Welcome to CorbinCon
Started in 2021 as the Southeastern Kentucky Card and Toy Expo — a simple idea that locals deserved a convention of their own. Nine events later, it's still free, still family-friendly, and still growing.
How It Started
“Corbin needs more stuff to do on the weekends.”
That one sentence, spoken inside our store — cleverly named “The Toy Shop” — started it all. Someone suggested a toy convention, and the idea snowballed. The Southeastern Kentucky Diecast & Toy Expo held its first show on September 5th, 2021, right at the tail-end of Covid. People showed up in full cosplay, the sense of community was electric, and by the end of the day folks were already asking, “When is the next one?”
How It Grew
Over the next two years, the show kept getting bigger. We added cosplay contests with phenomenal entries — there's nothing like hometown pride when people debut costumes they've worked on for months at your show. Vendors started bringing in pop culture collectibles, comic books, manga, anime, original artwork, and handmade crafts. We realized we'd outgrown our name.
In May 2023, we became Corbin Con — a convention for everybody, with a little of this and that.
We always try to include charities at every show, from St. Jude's Children's Hospital to the Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter. Giving back to our community means a great deal to us — not for bragging rights, but because we simply care.
The Show That Changed Everything
On May 17th, 2025, a massive EF-4 tornado devastated Somerset and London the night before our show. We weren't sure anyone would come. Setup was quieter than usual. But when the doors opened, people kept coming. And coming.
Fifteen hundred people walked through our doors that day.
Our biggest turnout ever. After a night of fear and loss, people needed community more than ever, and Corbin Con was there. From that day on, we knew this was more than a convention — it's a pillar of community in the Tri-County area where everyone feels loved, accepted, and welcome.
Always Free
Corbin Con has always been — and always will be — free admission. No gatekeeping. We want everyone to come in and have fun without worrying about an entry fee.
The Person Behind It
I'm just a hometown country girl, born and raised in Corbin — a 2004 Corbin High School graduate, devoted wife, cat mom, self-published author, gospel singer, and full-time “eventress.” I also host the Corbin Card Show and the Corbin Creators Fair. If it isn't obvious, I really love Corbin.
Bringing Corbin Con to life every time is a labor of love, and I'm grateful for each and every person who has made it what it is today. Hopefully, you'll make some memories with us too.