There are lots of reasons to travel to New Orleans. The most popular attractions are the music, the history, the food, the spirit — and now the Blerds. Black Nerds, or Blerds as they’re called, are the focus of Blerdfest 2026. The one-day event will be held this year on June 6 and it’s not to be missed.
The event is a cavalcade of lectures and workshops, live musical performances, film screenings, video gaming, table gaming, an anime car show, a free retro arcade, a kids’ corner, a quiet room, and loads of fun. It is a celebration of all we are, and all we can be. All ages are welcome and there is a wide range of activities for people of all ages.
Blerdfest producer True filled me in on the inclusive scope of this amazing event. He said Blerdfest is for “anyone that is interested in anything nerdy, or geeky, whether that’s cosplay, or science fiction, or books, or video gaming, and really it goes beyond that …. Most organizations that cater to nerds define a nerd as someone with a particular interest in a specific sub-genre of trading cards, or comic books, or ‘Lord of the Rings,’ or whatever it is. Black Nerds love all those things, too, but because the Black community has more needs than that, we expand that definition so that someone who has zero interest in superheros, or science fiction or any of that, could still be a part of the event if they were an archeology nerd, an architect nerd, an opera nerd — any sort of academic pursuit that had nothing to do with any sort of the fictional worlds that people follow. As long as you are nerdy about something, we make space for you.”
When asked about the event’s focus, True replied, “We focus our content on Black stories and Black storytellers, [but] that’s not to say that no one else is welcome … Anyone is welcome as long as they know the focus of the event is the Black experience.”
The large vending area features a wide selection of melanated merchants displaying their wares. Many unique and handmade items are available from both local artisans and those who have traveled far and wide to showcase their merchandise here. Local nonprofit organizations and even the local library also have tables, and the atmosphere is definitely one that feels like family. Blerdfest legacy volunteer Sister May commented, “My favorite thing about Blerdfest is that it brings consumers and creators together, in person, allowing us to share knowledge and become inspired while also having fun.”
Some of the best parts of the event are the panel discussions. In the past, I was fortunate enough to participate on the writing panel, where fellow authors, from young adult to comic books, to nonfiction — the full range of genres — were represented. We had a chance to speak to aspiring writers about what counts, such as best practices for breaking into the industry, marketing, contracts, agents, myths, misconceptions, and more.
The event typically also features panels about music, art, and additional topics. All of this helps to connect different members of the community in new and meaningful ways. Last year, the most popular panel, hands down, was made up of Blerds who had worked on the hit film “Sinners.” Fans packed the audience and heard the real stories of professionals connected to this epic film.
The full schedule for this year is still being finetuned, but the lineup promises to be both exciting and informative in every way.
Another highlight of Blerdfest has been the musical performances. All varieties and types of music are featured, showcasing some of the best musicians in New Orleans. One of these is Teena May, the Happy Black Songstress, who commented that she likes the event because “it fosters Black joy and Black play!” Her music is a refreshing blend of country, Americana, folk, and neo soul, and is always delightful.
Some attendees would probably say that the most exciting part of the event is the cosplay, especially the Cosplay Throwdown. Like at most cons, a large portion of the attendees here dress as their favorite characters from anime, comics, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and more. The Throwdown is where Blerdfest attendees register their cosplay creations and take the stage at the end of the day to compete for prizes. The younger ones are absolutely adorable and also very serious as they strike their best superhero poses, while the older Blerds dazzle and impress with their intricate creations that look like they belong on an Afro-futuristic fashion runway. “Blerdfest isn’t a constant cash grab like other cons,” said Maya Mastersson, chef and Blerdfest cosplay judge. “Sure, there are vendors, but that’s not the focus. The focus is community and that’s what makes Blerdfest special.”
This unique and special event is a yearly highlight for the local Black community and those who support them to gather and enjoy themselves.
The theme of this year’s event is “Once upon a Resistance.” It will take place on June 6, 2026, at McDonogh 35 High School (4000 Cadillac Street, New Orleans) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fun, however, doesn’t stop there — a number of related events happen throughout the entire weekend. Last year, those included an after-party, picnic, and other fun stuff.
Get ready, Blerds, Blerdfest 2026 is coming! For more info and for tickets, visit linktr.ee/BLERDFESTNOLA.