Ratha Con 2026 Brings Cosplay, Retro Gaming, and Special Guests to Athens

The annual pop culture convention returns to Southeast Ohio with a lineup of fan-favorite activities and new celebrity appearances.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:00pm

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A minimalist, graphic poster design featuring black silhouettes of costumed convention attendees against a bold red background, conceptually representing the energy and diversity of activities at Ratha Con 2026.Ratha Con 2026 promises an immersive weekend of cosplay, retro gaming, and special guests for pop culture fans in Southeast Ohio.Athens Today

Ratha Con, the annual pop culture convention in Athens, Ohio, is set to return in 2026 with a lineup of fan-favorite activities and special guests. The event will feature a cosplay/costume contest for both children and adults, as well as the return of Athens Retro Games offering classic gaming systems. Vendors, demos, and card game tournaments from Deep Dive Games will also be part of the main floor festivities. Additionally, the convention will host a food drive and welcome YouTube star Melody Nosurname and local writer Caitlin Seida as the Master of Ceremonies.

Why it matters

Ratha Con has become a highly anticipated annual event in Southeast Ohio, drawing fans of gaming, cosplay, and pop culture from across the region. The convention's ability to attract YouTube celebrities and local authors speaks to its growing reputation and the demand for immersive fan experiences outside of major metro areas.

The details

In addition to the cosplay contest and retro gaming, Ratha Con 2026 will feature dozens of vendors, gaming demos, and card game tournaments from Deep Dive Games. The convention will also host a food drive and welcome YouTube personality Melody Nosurname and local writer Caitlin Seida, who will serve as the event's Master of Ceremonies and read from her new book 'Hope Is Not a Bird, Emily. It's a Sewer Rat.' Steampunk brewery Horatio Hops and author Janette Quackenbush will also be in attendance.

  • Ratha Con 2026 will take place on April 18-20, 2026 in Athens, Ohio.

The players

Melody Nosurname

A popular YouTube personality making a rare in-person appearance at Ratha Con 2026.

Caitlin Seida

A local writer who will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for Ratha Con 2026 and give a reading from her new book 'Hope Is Not a Bird, Emily. It's a Sewer Rat.'

Horatio Hops

The owner of the steampunk-themed Horatio Hops brewery, who will be present at Ratha Con 2026.

Janette Quackenbush

The author of 'Haunted Hocking Hills' and other spooky offerings, who will be attending Ratha Con 2026 alongside her husband Horatio Hops.

Athens Retro Games

A vendor returning to Ratha Con 2026 to offer classic gaming systems for attendees.

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The takeaway

Ratha Con continues to grow as a must-attend event for pop culture fans in Southeast Ohio, offering a diverse lineup of activities, vendors, and special guests that cater to a wide range of interests within the community.