Happy New Year, everyone!
After two years of virtual events and shaky, but successful returns for most cons in 2022, the convention scene looks to be roaring back in 2023. That includes new cons starting up as well. Here are 10 of them launching in the U.S. We’ve got a few anime conventions, a new Comic Con, a video game convention run by an indie development studio, and a multi-fandom con with a clever and catchy name.
Check these out and help them find their place in the fandomsphere!
1. Anime Town Greenville (January 28-29, 2023)
Anime Town Greenville 2023 will be the biggest anime convention to ever come to Greenville, South Carolina! Joining us in Greenville will be amazing voice actors from shows like Naruto, My Hero Academia, One Piece, Pokemon, Soul Eater and Full Metal Alchemist.
Where: Greenville Convention Center, Greenville, SC
Website: www.animetowngreenville.com
2. Tezal-Con (February 4-5, 2023)
Tezal-Con is a video game convention hosted by TezalCo Studios, a game development studio out of Alabama. In 2021, we set out on a mission to bring the world of gaming to the Wiregrass. Ever since then, we’ve been working on building ourselves up until the day that we could host a convention, born in our image. Now we have the honor to present you with Tezal-Con!
Where: Daleville Cultural and Convention Center, Daleville, AL
Website: www.tezalcon.net
3. Ret-Con (February 24-26, 2023)
Research Triangle Speculative Fiction and Fandom Convention, Inc presents the first annual Ret-Con — a convention for all things literary, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and more. Our mission is to create a place for individuals and communities to gather to learn, explore new things, and most importantly, share the stories and fandoms that they love. We aim to provide this experience to both those new to literary conventions and the seasoned vets of the con scene like ourselves.
Where: Embassy Suites Cary, Cary, NC
Website: www.ret-con.org
4. Nerdi Gras (March 10-12, 2023)
Nerdi Gras is a celebration of all things geek. It’s three days of music, entertainment, video games, board games, and cosplay designed to evoke a Carnivale of color, sound, and energy. It’s a place where all are welcome to join in a community of friends who play together, are creative together, and share a desire to be a part of a true Nerd Bacchanalia.
Where: Atlanta Marriott Northeast at Century Center, Atlanta, GA
Website: nerdigras.org
5. Isekai Anime Con (March 24-26, 2023)
Isekai Anime Con is a welcoming convention run by local nerds focused on giving anime fans of all backgrounds three days of panels, guest appearances, cosplay, games, events, dealers, screenings, and much more. We’re a group of passionate anime fans loving what we do. Our vision is to create opportunities for anime fans like ourselves to escape from their daily stresses and be isekai’d to a safe space to make friends with other anime fans in our community for an out of this world experience. We’re optimistic for a future where the cosplay community will be more united than ever and look out for each other.
Where: 801 Convention & Event Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Website: isekaianimecon.com
6. Quantum-Con (May 19–21, 2023)
We are excited to bring you a brand-new convention in 2023. We are focusing on a fan event that includes programming and events for paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy, and a dash of anime.
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth, MN
Website: quantum-con.org
7. Contropolis Massachusetts (June 16-18, 2023)
Coming June 16-18, 2023, a new pop culture phenomenon by Altered Reality Entertainment.
Where: Royal Plaza Trade Center, Marlborough, MA
Website: www.contropolisma.com
8. Rhode Island Anime Con (July 29-30, 2023)
The biggest anime show in the smallest state arrives!
Where: Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI
Website: www.rianimecon.com
9. Miryokucon (September 29 – October 1, 2023)
Miryokucon is Baltimore’s newest anime/video games/Japanese pop culture event, debuting at the Baltimore Inner Harbor from September 29 through October 1, 2023! We are proudly focused on highlighting Metro Baltimore area artists, cosplayers and creators, along with helping to build the anime community throughout the Metro area. Come be a part of the fun!
Where: Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
Website: www.miryokucon.com
10. Tri City Comic Con (November 4-5, 2023)
Where: Polk County Commerce Center, Livingston, TX
Website: www.myticketing.pro/event/tricitycomiccon
Source: FanCons.com
