Otakon
Hosted by Otakon
Long Description Otakon is a long-running anime convention in Washington, DC, bringing fans together for a full weekend of anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, music, panels, guests, vendors, Artist Alley, concerts, AMVs, and fan events. Held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Otakon stands out because it still feels like a true fan convention. It’s one of the longest-running anime cons in the country, with deep roots in anime, manga, cosplay, music, gaming, and Japanese pop culture. You can meet guests, shop artists and vendors, take cosplay photos, catch panels, watch performances, and spend the weekend around people who genuinely love anime. And if you’re into anime tattoos, Otakon is a great place to show them off. This is the kind of crowd that notices the details, from character symbols to full anime sleeves.
Otakon 🔥
Otakon is bringing anime fans back to Washington, DC, and this is one of those conventions that still feels like it was made by fans, for fans 👀
This isn’t just a quick pop culture stop. Otakon has that classic anime convention feel with anime, manga, cosplay, music, gaming, panels, guests, vendors, Artist Alley, concerts, and fan-run programming all packed into one weekend.
Otakon stands out because it still feels like a true fan convention. It’s one of the longest-running anime cons in the country, with deep roots in anime, manga, cosplay, music, gaming, and Japanese pop culture.
You can spend the day meeting voice actors, shopping Artist Alley, watching AMVs, catching panels, taking cosplay photos, finding merch, or just walking around with people who are as deep into anime as you are.
And if you’re into anime tattoos, Otakon is a great place to show them off. The crowd is full of fans who recognize the little details, whether it’s a symbol, a character, a panel, or a scene most people would miss.
What Is Otakon?
Otakon is a long-running anime convention held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.
The event celebrates Asian pop culture, anime, manga, music, video games, cosplay, art, and fandom. It brings together fans, artists, creators, voice actors, musicians, vendors, and guests for a full weekend of programming and community.
What makes Otakon special is the fan energy. It feels a little less like a giant corporate event and more like a convention built by people who actually grew up loving this stuff.
That’s why fans keep coming back.
Why Come Through? ✨
Anime, manga, gaming, music, cosplay, and Asian pop culture all in one place
Panels, guests, vendors, Artist Alley, concerts, AMVs, and fan events
One of the longest-running anime conventions in the country
A true fan convention with deep roots in anime, manga, cosplay, music, gaming, and Japanese pop culture
A perfect place to show off your anime tattoos
Strong East Coast anime community energy
A weekend full of cosplay, merch, panels, and fans who actually get it 😭
Event Details
Dates: July 31 to August 2, 2026
Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC
Address: 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
Why you should come: Anime. Manga. Cosplay. Music. Gaming. Artist Alley. Fan energy.
Ticket Info 🎟️
Otakon registration is open for 2026, with full weekend and single-day badges available.
Full Weekend Badge: $90 through May 21, $100 through July 30, $110 at the door
Friday Badge: $70
Saturday Badge: $80
Sunday Badge: $45
Youth Weekend Badge, ages 9 to 12: $55
Children 8 and under: Free
Prices and availability may change, so check the official Otakon registration page before grabbing your badge.
