. screening of “The Conspiracists,” the Delaware-made independent comedy that inspired the event. Image created with AI 10/12/2026
Delaware’s first Conspiracy Convention mixes paranormal mysteries, cosplay, games and an independent movie screening Sunday
WILMINGTON — Bigfoot calls, a giant green alien, ghost hunters, tin foil fashion and conspiracy-themed desserts will share the spotlight Sunday when CONCON takes over the Siegel Jewish Community Center in North Wilmington.
The first CONCON — short for Conspiracy Convention — will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18, followed by live contests and a 5 p.m. screening of “The Conspiracists,” the Delaware-made independent comedy that inspired the event.
Organizers describe the convention as a lighthearted celebration of strange mysteries, paranormal curiosity, science fiction, pop culture and the unexplained rather than an effort to persuade visitors that any particular conspiracy theory is true.
The event is designed for families, skeptics, believers, cosplayers and people who are simply curious about some of popular culture’s stranger corners.
A fictional convention becomes real
CONCON grew out of “The Conspiracists,” a mockumentary about siblings attempting to create an all-inclusive conspiracy convention.
The movie has strong Delaware connections. Its press materials say filming included recognizable locations such as the Hotel du Pont, The Grand and the Siegel JCC itself.
Sunday’s event effectively brings the movie’s fictional convention into the real world before concluding with a screening of the film and a question-and-answer session with members of the cast.
Throughout the day, visitors can browse artists, makers, paranormal exhibitors, collectibles and unusual merchandise while participating in games and contests.
Bigfoot calls and tin foil fashion
One of the more unusual competitions begins at 2 p.m., when participants will try their best Sasquatch impressions during the Bigfoot Calling Championship.
At 3 p.m., younger creators can turn aluminum foil into wearable creations during a Tin Foil Design Challenge. The resulting creations will get another moment in the spotlight during a 4 p.m. Tin Foil Hat Fashion Show sponsored by Goodwill Delaware.
A “Real or Fake?” game show at 4:20 p.m. will challenge participants to decide whether bizarre conspiracy theories actually circulate in the real world or were invented specifically to fool them.
Costumes are encouraged, and visitors can enter a Cryptid Costume Contest featuring interpretations of Bigfoot, aliens, Mothman or other mysterious creatures.
Ghost hunters and extraterrestrial questions
The Delaware Researchers of the Paranormal, known as DROP, will host a noon discussion about paranormal investigations followed by an audience question-and-answer session.
Science-fiction author Gene P. Abel also is scheduled to meet readers and discuss extraterrestrial life and other science-fiction themes.
AllHipHop.com will take a different approach to the unexplained with a booth exploring legends, rumors and conspiracy theories surrounding hip-hop culture.
Other exhibitors will range from artists and collectible dealers to tarot readers, henna artists and technology specialists discussing online privacy and VPNs.
Visitors also will find themed food, including Flat Earth Cookies, Seeing Eye Brownies and UFO Cake Pops from Desserts by Dana.
Plenty of photo opportunities
Organizers are also leaning heavily into the visual side of the convention.
A giant green alien will be available for scheduled photographs, while the Diamond State Ghostbusters will appear in costume. Visitors also can meet cast members from “The Conspiracists” and encounter handmade puppet characters and other unusual creations throughout the convention floor.
The Siegel JCC is at 101 Garden of Eden Road in Wilmington. The community center serves families throughout northern New Castle County and nearby Pennsylvania.
The expo closes at 4 p.m., but the program continues with the fashion show and game show before the 5 p.m. movie screening and cast discussion.
TO GO
- What: CONCON 2026 — The Conspiracy Convention
- When: Sunday, Oct. 18
- Expo: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Noon: Delaware Researchers of the Paranormal panel and Q&A
- 2 p.m.: Bigfoot Calling Championship
- 3 p.m.: Tin Foil Design Challenge
- 4 p.m.: Tin Foil Hat Fashion Show
- 4:20 p.m.: “Real or Fake?” Game Show
- 5 p.m.: “The Conspiracists” movie screening followed by cast Q&A
- Where: Siegel Jewish Community Center, 101 Garden of Eden Road, Wilmington
- Information and tickets: www.theconspiracists.com/concon
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