DOVER — It’s time to grab a magic wand, a lightsaber or a sonic screwdriver because Dover Comic Con is swinging back into the capital city Saturday.

The widespread pop culture festival will take over the downtown area, with vendors and activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus an afternoon concert starting at 4. It’s free and open to the public.

There will be tons of photo ops, indoors and outdoors, as well as over 100 vendors, artists and artisans, authors, a cosplay competition, a gaming contest, fan groups, pop culture cars, food trucks and activities all day.

Previously hosted in August, the 2022 organizers have moved the festival to June.

“After several years of typical steamy August weather, we talked to our event partners and secured June 18 for this year,” said Heather Cregar, director of marketing and promotions for the Delaware State News, the event’s presenter. “We hope the weather will be a bit cooler this year and encourage even more people to attend in costume.”

Traditionally, comic conventions celebrate people’s favorite fandoms of film, TV, video games, animation, books and other popular culture. Costumes are strongly encouraged and just part of the fun.

“I absolutely love our Comic Con event. I’m like a kid at a comic book store, walking around, looking at the vendors and seeing the various attractions,” said Konrad LaPrade, group advertising director for the Delaware State News. He loves that the festival gives families of all ages a chance to relax and enjoy themselves.

The event is presented by the Delaware State News with the support of many local businesses, the Dover Public Library, the city of Dover, the Biggs Museum of American Art, the Delaware Division of Historical & Cultural Affairs, the First State Heritage Park, the Dover Federal Credit Union, the Delaware Division of Public Health, Dover Electric and the Procter & Gamble Dover Wipes plant.

The fest’s footprint will feature dozens of vendors for every geek passion: original art, comic books, T-shirts, cosplay and steampunk accessories, action figures, miniatures, event merchandise from Silver City Mugs and more. Special character guests include medieval role-playing by the Society for Creative Anachronism and even pro wrestlers from TKO Productions/DCW.

The Delaware Anime Society is taking over the library’s Teen Loft, with a TV marathon, scavenger hunt and board games galore.

Comic cons are unique events because “we love spending time with friends and meeting new ones that share common geeky interests,” said Matilda Madden, founder of DAS. Of course, people also enjoy “buying merchandise and cosplaying or taking pictures.”

Also at the library: expert-level face painting (Christy Shaffer); photo ops with your favorite princess (Pursuit for Peace Princesses); adoptable pets (in costume!) from the Brandywine Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; and Star Wars bad guys, good guys and droids (the 501st Legion’s First State Garrison and Rebel Legion: Ghost Base).

The Biggs Museum will have children’s activities, Delaware by Hand artists and free admission to the gallery (including a pop art exhibition with big names like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein). In addition, video game fans will enjoy the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Competition, hosted by Small Town Gaming (and livestreamed on Twitch) on the main floor.

At the historic John Bell House, there will be comic book-illustration activities, silhouette portraits, true-crime walking tours and a 2 p.m. tour with the Caped Crusader (meet at Rose Cottage, 102 S. State St.). Also on The Green, the Old State House will host lectures on improv, manga, creating comics and the history of American comics.

Food trucks will offer street eats like tacos, Italian sausage, fried chicken, breakfast sandwiches, frozen treats and deep-fried deliciousness.

Attendees are invited to dress up, whether wearing a favorite fan shirt or pin, or creating an entire original costume.

The free costume contests are open to all ages on The Green at State Street:

• A kids’ costume contest (ages 12 and under) will take place at noon, with registration 10-11:45.

• A cosplay contest for individuals and groups (ages 13 and over) will start at 1, with registration 10-1.

• Awards and prizes for both contests will be given at 3.

See the event program (BaytoBayNews.com/SpecialSections) for costuming rules. Simulated or costume weapons (foam, plastic or cardboard only) are allowed as a part of your costume, subject to approval by staff. Functional weapons and stage weapons are not permitted.

Dover Comic Con promotes “cospositivity,” a safe and positive atmosphere for cosplayers. Everyone is welcome to cosplay, geek out and share their love of their favorite fandom. Dover Comic Con is intended as a safe, open and accepting environment for all.

Dover Comic Con is a rain-or-shine event, located between Loockerman and Water streets, and Legislative Avenue and South State Street. (Roads closed to vehicular traffic will include Federal Street, Martin Luther King Jr. North and South boulevards, North Street, Loockerman and the east side of The Green.)

Public parking is available around town and via public transit. On-site services include portable restrooms, a diaper-changing station, ATMs and information booths.

The event will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state guidelines regarding COVID-19. CDC recommends that all people wear masks indoors in public in communities with high levels of transmission (which currently includes all three Delaware counties). Some venues might require face coverings for all guests. Please be prepared. Hand sanitizer will be available for use at DCC information booths. Additional information about COVID-19 safety can be found here.

Details, maps, contest rules and the full program are posted online at DelmarvaEvents.net. You can follow and like the event on Facebook and Instagram @DoverComicCon.