I’ve been attending conventions for nearly a decade at this point, and I’ve attended just about every anime con in the great state of Texas. I know for people new to anime cons it can be quite daunting to try to decide which cons to hit so I’ve put together this guide to help out! Below you will find all of the major Texas anime cons with information about their size, time of year, location and some helpful insights. I hope it will help you plan your convention season!
Ikkicon
ikkicon.com
When: Winter, late December/Early January
Where: Austin, TX
Size: Large (Over 5000)
What Makes This Con Unique: Ikkicon’s timing in winter makes it a great end/beginning of your yearly con schedule. This time period is not saturated with other conventions so if you are looking to satisfy your con itch before con season kicks off it’s great. Ikkicon is also located in one of Texas’ most unique cities and it’s current downtown location puts you perfectly in the heart of Austin to explore the city.
Insider Tip: If you are cosplaying make sure you hit up one of Ikkicon’s official photographers! Ikkicon offers several photographers who will shoot your amazing cosplay on a white or black backdrop totally for free.
Ushicon
ushicon.com
When: February
Where: Round Rock, TX
Size: Small (Under 1000)
What Makes This Con Unique: Ushicon was the first convention I ever attended back in 2004. I have not had a chance to return since their hiatus. Ushicon has returned offering a con that is 18+ and catering to older fans. The convention describes itself as:
“Ushicon returns to help mature anime fans relax and remember what it was like to be a fan. It is a con for anime fans to have fun and socialize with other grown-ups.”
Insider Tip: This con is all about socializing with a small community. If you are looking for a con that feels like the scene did back in the early 2000s check it out.
Anime Matsuri
animematsuri.com
When: Early Spring, usually on Easter Weekend
Where: Houston, TX
Size: Extra Large (Over 10,000)
What Makes This Con Unique: Anime Matsuri focuses on bringing you not just Anime, but other aspects of Japanese culture. Anime Matsuri boasts one of the largest Lolita Fashion Shows in the US, Japanese Bands and a car show. It also has a large arcade. In addition to unique guests Anime Matsuri also puts a huge emphasis on cosplay offering cosplayers several contests to participate in over the weekend. This con is also great if you just want to see amazing costumes, people usually bring some pretty impressive things to show off at Anime Matsuri.
Insider Tip: If you are at all interested in Lolita Fashion this convention is can’t miss! Anime Matsuri has been bringing japanese brands to the US since 2012. They host a huge fashion show, Q&As and Tea Parties.
A-Kon
a-kon.com
When: Early Summer, usually the first week in June
Where: Dallas, TX
Size: Extra Large (Over 10,000)
What Makes This Con Unique: A-kon is the USA’s longest running anime convention as well as one of the largest anime conventions in the country. It once consistently held the #3 spot and despite loosing traction to some newer cons A-kon still remains in the top 10. It is definitely the largest Anime Con in the state of Texas. If bigger is better to you then A-kon is the convention to hit!
Insider Tip: If it’s at all possible for you, pre-register and pick your badge up on Thursday night. While registration lines at most cons can be very long A-kon is exceptionally bad with over 20,000 attendees.
Anime Overload
animeoverload.net
When: Summer
Where: Austin, TX
Size: Medium (Under 5000)
What Makes This Con Unique: Anime Overload started it’s life in a simple one room event space and has managed to grow steadily into a full fledged con. It’s time slot over the summer makes it perfect for students looking to do something fun for a weekend over their summer break. It’s medium size makes it much more manageable for those new to conventions.
Insider Tip: Get involved! As Anime Overload continues to grow it relies on attendee’s panel submissions to fill out programming. Think about running a panel, or even just attending one of the man fan run panels this con has to offer.
Omnicon
omnicononline.com
When: Summer
Where: McAllen, TX
Size: Large (over 5,000)
Unfortunately Omnicon is one of the few conventions I have not had a chance to attend.I do know that Omnicon tries very hard to bring big name guests out to the fans in the area so if you are anywhere close to McAllen you should should check it out!
San Japan
www.sanjapan.org
When: Summer
Where: San Antonio, TX
Size: Extra Large (Over 10,000)
What Makes This Con Unique: San Japan is a big con that still heavily focuses on fans. San Japan often has unique fan oriented guests like Team FourStar or other internet personalities. The convention also offers a huge variety of panels and hosts a very nice cosplay contest. this is another convention where cosplayers will bring out some big and elaborate costumes.
Insider Tip: The Convention is right next to a mall. Go check out the food court for a quick meal.
Anime Fest
www.animefest.org
When: Traditionally Labor Day weekend, 2014 marks their first year in over a decade to depart from this date
Where: Dallas, TX
Size: Medium (Under 5000)
What Makes This Con Unique: Anime Fest is a 4 day convention so you have more time to explore and enjoy the event. Because of this the atmosphere is laid back and it’s a great con to meet new people. Anime Fest also has a huge artist alley for a con of its size and puts a lot of emphasis on art. The art auction is a very popular event here.
Insider Tip: AnimeFest now makes it’s home in the same Hotel A-kon did just a few years ago. If you are familiar with the Sheraton and the old A-kon layout you might need some time adjusting. That being said, Anime Fest makes great use of all of the space and really settled in nicely.
Onicon
www.oni-con.net
When: October
Where: Galveston, TX
Size: Medium (Under 5000)
What Makes This Con Unique: Onicon once made Houston it’s home but moved out to Galveston a few years ago. The Galveston convention center is a now great home for this medium sized convention. Onicon focuses on a “by fans for fans” mentality and concerns itself with making sure the people that attend have a fun atmosphere.
Insider Tip: This con is literally on the beach, so if you have any costumes that could use a waterfront photoshoot bring them!
Anime North Texas (ANT)
animenorthtexas.com
When: November
Where: Fort Worth, TX
Size: Medium (Under 5000)
What Makes This Con Unique: ANT is the first Anime con to call Fort Worth it’s home. A baby convention, having just started in 2013, this event is still growing and adapting to the city of Fort Worth. This is also the DFW area’s only off season anime convention, as the other two major cons in the area are both solidly in Summer. If you are looking for a new con that you can really get involved in check out ANT.
Insider Tip: Join the Community! ANT is still growing and it relies on the feedback of attendees to shape the experience. Join their facebook and keep up with all of the questions they ask.
Photo credit: Asmaria