Geek Week PDX 2026: A Celebration of Nerd Culture in Portland
In 2024, a visionary in Portland set out to explore just how “nerdy” the city could be. David Raycroft, alongside friends, launched an unprecedented initiative called Geek Week PDX, coinciding with the Rose City Comic Con. This wild experiment aimed to celebrate and gauge the region’s pop culture vibe.
Fast forward to 2026, Geek Week PDX has transformed into a significant event, running from September 11 to 20. This year, over 100 small businesses across the Portland metro area will participate in celebrating geek culture, pushing the celebration of all things nerdy and creative even further.
Raycroft noted the impressive growth: “From 0 to 100 (and one) in three years.” The event now boasts 101 programming nights over 10 days, increased from 70 last year, along with 10 Adventure Hubs hosting multiple activities. With around 20,000 participants last year, projections for this year anticipate a rise to 25,000-30,000 attendees, capturing only a fraction of the 300,000 geeks in the area.
Geek Week PDX is a city-wide festival featuring activities focused on games, comics, anime, cosplay, tech, and more. Participation is open and inclusive, welcoming businesses, artists, and organizations of all sizes.
Key Events to Watch
- The Geeking Hour (Sept 10, 4-7 p.m.): A community happy hour at Hey Love, recognizing sponsors and supporters.
- Sneaky Sasquatch PDX: A GWPDX Art Hunt (Sept. 11 – 20): A city-wide art hunt featuring over 25 artists creating mixed-media installations inspired by Portland’s cryptid.
- Citywide Fantasy Fest (Sept 13, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.): The official kickoff at Director Park featuring vendors, entertainment, and special guests, including dancers from the Oregon Ballet Theatre.
- Warrior Princess Bash (Sept 19, 7-10 p.m.): A charity event inspired by female icons in fandom, benefiting Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
Portland’s Geek Credentials
- 300,000 self-identified geeks reside in the region.
- Top rankings in comic shops, gaming stores, record shops, independent theaters, and bookstores.
- 140+ businesses engage with Geek Week PDX.
- $160,000 in direct economic impact reported in 2025, with 82% of events free to the public.
For a complete list of events, visit Geek Week PDX. This festival not only unites the community but also supports local creators and celebrates fandom across its many forms, turning Portland into a vibrant playground for geeks.
