A trio pose for a photo dresses as characters from the game “Umamusume: Pretty Derby.”

Nursing senior Elva Kith, left, informational technology junior Sami Cheney, middle, and data analysis sophomore Haruka Zambeck take a photo together at Maverick Con on March 1 at the University Center. They were all characters from the game “Umamusume: Pretty Derby.”

Photo by Quinton Knight

Maverick Con brought various activities, vendors and panels for attendees to enjoy Sunday at the University Center’s Palo Duro Lounge.

The event brought together students, locals and small business vendors for a day of themed activities and shopping. Many attendees wore cosplay inspired by characters from anime, manga and other outlets during the pop culture centered event.

Throughout the day, student organizations such as the Anime Club, the Japanese Culture Society and the Lavender Alliance also hosted activities.

More than 75 small businesses set up vendor tables across the UC, selling handmade crafts, prints, stickers, crochet figures and other merchandise. Attendees browsed vendor tables, interacted with creators and supported independent artists from across Dallas-Fort Worth.

Maverick Con also featured dance performances and a cosplay competition. The event created a space for students and locals to express their interests and connect with others who share similar hobbies.

Mechanical engineering junior Ariel De Leon, left, tries on part of Kennedale, Texas, resident Sofia’s cosplay during Maverick Con on March 1 at the Palo Duro lounge.

Mechanical engineering junior Ariel De Leon, left, tries on part of Kennedale, Texas, resident Sofia’s cosplay during Maverick Con on March 1 at the Palo Duro lounge. UTA alumna Sofia cosplayed as Zooble from the animated web series “The Amazing Digital Circus.”

Photo by Lucia Campos

A student dressed as Chainsaw Man crosses the stage while cosplaying.

Mechanical engineering sophomore Angel Pedraza walks across the stage during the cosplaying competition at Maverick Con on March 1 in the University Center. Pedraza cosplayed as a manga character named the Chainsaw Man.

Photo by Quinton Knight

Mechanical engineering sophomores Angel, left, Yoselin, middle and Joseph Reeves, real estate and finance senior, converse during Maverick Con on March 1 at the Palo Duro lounge.

Mechanical engineering sophomores Angel, left, Yoselin, middle and Joseph Reeves, real estate and finance senior, converse during Maverick Con on March 1 at the Palo Duro lounge. The group’s costumes were based on “Chainsaw Man,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” and an original character.

Photo by Lucia Campos

Marketing freshman Miriam Kim, left, and Polina Shagaeva,  Korean and Russian language freshman, dance during Maverick Con outside of the University Center.

Marketing freshman Miriam Kim, left, and Polina Shagaeva, Korean and Russian language freshman, dance during Maverick Con outside of the University Center. The event featured food trucks, voice actor panels and a cosplay competition.

Photo by Lucia Campos

A student dressed as Doctor Octopus from "Spider-Man 2" poses.

Mechanical engineering senior Tannar Nunn cosplaying during Maverick Con on March 1 at the University Center. Nunn was Doctor Octopus from “Spider-Man 2.”

Photo by Quinton Knight

Arlington residents Mili and Maria show shoppers their products during Maverick Con on March 1 at the Palo Duro lounge.

Arlington residents Mili and Maria show shoppers their products during Maverick Con on March 1 at the Palo Duro lounge. Their shop, Stitch 4 Love 4 Ever, offers crocheted flowers and amigurumi crafts.

Photo by Lucia Campos

The Vendor of MC Yings Crafts speaks with a shopper during Maverick Con at the Palo Duro lounge.

The Vendor of MC Yings Crafts speaks with a shopper during Maverick Con at the Palo Duro lounge. UTA’s Maverick Con hosted more than 75 small businesses.

Photo by Lucia Campos

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