Geek culture celebrated at Darwin’s Geektacular event, 2024

Young Territorians filled a Top End library with creativity and imagination thanks to a long-running event to celebrate geek culture. See the photos.

Dixion, Read and Sturdy Ghost Busters at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A celebration of creativity and imagination took over a Top End library as cosplayers, gamers, and artists united for Geektacular 2024.

Geektacular lead producer Kezia Dilettoso said diverse events celebrating geek culture created a space of belonging for both herself and her community to connect.

Kezia Dilettoso at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“As a kid, the idea of being a geek was so different, and you were the outcasts, you were weird,” she said.

“But now, the people who used to say those things to me are like, ‘I just watched this anime’, and I’m so happy for them, because you’ve realised this is such a cool thing, and the community is so amazing.”

The day’s activities included a cosplay competition, board games arena, Dungeons and Dragons, the Stepping Stones art exhibition, gaming competitions, and a lo-fi lounge wrapped into one bustling minimarket.

Elorah Ryan and Sarah Whiley at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cosplay competition judge Elorah Ryan – dressed as The Princess Bride’s Princess Buttercup – said events like Geektacular allowed like-minded Territorians to gather and show-off their creative skills.

Ms Ryan said she was looking forward to this year’s display of fashion and several cosplayers had caught her eye already.

“I was the winner of the cosplay competition last year,” she said.

Caleb Schatz, Amber Shepherd, Bethany O’Shea, Ifa Shiddiq and Jarrah Watson at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The colourful afternoon also saw Casuarina Library’s new mural formally unveiled.

Emerging Larrakia artist and 2024 Youth Ambassador Amber-Jade Shepherd said it was an honour to have been involved in the project.

“I ended up (painting) a crocodile, some geese, pandanus, and a barramundi, and it’s what symbolises me here in Darwin,” Ms Shepherd said.

“My totem is the saltwater crocodile, it was magpie goose season when (the project) started – the season is now finished – and barramundi are moving up and down the rivers at the moment.”

City of Darwin acting chief executive Matt Grassmayr said Geektacular was a perfect example of how the NT’s young people bring the Top End’s creative culture to life.

“It is a youth-led event that celebrates imagination and community engagement and we are confident it will provide a memorable experience for attendees of all ages,” he said.

Zen-Joker persona 5, Kira-Makoto Persona 5, Grace-Goro Akechi at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Michael Van Berkel at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jester Ryan, Toby Allen and Isabella Townsend at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Georgia Luck and Ruby May Thorne at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jester Ryan, Storm Ratahi, Nevan Cullen and Nicole Craven at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Caitlin Murphy and Isabella Pena at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Aria Oltay-Stock at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Sarah Whiley and Wil Gow at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Aria Nayler and Jenae Haupt at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Knights at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Max Cabahug and Roe Kern at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Seth Carter and Phoenix Carter at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Tayloraye Bailey, Shanae Kuo, Justin Nerosa, Samuel Joestingmeier and Benedikt Joestingmeier at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Maxxie arts at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ella Denniss and Samantha Oldroyd at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Izabelle Luders at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Memphis Fowler, Shana Mcloughlin, Osheen Baker and Toni Singer at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jessica Salazar and Matheo Moore at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dixion, Read and Sturdy Ghost Busters at the City of Darwin Geektacular event, 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin