Step into a world of imagination, fandom, and fun at Otakon 2026 — one of the East Coast’s largest celebrations of Asian pop culture!
From Jul 31-Aug 2, 2026, fans of anime, manga, video games, music, fashion, and more are invited to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for a full weekend of unforgettable experiences. With something for every age and interest, this 3-day event blends fandom and culture like no other!
Highlights Include:
- Ota-chan: A kid-friendly programming track packed with crafts, project tables, anime movies, and fun designed just for younger attendees.
- Manga Library: A relaxed reading space stocked with manga, manhwa, and manhua — plus language activities and a brand-new in-library radio experience, Radio HonHon!
- Idolspace at Otakon: A dedicated stage for cosplay idols, anisong performers, and indie idol groups bringing live music and fan interaction all weekend.
- Lyra’s Formal Ball: Friday evening’s formal event for all ages, featuring cosplay, dancing, and live music — dress to impress!
- Club Ota: An electrifying dance night featuring hardstyle, Jersey Club, and everything electronic for an unforgettable experience.
- Odottemita Showcase: New for 2026 — a celebration of the global dance cover community, featuring choreography to Vocaloid, anime, and J-pop songs.
- The Otakon Dollhouse: A one-of-a-kind space where dolls of all shapes and sizes are welcome, featuring swap meets, doll meets, photography dioramas, and Otakon’s first-ever ABJD Museum.
- Hanbok Exhibit: Hosted by the Korea Hanbok Promotion Institute and KOMACON, this exhibit explores the history and cultural significance of Korean hanbok — with the chance to try one on!
- Makerspace: A hands-on creative space where attendees of all ages can build themed crafts, join Expert Hour sessions, and participate in weekend-long featured projects at their own pace.
- Cosplay Rescue: Got a cosplay mishap? Stop by for free repairs from the Cosplay Rescue staff — they’ve got you covered all weekend long.
Competitions & Cosplay:
- Anime Music Video (AMV) Contest: Fan-created anime music videos go head-to-head for top honors in this beloved annual competition.
- Masquerade: A major cosplay stage show featuring skits, dance routines, and costume awards for competitors of all skill levels.
- Hall Costume Contest: A craftsmanship-focused contest for youth and adults, judged throughout the convention center all weekend.
- K-Pop Showtime Competition: A high-energy showcase of K-pop dance routines and performances open to all skill levels.
- Cosplay Coordination: Organized group photo shoots and themed meetups for cosplayers to connect and showcase their work.
Interactive Spaces & Activities:
- Mecha Kaikan: An immersive mecha hall featuring panels, video content, model building with Gundam Planet, and guided workshops for beginners and seasoned builders alike.
- LARP: The world’s largest anime LARP returns, inviting attendees to step into the shoes of their favorite anime characters for hours — or the whole weekend.
- Workshops & Panels: Interactive sessions led by fans and industry experts covering crafting, drawing, fandom, and everything in between.
- Otakon Fashion District: A style showcase celebrating cosplay fashion, street style, and the full spectrum of anime-inspired looks.
Get your badge today and join thousands of fans in celebrating the stories, styles, and sounds of Asian pop culture!
Dates:
Jul 31-Aug 2, 2026
Location:
Walter E. Washington Convention Center ∙ Washington, DC
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
