Katsucon 'Apocalypse' Celebrates 31 Years of Fandom Fun

Annual East Coast convention draws cosplayers, artists, and fans from around the world.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Katsucon, one of the largest fan conventions on the East Coast, celebrated its 31st year in February 2026 with a weekend of cosplay, panels, workshops, and community. The event in National Harbor, Maryland attracted attendees from across the United States and internationally, with many first-time visitors like Antolol expressing amazement at the sense of camaraderie and variety of activities.

Why it matters

Katsucon is a longstanding tradition that has become a hub for pop culture enthusiasts, allowing them to connect with like-minded fans, showcase their creative talents through cosplay, and immerse themselves in their favorite fandoms. The convention's growth and continued popularity underscores the enduring appeal of geek culture and the power of fan communities to bring people together.

The details

In addition to the cosplay and photo opportunities, Katsucon 2026 featured an expanded Artist Alley, allowing more creators to showcase and sell their work. Numerous panels and workshops were also available, covering a range of topics from specific fandoms to the art of costuming. Attendees, both new and returning, expressed a sense of belonging and camaraderie, with one cosplayer noting that the event felt 'a little surreal in the best way' as it allowed him to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.

  • Katsucon celebrated its 31st year in February 2026.
  • The 2027 convention is anticipated to be an even better experience.

The players

Antolol

A first-time attendee from outside the United States who was amazed by the sense of community and variety of events at Katsucon, stating that he 'cried' when he had to return home.

Will

A cosplayer who goes by the Instagram handle 'un_ccrab', who expressed that Katsucon allowed him and his friends to reconnect in a way that felt like they had 'always known each other'.

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What they’re saying

“Being in Katsucon and America for the first time, it was such an amazing experience with amazing people treating [me] so nicely. When I had to fly back home I cried.”

— Antolol

“Everything feels a little surreal in the best way at Katsu. I can make new friends and reconnect with old ones, but we all come together the same. Friends I only see at cons and from everyday life all come together, like we've always known each other. You can be a New or Old con-goer and still share the same fun of it all.”

— Will, Cosplayer (un_ccrab on Instagram)

What’s next

Attendees are eagerly awaiting the 2027 Katsucon convention, hoping for an even better experience.

The takeaway

Katsucon's continued growth and popularity over the past 31 years demonstrates the enduring appeal of fan communities and the power of events that allow people to connect over shared passions, showcase their creativity, and immerse themselves in their favorite fandoms.