Our Story

The story of Nerdville is the story of a remarkable little community in California’s Central Coast with the greatest power a hero can hope to be worthy of wielding one day: The Power of Community.

In collaboration with members of the community, the nonprofit Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services (FWPCS) answered the call to bring to life a Comic-Con to our own little Watsonville! Nerdville is a collaborative project led by volunteers who are at heart, also fellow nerds. Past highlights include paying homage to the Killer Klowns From Outer Space’s Watsonville roots, welcoming the stars of the popular Demon Slayer franchise, sci-fi concerts with the Watsonville Band, and awesome cosplay from local fans! Proceeds from this event help cover the costs associated with managing the event, as well as to provide scholarships to disadvantaged youth and families wishing to participate in programs and services from the City of Watsonville’s Parks and Community Services Department.

At Nerdville, we celebrate all the reasons why it’s fun to be a Nerd in the 831 and all are welcomed to attend as either a guest, vendor, or volunteer, but always as you are.

Finally, most Nerdville volunteers are the first generation children of immigrant parents. Our collective work is meant to honor the sacrifices and contributions farmworking parents have made in their search for a better life for their families in the Pajaro Valley, including working through earthquakes, intense heat, plagues, fires, and floods. This is why the Nerdville team is so passionate to ensure that youth and families, especially farmworker families from this community, have access to a safe space where they can be their authentic self and in community celebrate the things that make this life so inspiring. Thus, Nerdville is a free event to Pajaro Valley Unified School District students, and will always be held on a Sunday with the hope that farmworker families and youth will be able attend.

MISSION

To ensure that youth and families have access to a safe, welcoming, and inviting NERD space where they can be their authentic self while celebrating and influencing the impact of popular culture and arts in our beloved Watsonville.

VISION

Working in and as a community, we will produce an exceptional event on an annual basis to celebrate all the reasons why it’s cool to be a Nerd in our beautiful Watsonville.

Definition:NERD (not limited to geek)

Means passionate about pop culture: besides video games, board games, anime, and comics, it also includes movies, TV series, and books, specifically Marvel, DC, action, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, comedy, etc.

Community Highlights Artist

Year after year, we welcome different creatives, each adding a new layer of energy and inspiration to our celebration. It is with immense joy and pride that we recognize and celebrate the important role our Latin artists play in the visual identity, atmosphere and overall magic of Nerdville.

Paul De Worken

My name is Paul De Worken. I have been an artist since 2008. Art has always been my outlet for fun, emotions, and inspiration. I am a man of many hats, as my friends would say. Currently, I am the vice chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission for the City of Watsonville, a substitute teacher, after school art teacher, and one of the founders and organizers of our yearly Watsonville Community Mural Paint Day event.

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