2023 has been a vibrant year for cosplay enthusiasts across the United States, with a plethora of events catering to fans of various genres and themes. Let’s dive into some of the most notable cosplay events of the year!
San Diego Comic-Con International: This is arguably the most famous pop culture convention globally, held annually in San Diego, California. It’s a massive gathering that attracts over 100,000 attendees each year. Cosplayers get to show off elaborate costumes ranging from Marvel and DC superheroes to intricate anime and manga characters. The event is a melting pot of comic books, movies, TV shows, and more, with cosplay being a significant part of the excitement. https://www.comic-con.org/cc/
New York Comic Con: Similar in scale to the San Diego Comic-Con, this convention takes place in New York City. It’s a hotspot for cosplayers who spend months creating their costumes. NYCC also features a cosplay contest, providing a competitive platform for cosplayers to gain recognition for their creative efforts. https://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en-us.html
Anime Expo: Held in Los Angeles, California, Anime Expo is North America’s largest anime convention. It’s a paradise for fans of anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture, with cosplayers frequently showcasing characters from this genre. https://www.anime-expo.org/
Dragon Con: Taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, Dragon Con is a five-day event celebrated during Labor Day Weekend. It’s known for its vibrant party atmosphere and a diverse array of activities focusing on science fiction, fantasy, and pop culture. Dragon Con also features an annual outdoor parade through downtown Atlanta, adding to its unique charm. https://www.dragoncon.org/
Holiday Matsuri: Held in Orlando, Florida, Holiday Matsuri is renowned for its festive vibe, complete with Christmas trees and holiday-themed cosplays. It offers a relaxing atmosphere combined with solid programming, including the Idolfest show where cosplay idol groups compete. https://holidaymatsuri.com/
Apart from these giants, there are numerous other conventions that contribute to the rich tapestry of cosplay culture in the U.S.:
- Cosplay America: The first East Coast convention dedicated to cosplay, this event offers a variety of workshops and panels, such as cosplay footwear focusing on comfort, stitchcraft, scalemail and chainmail, and faux bone painting. https://www.cosplayamerica.com/
- Cosplay Expo: Taking place at the Alexis Park Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, this event offers a blend of exhibitions, contests, and panels for cosplayers to enjoy and learn from. https://www.cosplayexpo.com/
Smaller events like Cardboard*Con in Atlanta, Cosplacon in Jefferson City, and Enchantment Con in St. Augustine offer more intimate experiences where you can connect with local cosplayers and find people with similar interests.
The timing of these conventions varies, with a significant number occurring in the summer to take advantage of school vacations and warmer weather. This allows for outdoor activities and photo shoots, enhancing the cosplay experience. Spring and fall also see their fair share of events, offering moderate weather conditions for showcasing elaborate costumes.
Whether you’re an experienced cosplayer or just starting, there’s a convention out there that fits your interests. From the major spectacles at Comic-Con and Anime Expo to the more niche gatherings, these events not only showcase the creativity and talent of cosplayers but also foster a sense of community among those who share a passion for this unique art form.