BLERDFEST, the Gulf Coast’s First & Only Black Nerd Festival, returns to McDonogh 35 High School (4000 Roneagle Way in Gentilly) for its fifth annual event on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.as part of their ALL-BLERD WEEKEND.

The Gulf Coast’s first and only Black Nerd Festival returns for its fifth annual fest and is about representation, education, and inclusion. BLERDFEST is an all-ages event for anyone with an interest in Black Nerd (or “Blerd”) culture, including anime, comics, cosplay, gaming, horror, manga, sci-fi, tech, video games, and much more! According to the organizers “We are to many Cons what PBS is to Home Shopping Network,” and “Nerd culture often overlooks the Black experience. We Blerds are trying to change that. It is for us, by us, about us – but all who embrace that mission are welcome to attend. ”

The organizers have combined decades of experience in education, gaming, law, tech, visual and performing arts and public art programming, and have received numerous commissions, awards, and commendations for their work in the arts, including Oscar-winning Hannah Beachler (Production Design, Black Panther, 2018), who is acting as Creative Consultant.

BLERDFEST’s 2026 theme is Once Upon A Resistance. Activities include celebrity guests; panels; video gaming tournaments; table gaming tournaments; cosplay demos and contests; workshops (cosplay, drawing, writing, tech, etc.); a Kids’ Corner; free retro arcade, vendors, live music and entertainment, food trucks and more!

10% of proceeds will benefit New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter and Women With A Vision.

All-Day Passes are $30 in advance for Adults (18+), $20 for Youth (6-17), FREE for Kids (5 & Under with paid Adult); all prices +$5 at door, and are available now here.